Nigerians have been urged to pursue unity and peace to enhance sustainable development in Cross River State, southern Nigeria.
The governor of Cross River, Senator Bassey Otu have the advice at an interdenominational solemn assembly held at the Calabar International Conference Centre adjacent to the popular Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort located in the state capital; which had the theme “The Lord Reigns”.
Addressing the congregation at the solemn assembly, which had the theme “The Lord Reigns”, Governor Otu expressed strong conviction that Cross River State would overcome pressing development challenges.
He stated, “we are on a pedestal like never before. The life of every nation is to rise and fall. Cross River State was once there, we came down. But, the Almighty God, who says He reigns, has said it is time for us to rise and nobody can stop it.”
While assuring citizens that God was taking Cross River to greater heights, Otu emphasized the value of unity and peace for development of the state and country, saying “what we have achieved in 2 years is evident for all to see. It is not by man’s intervention, we achieved this much through divine intervention.
“So, what we want in the state now is unity. Unity and peace and I guarantee you all that Cross River State will never remain the same,” he assured.
Speaking on the theme of the event, the wife of the Cross River State, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu said, “we live at a time when Nigeria and indeed the world is passing through difficulty and uncertain seasons ranging from economic pressure to insecurity, global unrest, moral confusion and natural disasters.
“Many hearts are burdened and lives feel shaken. Yet, in the midst of all these, we are reminded of the powerful and unchanging truth that the Lord reigns; and because God reigns, we have reasons to hope, rejoice and rise regardless of what we are seeing around us. God’s rule is not affected by the instability we find around us, He reigns in righteousness and justice,” she acknowledged.
The solemn assembly, which was organised by a committee of Christian clergymen led by Reverend Father Bob Etta, featured prayers for Cross River State and Nigeria as well as a formal declaration for Jesus Christ through the Muri Munene of Efut and the paramount ruler of the Efut Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Professor Itam Hogan Itam.
The service was attended by the deputy governor of Cross River, Dr. Peter Odey; the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Anthony Owan-Enoh, the Chief of Staff to Governor Otu Emmanuel Ironbar as well as the political class.
Olusola Akintonde