by crossriverwatch admin
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Cross River State Chapter, has conferred the Most Church-Friendly Governor of the Year award on Governor Liyel Imoke for his dynamism and leadership style.
Speaking at a well-attended ceremony in Calabar, yesterday, the President of the association, Bishop Emma Isong disclosed that “Imoke has been very supportive and friendly to the church, right from the inception of his administration only that he cannot run for a third term.”
According to the clergy, “It`s unfortunate that His Excellency cannot go for a third term, we would have supported him again. I assure him that the church would assist the government in shopping for a credible candidate for 2015 election in the state.”
Isong thanked the government for granting automatic waivers to churches’ outboard advertorials, and pledged the association’s willingness to reciprocate the gesture by standing with the government as dependable allies to enable it succeed.
Responding, Senator Imoke said: “This administration has upheld its faith in God as the core quintessential credo of its existence. By our work, we look to improve the lives of our people. God is indeed at the heart of our work.”
He further stressed his administration’s commitment to always support the church as it carries out the work of God, maintaining that “We have enjoyed a fruitful relationship not just with the Christian Church but also with other religious faiths in accordance with our firm belief that everyone, regardless of faith or creed, must be free to practice their beliefs without fear of intimidation and persecution.
“For this reason, we instituted the office of the Special Adviser on Religious Matters, to superintend over the liaison between government and the various religious faiths in the state. We have firmly supported the practice of both Christian and Muslim pilgrims as they travel annually to their respective holy lands to seek spiritual uplift.”
According to Imoke, who was represented by the Special Adviser, Religious Affairs, Pastor Eyo Okpo Ene, “We have equally ensured that various churches in the state have enjoyed infrastructural development and provision of social amenities which in most cases are targeted specifically for the benefit of those churches.
“It is important to stress that this partnership has been ably supported by this administration and I hope that the church will continue to play its part.” Imoke advised them to eschew all lingering political rancor among them, avoid anything that will destabilize the church and work for the greater unity of the church and state.”
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