Ahead of the 2019 general elections, Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has cautioned aspiring political office seekers and their supporters in the state against arming youths to disrupt elections.
Emmanuel gave the warning Sunday during an inter-denominational thanksgiving service that marked the 2018 Democracy Day and the third year anniversary of his administration, at the Uyo Township Stadium, Uyo.
The Governor, who took Bible readings from Proverbs 2: 5, Isaiah 20:27 and Psalms 18: 28, remarked that state has enjoyed relative peace in the last three years, observed that it would be unpatriotic for individuals to attempt to create anarchy on the altar of politics.
He thanked God for the development strides recorded in the state since its creation, particularly in the last three years of his administration, noting, “It has been a challenging period marked by recession that has never been experienced but in all, God has kept us.”
The State Chief Executive lauded the talents exhibited by some Akwa Ibom children in their various presentations at the event, and remarked that if properly harnessed at their tender ages, such would chart a brighter future for the state and country at large.
While commending the State Ministry of Women Affairs for providing a platform for the children to showcase what he described as ‘exceptional talents’, he remarked, “some of these children are from public schools and with what I am seeing today, there is hope for Nigeria.”
Rev. Ndueso Ekwere, the State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, explained that the theme of the event, ‘For Thou Wilt Light My Candle’, drawn from Psalms 18:28, was carefully selected to help in praying for the governor for more wisdom.
He called on Akwa Ibom people to eschew selfishness and hate speeches as Christians, stating that the thanksgiving service has already been organised in Eket, Itu and Ibiono, while Oron and others will take turn in June.
In his exhortation, Pastor Ezekiel Atang, the Guest Preacher, said that individuals and communities require the light of God to energise their spirits in taking decisions, explaining that the light of God takes away darkness and destruction.
Atang, the Lead Pastor of God’s House of Refuge, stated that darkness in families promotes wickedness, stagnation and disasters, and maintained that when light manifests in families, wisdom becomes the central aspect of positive values.
He pointed out that the light of God can be experienced in families through acceptance of the salvation of God by regular contact with the Holy Scriptures and children showing respect, love and understanding to elders, urging parents to accord their children proper care particularly, in times of need.
