ANTHONY UDOH, Uyo reporting
Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno has expressed satisfaction and fulfilment over the manifest peace and unity which have become synonymous with the state in recent times.
Speaking at the Easter Evening of Hymns held at the International Christian Worship Centre, Uyo, he said it was exhilarating and fulfilling that Akwa Ibomites across party lines and from all walks of life could assemble under one roof to sing praises to the Risen Christ.
He said the trajectory of peace and unity must be valued, cherished and protected by all, stressing that no individual’s ambition or interest should be greater than ensuring peace and unity in the state.
“Tonight, as a servant of God that God has given the privilege to serve Akwa Ibom in this season as governor, I want to say that I have fulfilled my ministry. I have fulfilled the ministry of reconciliation that God laid in my hands for Akwa Ibom. While I was campaigning, I said by the grace of God, we will bring all of us as Akwa Ibomites under one roof. Tonight, that dream is fulfilled.
“We have heard the PDP choir sing here tonight, we have heard the APC choir sing here tonight, we have heard the IPAC choir sing here tonight, and we have seen a united Akwa Ibom State represented through these choirs tonight.
“People from all walks of life are in this Sanctuary where God has placed His name, and I don’t think there could be anything greater than this.
“My fathers, I have completed my mission; that we have united Akwa Ibom today before your very eyes. Anyone who wants to divide the state, it’s left for the person.
“As far as I am concerned, my conscience is clear, that at this time that God has called me to lead the state, I am leading in unity and leading the state as one state, not a PDP Akwa Ibom, not APC Akwa Ibom, but Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria.
“That we can come together as a people and honour God as a people, our political differences not withstanding. Never again will we have a state event and it becomes a party event.
Speaking further, he said “Let us have a state that is fully represented, particularly when we stand in the house of God. Today, I feel very fulfilled, it’s recorded that in this administration, Akwa Ibom State is united, brothers would see brothers, greet them, eat with them because we are children of same parents, same ancestral origin.
“The significance of Easter for me is that all of us were represented by our different parties and beliefs and in this sanctuary, we sang to God and praised Him. That for me is that greatest highlight of this evening.”
The governor appreciated everyone for taking part in the evening of hymns and urged them to contribute their quota to maintain the peace and unity in the state.
In his message on the theme: “He Arose” taken from Matthew 28:26, Bishop Gabriel Nkenang said that Jesus came with the singular agenda of dying for mankind, adding that the difference between Christianity and religion of the world is the empty grave.
He said He arose that Christians may arise in life, and to give the hope of resurrection at rapture, and therefore admonished Christians to resolve to spread the message of the resurrection and live a life that depicts the supreme sacrifice.
The Easter Evening of hymns, which featured sessions of inspiring praises and worship, colourful dances to glorify God, also presented sensational choral renditions by choral groups including State Executive Council Choir, Government House Divine Voices, State House of Assembly Choir, State Judiciary Choir, College of Permanent Secretaries Choir, College of Chairmen of Boards Choir, Members of National Assembly Choir, Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of LGA’s, and College of Personal Aides to the Governor Choir.
Others were Ministry of Culture and Tourism Choir, State’s International Christian Worship Centre Choir, Harmonic Chorale, Yama Chorale, among others.
