Ebonyi State Governor Martin Elechi has condemned the style of preaching by some churches which inconvenience the people, especially in the early morning hours.

Speaking when he paid an appreciation visit to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ebonyi chapter in Abakaliki on Wednesday, Elechi said preaching was an acceptable practice in Christendom but that it should not be used to disturb the people the message was meant for.

He said the people needed rest in the early morning period to prepare for the activities of the new day, so any disturbance then would defeat the objectives of the preaching.

The governor noted that in more advanced societies, there were areas mapped out for churches which resulted in the proper propagation of the teachings of Jesus Christ.

“A situation where residential houses are now turned into churches is wrong and should be stopped in order to protect the rights of the citizens,” he said.

He also noted that the government’s sponsorship of both Christian and Muslim pilgrimages was a fundamental breach of the nation’s constitution.

“Sponsorship of such programmes amounts to the use of public funds to satisfy a minority section of the populace.

“The majority of our people are pagans, so we the Christians and Muslims are using our educational status to satisfy our own interest.

Receiving the governor, Rev. Emmanuel Nshii, the CAN Chairman in Ebonyi, thanked him for the visit and urged him to continue to deliver democracy dividends to the people.

“Appreciation is a virtue Christians should imbibe in their daily living as it promotes harmony in the society and makes it a better place,” Nshii said.

He urged leaders in the country to lead with the fear of God as they would account for their stewardship before God.

“The present challenges confronting the country would be overcome if the people look toward God in truth and holiness and tow the path of righteousness,” he said.

Goodwill messages were delivered by relevant stakeholders while prayers were offered for the governor and the peace and unity of the state and the country. (NAN)