nation’s 59th Independence Anniversary Celebration.
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 held sway and
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.
He also lauded the Ayade-led administration vision in the State, urging
the leadership to keep on the good work, especially the prompt payment
of salaries, which has earned him the axiomatic moniker “the alert
master.”
Prayers were offered for the peace, progress, prosperity of Cross River
State and Nigeria at large.
The Muslim Ju’mat Service was one of the event slated for the build up
to Nigeria’s 59th Independence Anniversary Celebration. On 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.