By Kingsley Agim
The Cross River State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade, has stressed on the sacrosanctity of Nigeria’s unity and the fundamental rights of citizens ahead of the Nation’s 59th Independence anniversary.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Tina Banku Agbor, made the remark during the Muslim Ju’mat Service to mark the Nation’s 59th Independence Anniversary Celebration in the State, held in the Central Mosque, Calabar Road, Calabar.
“This administration is sensitive to the rights of every citizen of Nigeria and will continue to foster peaceful coexistence between Cross Riverians and other residents irrespective of tribe, religion, or political affiliation,” the Governor remarked.
The Governor urged Muslim faithfuls in the State to continue praying for the country and her leaders, as well as the peace, progress and prosperity of Cross River.
In his exhortation, the Chief Imam of the Mosque, Alhaji Kabeer Olowolayemo, maintained that “the best gift to a leader is remembering them in prayers.”
The Islamic cleric eulogised the country’s heroes past for entrenching peace and unity, while lauding successive Governments for ensuring that Nigeria remains one indivisible entity.
Alhaji Olowolayemo hailed Governor Ben Ayade’s leadership disposition, noting that his administration, being the first to include a Muslim in its cabinet, accords them a sense of belonging.
The Imam expressed gratitude to the Governor for sponsoring over 40 Muslims to the just-concluded Hajj, informing that the Cross River State contingent was adjudged the best in terms of conduct at the pilgrimage.
Prayers were offered for the peace, progress, prosperity of Cross River State and Nigeria at large.
The Muslim Ju’mat Service, which held on Friday, 27 September, 2019, was one of the events slated for the build up to Nigeria’s 59th Independence anniversary celebration.
Sunday, 29 September, is slated for Inter-denominational Church Service at St. Bernard Catholic Church, Marian Hill, Calabar, while Tuesday, 1 October, will be the main event holding in the main bowl of the U. J. Esuene Stadium by 9am.
An earlier release signed by the Secretary to the State Government, had invited the Chairman and members of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, Chairmen and members of other political parties, Diplomatic Corps, captains of industry, traditional rulers, women groups, opinion leaders, voluntary organizations and the general public to attend this historic events.