Ex-Catholic Priest, Rev. Patrick Edet weds wife, Inyene *Says, it’s beginning of my new life

Ex-Catholic Priest, Rev. Patrick Edet weds wife, Inyene

*Says, it’s beginning of my new life

*Maj. Isidore Edet, family members shun wedding

BY KENNETH JUDE

Former popular Uyo Diocese Catholic Priest, Rev. Patrick Edet, Saturday wedded his wife, Inyene about six months after resigning as a priest.

The cleric who resigned from his priestly duties in August last year described the wedding as “the beginning of my new life”. He added that:  “Life is one. If you want to live it, live it to the full.”

The marriage which took place at Ibom Hall was attended by several pastors and top government functionaries.
Governor Udom Emmanuel was represented at the wedding by the Secretary to the State  Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem.

In his remarks at the reception, the SSG who hails from the same Mbo Local Government Area as Patrick Edet, warned against judging the couple, adding that only God can judge. He described life as a long journey, noting that the greatest gift of God to humanity is the gift of freewill.
At the reception, Patrick Edet also launched his new album titled “Idara ye Mfon”.

The marriage rites was performed by Rev. Joseph who came in from Lagos State.

In his remarks, the Chairman on the occasion, Sir. Edet Amanam, described the marriage as “wedding of the millennium.” He went down memory lane, saying that he adopted Patrick Edet as his son when he listened to the latter’s music.

Patrick’s elder brother, Maj. Gen. Isidore Edet was absent at both the traditional and church weddings. This, it was learnt, is unconnected to their frosty relationship since Rev. Edet decided to quit priesthood.

It was gathered that since Rev. Patrick Edet told his brother of his intention to leave the Church, their once rosy relationship was ruptured. Informed sources hinted our reporter that Gen. Isidore Edet has since severed ties with his brother with news having it that they rarely talk on phone nor see. Though, his wife was present at the wedding on Saturday, it was gathered that she came in order not to be seen as holding any grudge against her in-law just like her husband.

It was also discovered that most family members of the ex-priest were conspicuously absent from all the ceremonies. This, it was gathered, is due to their not consenting to the marriage.

Sources informed our reporter that it was clear that Patrick Edet did not get the full backing of his family members to go ahead with the wedding hence their refusal to attend the ceremonies. Another source who spoke in confidence, noted that even Oro Nation did not support him. His words: “this is not an Oro  marriage o. This is traditional marriage and he’s not wearing any Oro attire. Look around and you’ll know that he is all alone in this venture.”

Others who graced the traditional marriage also expressed the same feeling. Some who spoke with THE INK, noted that the TM was lacking the colour of a true Oro marriage.
They maintained that the mode of dressing of the groom did not represent his tribe.

In a short sermon at the wedding, Dr. Silvanus Ukafia of Insight Bible Church urged the couple to imbibe the spirit of tolerance. He stressed that all marriages have their peculiar challenges. Drawing his text from Ephesians 5:20, the soft-spoken cleric called for submissiveness on the part of Inyene while urging Patrick to love his wife as Christ directs.

Dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Akwa Ibom State, Obong Paul Ekpo; Senator Effiong Bob; former Minister of Lands and Housing, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi; Eseme Enyibo; prince Enobong Uwah; Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Barr. Onofiok Luke; Mr. Akan Okon, among others.

Several pastors including Dr. Gabriel Nkenang; John Linus; Bishop Isaiah Isong; Cyril Bassey; Bishop Nick Iheanacho; Pastor Anietie Ukpe; Mrs. Angela Ashong were all in attendance at the occasion.

It could he recalled that Rev. Patrick Edet had on August 2nd, 2017 announced on his live radio programme on Planet FM, Grace and Inspiration that he has resigned from priesthood and the Catholic Church. He cited ‘persecution,’ little space given him in the church to operate and other sundry issues as reason for his resignation.