The Cross River State Government has hosted its highly anticipated second Solemn Assembly today, bringing together numerous dignitaries, government officials, and community representatives from across 7 local government areas of the state.
The event, which was held at the Calabar International Convention Centre, witnessed sessions of prayers, choir rendition, and a host of activities.
Speaking at the event, the Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, underscored the importance of collective prayers for restoration as a people. In his words, "As a state, the mission we are on is total recovery. We will recover all we have lost and even get more. Like they say, the kingdom of God suffereth violence and the vioence taketh it by force. We will take back what is rightfully Cross Rivers' whether peope like it or not."
Addressing the audience at the event, the First Lady of the State, Rev. Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu intimated that we are here to take back all we have lost, as a people, as individuals and as the land of Cross River State. Speaking, she said, "we are here to recover all, and when we say all, we mean in totality, in its entirety. All that has been stolen, that we have lost, that has been snatched, that we were deprived of. We have realised that our glory was taken by one way or the other, maybe by mistakes, negligence, lackadaisical attitude, we've been docile, who knows? But, we've come back like the prodigal son, to cry unto God who has answers for everything."
Taking the sermon, Rev. Orok Nkebem, the State Supritendent of Assemblies of God, emphasized that the time for Cross River State to blossom is now. "Cross River State has been subjected to indignity, we have suffered many losses. The first capital of Nigeria was Calabar, we were listed among the oil producing states, but now, it's no more. We used to have oil well, now, no more. Whether you believe it or not, by the language of divinity, we are taking back our position. Our time has come, and God is giving us a new name."
High point of the event was prayers for the state by the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu.
Hon, Sen, Pst Bill Francis Bill Spokesperson to Governor Prince Otu