By: Bello Audu
Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu has emphasized the importance of peace and unity in the development of any community in the State.
Governor Otu stated this through his Special Adviser on Religious Matters, Apostle Frank Umo, as he conclude tour of the six local government areas in the Central Senatorial District as part of his ongoing statewide initiative to engage with faith-based organizations, maintained that Government is doing everything possible to ensure a peaceful state for business and leisure.
Apostle Umo who began the tour for the central senatorial district in Boki, proceeded to Ikom, Etung, Obubra, Abi, and Yakurr engaging all Faith-based Organizations in an extensive interactive session at every local government headquarters.
While encouraging Chairmen at every Council visited by the team to emulate the implementation of quarterly Solemn Assemblies which he noted was an exercise for spiritual growth at the council level, mirroring the state initiative, the Religious Matters Advisor highlighted the impact of such exercise in the overall development of the State
At each council headquarters, where Faith-based Organizations convened, Otu's message focused on unity, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect for diverse beliefs.
He urged council Chairmen to consider sponsoring citizens for this year’s pilgrimage, highlighting its significance for their spiritual well-being.
He called on religious organizations, particularly the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), to support local council chairmen in promoting government policies and programmes within their communities.
In their separate responses, Honorable Kingsley Arikpo, Chairman of Obubra Local Government Area, expressed gratitude for the visit and acknowledged Governor Otu's visible development efforts in the state and used the occasion to declare the council's backing for Otu's reelection in 2027 during the meeting.
The delegation then made a stop at Akpet Central, the headquarters of Biase Local Government Area, to kick off the tour of the Southern Senatorial District.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman, Hon. Edodi Eyong Edodi, the Secretary to the Council Barrister Jacob Ukpai welcomed the team and affirmed their commitment to the people-centric initiatives of Senator Prince Bassey Otu, assuring the team of their ongoing support for the State Government.
Also speaking, Sarki Ibrahim Ahmed, Leader of the Muslim Community in Ihuru, shared that , Ihuru has the largest Muslim population in the state with over 5,000 Muslim residents in the area are law-abiding citizens engaged in legitimate businesses.
He refuted claims that the settlement harbors criminal elements and requested the establishment of a police post for their safety, as well as a polling unit to enable them participate in future elections.
