.......Calls for massive turnout.
A sprouting socio-political support organisation of the All Progressives Congress, Neighbourhood Coalition has applauded the Cross River State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu and his wife, Rev. Eyoanwan Otu for the initiative to organise a prayer session to mark the formal commencement of the administration.
National Coordinator of the organisation, Hon. Emmanuel Stephen said in Calabar that the proposed Solemn Assembly was the best way to kick-start Government business in a state where such has been rendered near comatose.
Stephen noted that the state needs serious cleansing as the land has been given to so much of idolatry and the attendant retrogression.
He recalled that in the Bible account of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, Nehemiah consulted with Prophets who stood by him in prayer against the enemy until success was achieved adding that Sen. Otu can replicate the Jerusalem example by rebuilding the ruins of Cross River.
The group's National Coordinator said "it is regrettable that Calabar and indeed Cross River which was known for being a trailblazer in all spheres of endeavour has now been relegated to the bottom."
According to him " the first Capital of Nigeria,the first wedding in a black African soil,the first Soccer Star in Nigeria,the first Professor,the first this and the first that in either Africa or Nigeria were traced to Calabar or Cross River.
In fact, even in recent history, one of the best Parliamentarians and Senate Presidents, Joseph Ways all were in the good history of Cross River. But today all that have gone.".
Attributing the problem to idolatry in the land, Stephen said " The land had refused and replaced the worship of the Almighty God, the God of Israel who was introduced to the Efiks by the Missionaries centuries ago, and upon which the Obong of Calabar assumed the position of "Defender of the Christian Faith" with the worship of deities thus incurring the wrath of the Jealous Jehovah."
He recalled that countless times when the Isrealites were punished for their disobedience to God and made a detour, they were forgiven and reinstated in glory. He noted that through prayer and total obeisance to God, the Government can get God to restore the land to its glory.
Emmanuel Stephen urged for support and prayers for God to guide and protect Sen. Otu to enable him achieve the restoration of the land.
"This initiative is not going to be a low bed. The devil will rise to fight back because he sees that his power will be demystified. But God is already happy with the initiative,He is ready and willing to hear and act on the prayers that will be offered to Him.
All that is necessary now is for us as Cross Riverians to commit Sen. Otu and his wife and Children and the Administration in God's hands for protection and guidance on a consistent basis so that the restoration can bring tangible results in the land against the manipulations of the evil ones," he maintained.
He said members of his organisation will be massively mobilised to participate in the programme.
