July 09, (THEWILL) – Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has called on Cross Riverians both at home and in the diaspora to join hands with him in building an economically viable state devoid of rancour and divisions.
Governor Otu made the appeal during the maiden edition of the State’s Interdenominational Solemn Assembly held at the Calabar International Conference Centre (CICC), Calabar, over the weekend.
“I know Cross River was doing well until it eventually collapsed but as we all heed God’s directives to gather and pray in unity, God will heal and restore our land again.
“Piloting the affairs of the state is not an easy task. This is why we have to seek the face and direction of the Author of wisdom to move the state forward.
“I alone and the people you have elected to represent you will not be able to do this work, we all must come together to build the state of our dream.
“The challenge we face today as a state is bigger than us to handle but I strongly believe that what God cannot do does not exist.
“This is the time for us to build Cross River State. What is most important to me is leaving an indelible print on the sands of time after the service period.
“For those who have the opportunity to be elected or appointed, let me remind you that power belongs to God. The position you occupy today is not to oppress others but to diligently serve them and I will not relent in sacking anyone who acts contrary.
“Let me assure you that I have not changed and will not be influenced, not even by my office as your governor.
“Power does not intoxicate me, because I believe that power is for service. It is very transient. Where you find yourself today, be reminded that in no distant time, another person will occupy that same office,” a statement by Emmanuel Ogbeche, the Chief Press Secretary, quoted the Governor as saying.
Convener of the assembly and Wife of the Governor, Rev (Mrs) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, disclosed that the programme gathered Cross Riverians and residents from all walks of life to seek God’s intervention in healing a once peaceful and hospitable land from all forms of vices that have taken over the state.
In his sermon, General Overseer of Christ Chapel Int’l Church, Bishop Emma Isong, admonished Cross Riverians to see themselves as partners in progress in creating a peaceful, united and economically viable state that will be the envy of all.
Isong, who spoke on the theme, “Turn Away From Evil,” as recorded in 2 Chronicles 7 verse 14, enumerated some of the evil acts that have overtaken the land and affected governance negatively including selfishness, blackmail, and double-crossing among other vices that are inimical to growth and development.
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
