Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has advised citizens to demonstrate maturity and eschew tendencies capable of truncating the existing peace, unity and social tolerance in the State especially as the political season approaches.
Governor Eno gave the advice during the special Inter-Denominational New Year Thanksgiving Service held at the International Worship Centre, Uyo.
He commended political leaders in the State for their maturity in handling critical political issues which has brought to bear unity and progress in the State.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank all of our leaders, particularly our political leaders for allowing peace to reign in our State. This is the hallmark of maturity.
“Now we can all wish and pray that our State will be in peace. I am sure everyone of us has enjoyed the atmosphere of peace. You can feel it, as you can go round the State freely and this atmosphere of peace shall continue throughout the year,” he said.
Cautioning against disruption of the existing peace and unity as the new political season approaches, he charged citizens to focus on positive, and meaningful argument by presenting their points without disrespecting any one.
“As we go into the political season, there is nothing wrong in making your point. You have the right to disagree, but please let’s disagree respectfully without insulting anyone. We don’t have to see things from the same perspective, we can all give our views and opinions, but please, let this peace we are enjoying continue,” he cautioned.
On the newly-introduced State Treasury Single Accounting, TSA, Governor Eno sought for the collaboration of MDAs and citizens to ensure the smooth implementation of the policy, explaining that the policy is aimed at boosting the State revenue profile and ensuring accountability.
He warned that no Government department has the right to generate and spend revenue without going through the TSA.
“one key thing we are doing is that Akwa Ibom has now introduced the Treasury Single Account System, and please, all of us must make this work.
“All Government’s revenue must go into one single account. No more will any ministry generate and spend funds. They have to send to the account, the State’s common purse, then we can spend the money for the good of all.
“We have made a budget of N1. 5 trillion, we need to get funds so that we can execute the budget. I commit myself to following that budget, and we must all commit ourselves to allowing those funds to come in please,” he appealed.
Governor appreciated everyone for taking part in the special new Year service, especially the guest preacher, Apostle Joshua Selman for creating time to join the State in the service.
Preaching on the theme “The God of all Flesh,” drawn from (Jeremiah 32:27) and Deuteronomy 8:14 the Founder and Senior Pastor of Eternity Network International, Apostle (Dr.) Joshua Selman indicated that the depth of every believer’s impact is predicated on the depth of the knowledge of God he has acquired.
He admonished Christians to disregard their challenges, but to work and focus on the “God of all Flesh,” noting that He is the only one that opens closed doors and makes things work.
The cleric stressed that the God of all Flesh is the God of all possibilities, and charged Christians to desist from pride and humble themselves as well as trust in God whenever they are faced with turbulent situations.
Earlier in his remarks, State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Chris Nyong, appreciated Governor Umo Eno for his impactful leadership strides, especially for the peace enjoyed since his assumption of office.
He also commended the political class for contributing to the peace, urging all to remain committed to a peaceful and united Akwa Ibom State.
The service featured praise and worship, dance and thanksgiving, choir ministrations and a Bible reading by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki.
