Even as some people are still basking in the euphoria
of the excitement of the Calabar carnival, Christian
groups in Cross River State have criticised the yearly
event, saying it has caused social and moral setback
in the state.
One of the groups, Christian Youth Group (CYG) led
by Reverend Theodore Effiong, regretted that since
the introduction of the carnival by the former
governor of the State, Mr Donald Duke, there had
been an alarming increase in teenage pregnancy,
drug abuse and child abandonment in the state.
The group also staged a protest at the Government
House in Calabar over the conduct of the carnival on
Sundays, alleging that the state government was
apparently scheming to suppress Christianity and
relegate the religion to the background in the state.
Expressing their concerns, they lamented that the last
carnival took place on Sunday, allegeding that it
hindered many Christians from attending Sunday
worship as most major roads were closed to traffic.
Another group under the aegis of Cross River State
Christian Women (CRSCW) appeared in sack clothes
and protested at the Government House, urging the
state governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, not to allow
carnival to hold on Sundays again.
The placard carrying women, who went through
Calabar main market, Watt and the Millennium Park,
finally barricaded the Governor’s Office gate.
Also, another group, Christian Youths in Cross River,
also staged a protest to the Governor’s office in black
attire, chanting songs as they appealled to the
Governor to stop promoting carnival, sexual
immorality, ungodly activities and the street dance
with its associated ills.
They maintained that carnival was initiated by
erstwhile Governor, Mr. Donald Duke to showcase
the rich cultural heritage of the Efiks and the People
of the state, but under the present administration the
essence has been eroded by western culture as most
woman now parade themselves nude on the street.
In a letter to the Governor, signed by the National
Adviser of the Christian Youth Group, Amassador
Theodore Effiong, National Secretary Helen Eze,
Youth Adviser, Pastor Wisdom Assuquo and Martins
Otudor regretted the state Government with the
support of international donour agencies has spent
billions of Naira in the fight against HIV/AID, yet was
promoting the spread of the killer disease through
the Carnival.
Ambassador Effiong alleged that some spots on the
carnival routes were always an eye sore as a day
after the carnival night, the Millennium Park, Cultural
Centre and the U.J Esuene stadium were often
flooded with stained under wears, torn braziers, and
ruffled hair attachments.
He challenged the state Governor to obey the state
laws, recalling that there was a subsisting law against
public noise making.
Under the law, some worshipers including pastors
were allegedly arrested at Bayside in Calabar South,
tortured and detained by the police at the State CID
for singing and praying in the church loud above
approved sound level, yet the loud speakers used
during carnival were perceivably louder.
He said that the protest was an advise and a clarion
call to avoid the wrath of God on the State.


Source: www.tribune.com.ng/news2013/index.php/en/news/news-headlines/item/29593-christian-groups-criticise-calabar-carnival.html

Na wash..

Hmmmmmmmmmm. ..... Nonsence...