Niger Delta
FG Lauds C’River People For Peaceful Disposition
Vice President Namadi Sambo has commended the people and government of Cross River for their exemplary roles in fostering unity, good neighbourliness and peaceful co-existence among residents.
Sambo made the commendation in Calabar when he flagged off the 2nd Unity Conference for the South-South and South-East Muslim Ummah.
Sambo, who was represented by the Minister for Agriculture, Prof. Abdallah Sheik, said that the state deserved commendation and emulation for its leadership and exemplary roles in unity and peaceful co-existence.
“What is said at the conference about peaceful co-existence in Cross River is worthy of emulation in this country. I congratulate the state for its exemplary leadership role in unity.
“Wherever you are, you should be able to live with others. “This country is committed to our unity. The Ummah that is here today is indicative of the support of the values of unity. Such efforts should be encouraged”.
Earlier in a paper entitled: “ Mutual co-existence’’, the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Otu (V), said that people ought to live in peace with one another in spite of the existence of a variety of ideologies.
“Mutual co-existence naturally comes to us as people whose natural disposition has come to epitomise cultivated enlightenment, amiability, equanimity, chivalry and peace; a key philosophy of our culture.
“For us in Calabar in particular and Cross River in general, mutual co-existence is something we have collectively nurtured and sustained,’’ the Calabar monarch said.
He also charged the conference and all residents of the state, including Christians and Muslims, “to protect our common patrimony with love, truth, oneness, sincerity and forbearance’’.
In his address, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar (111), said the conference, which was last held 14 years ago, would henceforth be made a yearly event to cement existing bond of unity’’.
“our commitment to peaceful co-existence is unwavering. We are committed to having everlasting peace in Nigeria.
“Muslims and Christians should conduct themselves in the best character of their religion as enshrined in the Holy Koran and the Holy Bible respectively.
“People should strive to bridge the gap of misunderstanding,’’ the Sokoto monarch added.
In his address, Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River also restated that religion had always been vital to national unity and brotherhood.
He said that the people of Cross River had been living in peace with one another in spite of the differences in religion, tribe, race, ethnicity or language.
“Here in Cross River, we have endeavoured to create close to a perfect social environment as possible for harmonious propagation of Christianity, Islam and other religions.
“We believe in peaceful co-existence that is imperative for democracy, social and economic development,’’ he said.
He said that the timing of the conference and the choice of Calabar were “acceptable, timely and divine’’ at a period the nation was preparing for another general elections in 2011.
“I believe this conference will give participants the opportunity to deliberate on how we will get there and bequeath to the next generation a credible poll and democracy. “We must make sure that our country remain united to ensure its growth and development,’’ Imoke said.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.
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