Cross River Governor harps on collective effort for socioeconomic recovery

The Governor of Cross River State in southern Nigeria, Bassey Otu has reiterated the importance of collective responsibility for socioeconomic recovery.

He gave the charge at a solemn assembly held at the Calabar International Convention Centre, CICC and attended by government officials, the clergy, political class and a cross section of Christian faithful.

In his remarks, Governor Otu said,“We gather as one state, one people to pray and commit our dear state to the Almighty God. It is our collective responsibility to pray for the restoration, the recovery and growth of our state and people.

“As a state, our mission as a government is total recovery. We are determined to recover all that we have lost and I assure you, we will recover all that were lost and even get more. Like they say, the kingdom of God suffers violence and the violence taketh it by force. We will take back what is rightfully Cross Rivers’ whether people like it or not,” Otu insisted.

Also speaking at the service, the wife of the governor, Reverend Eyoanwan Otu, who is the convener of the “Cross River Solemn Assembly” urged citizens to pray for the success of the administration.

Reverend Otu described the theme of the service ‘Season of Total Recovery’ as a call on the government and people to put in effort for the restoration of Cross River State as a whole.

She noted that putting God first was the right step to take back all that was lost as a people, individuals and the land of Cross River State, “We are here to recover all and when we say all, we mean in totality, in its entirety. All that has been stolen, that we have lost, that has been snatched, that we were deprived of. 

“We have realised that our glory was taken one way or the other. It may have been by mistakes, negligence, lackadaisical attitude or other ways. Maybe we have been even docile. But, we have come back like the prodigal son, to cry unto God, who has the answers for everything,” she said.

Loses suffered 

During his sermon on the theme ‘Season of Total Recovery,‘ the State Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Reverend Orok Nkebem emphasized that now was the time for Cross River State and its people to blossom.

Nkebem noted that Cross River was the pioneer capital of Nigeria, an oil producing status and home to several untapped oil wells, which rather than place the state on a high economic advantage, has plunged the people into suffering neglect and indignity.

“Cross River State was subjected to indignity and we have suffered many losses. The first capital of Nigeria was Calabar; we were listed among the oil producing states, but now, it is no more. Whether you believe it or not, by the language of divinity, we are taking back our position. Our time has come and God is giving us a new name,” he assured them.

The solemn assembly featured renditions by different choral groups as well as prayers for the government of Cross River State and the people including special prayers for Nigeria.