Akpabio, who gave the charge Sunday during an inter-denominational service to mark the 27th anniversary of the state creation and Nigeria’s 54th independence anniversary celebration, with the theme, “The God Of All Grace”, at the Ibom Hall Grounds, Uyo, remarked, “I charge the youths of the state to rise up and protect the uncommon transformation of the state because there must be maintenance and sustainability of the various infrastructure of the state. “I also charge the youths of the state not to dwell on tribal sentiments but to be on a positive rebellion to vote in the next governor that would not dwell on tribal sentiments, a man that would maintain and sustain the uncommon transformation of the state and a man that would recognize God as the solid foundation of the state”, the Governor maintained.
Reading from Luke 7:1-5, he expressed the hope that the next Governor would sustain the legacy covenant with the church, stressing that the qualities of the next Governor of the state would be focus, sincerity, liberal and not tribalistic.
On the state’s 27th anniversary thanksgiving, Governor Akpabio stated that the church service was to thank God for what he has done for the state through the many achievements of the state in terms of the various infrastructure, pointing out that the handiwork of God in the state is beautiful and called on the people of the state to not to only build treasures on earth but in Heaven.
Akpabio who charged the people of the state, noted “When God gives you the opportunity to serve, do it sincerely and stop criticizing others”, stressed that he would not be intermediated by critics, assuring Christians that his administration would continue to partner the church.
He used the occasion to congratulate President Jonathan for the endorsement given to him by the state PDP as the sole Presidential candidate for 2015 and also thanked Nigerians for supporting the President Jonathan administration.
In his homly, Bishop (Dr.) Emma Isong of Christian Central Chapel International (CCCI), who preached on the theme, “Building A Legacy”, said the celebration of the 27th anniversary of the state indicates a strategic position of the state to the future generation, stressing that life is not only about gaining material things but is about impacting on the lives of other people around and pointing out that Governor Akpabio has impacted the lives and has turned around the fortunes of the people.
Isong stated that prosperity is all about touching the lives of the people and that the Governor has been able to develop the state because he loves the people and the church, stressing that legacies cannot be politicized, rather the works speaks for itself. He then called on the people of the state to touch and affect the lives people around them and also politicians to make impact, affect lives and leave a legacy so that the people could remember them even after they leave office.
The man of God also lauded the achievements of the state at 27 and listed the various pillars of legacies one can leave behind in life to include covenanted life with God, values and ideologies, developmental structures, peace, joy and unity.
Bishop Isong on behalf of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Cross River State chapter, presented a plaque to Governor Akpabio as ‘The Most Christian Friendly Governor’.
Speaking earlier, the state Chairman of Christian Association Of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Cletus Bassey, had thanked God for his faithfulness during the present administration, saying that the state has been on a solid foundation because the present administration has always sought the face of God.Bassey then commended Governor Akpabio for his partnership with the church, supporting the church immensely, touching the lives of Christians and stressed that the church will continue to pray for him.