Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno has urged citizens to remain grateful to God for the peace and progress recorded in the State as it marks its 39th anniversary.
Governor Eno made the call during a worship service at Qua Iboe Church, Ewet Offot, Uyo, as part of activities leading to the State’s 39th anniversary thanksgiving scheduled for September 20.
He expressed appreciation for the peace prevailing in the State, stressing that it should not be taken for granted.
Governor Eno consequently urged the people to shun ethnic and tribal rhetoric capable of threatening the peace and unity of the State.
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He called on traditional institutions, religious organisations, political actors and security agencies to work collectively to preserve the peaceful atmosphere in the State.
According to him, peace is a shared responsibility that must be jealously guarded, particularly as the State approaches another political season.
The Governor also urged citizens to make gratitude a way of life, noting that while thanking God for His blessings, they should appreciate the men and women through whom God had provided assistance, opportunities and support.
“As you thank God, remember to thank the men God has used to help us. In a season like this, we should show gratitude,” he said.
Governor Eno appealed to politicians and their supporters to moderate their speeches and demonstrate greater love, restraint and understanding towards one another.
He also urged political actors to focus on issues during campaigns, stressing that Akwa Ibom had moved beyond the era when ethnic and religious sentiments could be exploited to divide the people.
“We have gone past ethnic and religious sentiments to divide the State. If we campaign on issues, we can always find a meeting point,” the Governor said.
He maintained that campaigns should centre on ideas, policies and programmes capable of improving lives rather than inflammatory rhetoric that could create tension and division.
The Governor thanked the church for its contributions to the spiritual and social development of the State.
In his homily, the General Superintendent of the Qua Iboe Church Conference, Rev. Ekpedeme Moffat, drew his message from Psalm 136:1–3, with “Gratitude” as the focus of his exhortation.
Reverend Moffat urged worshippers to acknowledge God’s love and faithfulness to Akwa Ibom throughout its 39 years and translate their gratitude into practical acts of love and compassion.
He called on those blessed by God to extend their blessings to the less privileged, particularly vulnerable and disadvantaged members of society.
