Sports Commissioner Credits God, Gov Eno For Peace In Akwa Ibom

By NewsDesk –

Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Sports Development, Elder Paul Bassey, has attributed the peace in the state to God and the leadership of Governor Umo Eno, urging residents to appreciate the prevailing atmosphere of calm and support efforts to sustain it.

Elder Bassey spoke during a goodwill message at the 25th Annual Convention of The Apostolic Church, Atabong Area, in Eket Local Government Area, where he linked the convention’s theme, “The Peace of God,” to what he described as the relative peace enjoyed by residents under the current administration.

He challenged critics of the governor to acknowledge the importance of peace, asking whether they could deny the difference it makes to daily life in the state.

“If naysayers pretend they cannot see anything Governor Umo Eno has done, can they deny the peace we are witnessing in Akwa Ibom today? Unprecedented peace,” he said.

The commissioner recalled a period when, according to him, insecurity disrupted worship and community life, with attacks on churches, killings, abductions and threats against political opponents.

He urged residents to remind younger generations of the fear and uncertainty that communities had experienced in the past, including incidents of houses and vehicles being burnt.

“Please let us tell our children and family members that in the past, at times like this, houses and cars were burnt, terror everywhere, and you could hardly sleep with your two eyes closed,” Bassey said.

The commissioner’s remarks placed peace at the centre of his assessment of governance, arguing that security and stability were necessary foundations for social and economic progress.

The Commissioner, who is also a leader of the All Progressives Congress in Eket Ward 2 Urban, described Eno as a son of Eket and a spiritual son of The Apostolic Church.

He urged the congregation to embrace and support the governor, including his bid for a second term. His appeal drew an enthusiastic response from worshippers at the convention.

The commissioner also defended the governor’s people-oriented programmes, particularly those he said were designed to improve the welfare of less privileged residents.

“As a member of His Excellency’s First Eleven, I am better placed to talk about this grassroots governor whose programmes are tailored towards the welfare of the less privileged in society, especially in the areas of health, education and, in my case, the empowerment of youths through sports,” he said.

Elder Bassey’s remarks highlighted sports development as one of the avenues through which young people could be empowered, gain opportunities and contribute to the development of their communities.

In his sermon, the Eket Field Superintendent of The Apostolic Church, Pastor (Dr.) B. E. Okon, urged Christians to embrace the peace of God as a means of overcoming fear and confronting life’s challenges.

Drawing his message from Matthew 5:9, Okon cited the biblical teaching that “blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”

The cleric, who is also the church’s Deputy Territorial Chairman, emphasised the importance of peacemaking as a Christian responsibility.

The convention brought together church members, community leaders and other dignitaries to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Atabong Area.

At the close of the event, Bassey joined Pastor Etangkanga, Vice Chairman of Esit Eket Local Government Council; the village head of Atabong, Dr. Ikwang; the Eket Field Superintendent; and the host Area Superintendent, Pastor O. D. James, to cut the anniversary cake.