By Onwa Ekor
Bishop of Anglican Communion, Diocese of Calabar, Rt. Rev. Prof Nneoyi Onen Egbe, has applauded the Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, for gradually returning the state to its good days.
Egbe stated this during a press conference to mark the second session of the 12th synod of the Diocese, held at St. Jude’s Anglican Church, Eke Effiong Nta, in Calabar Monday.
Encouraging the governor to continue the good work, the Bishop reminded the present administration in the state that the church would lead the condemnation, if it eventually derails from the right path.
“Our people are touched by your efforts and we encourage you to continue the good work, we acknowledge that these don’t come easy, but by your sheer determination to make a difference, led by the Grace of God.
“It may be well to remind you that we will lead the condemnation against your government if we discover you are playing politics with the well-being of Cross Riverians,” the Clergyman warned.
He listed some of the feats recorded by the present administration to include; improved security, infrastructural development and securing support from African Development Bank for health and agricultural sectors.
Others, the Clergy enumerated were, the upscaling of agriculture, improved internally generated revenue through good financial management and the introduction of the Jesus (Easter) Carnival, among others.
On the newly introduced Carnival, Egbe advised that the political covering over it be removed if the organization is driven by the Church in collaboration with the Carnival Commission, reasoning that, “this will drive the purpose better which we believe is to honour and praise God and not to score political points.”
On the part of the Church, the Bishop informed that God has been helpful as it succeeded in introducing scholarship scheme for indigent members, establishment of a Diocesan Printing Press, agricultural related programs and expansion of the Church to rural communities.
According to the Clergy, “we have made significant inroads into our social responsibility in the fight against Gender based violence, drug use and abuse and community health evangelism through the National War Against Drug Abuse (NAWADA), provision of boreholes including building and reroofing of houses for the elderly.
