Governor Udom Emmanuel has called on Christians not to relent in their civic responsibility of exercising their franchise by electing credible leaders who would sustain the trend of development and putting in place the much cherished dividends of democracy.

Governor Emmanuel was speaking during a one-day Mega Prayer Rally, organized by Fathers in Faith for Good Governance with the theme, ‘Oh God, Behold our Land’, at Ibom Hall Grounds, Uyo.

The governor who emphasized on the need for Christians to be actively involved in governance by exercising their franchise at the forthcoming general elections, explained that their involvement is a demonstration of a commitment towards addressing the challenges of leadership and charged them to elect leaders with godly attributes that will continue with the development of the State and the people.

The Chief Executive however commended the Christian leaders under the aegis of Fathers in Faith for their intercessory role in prayers, and the contributions of eminent Akwa Ibom people that have been instrumental to the peace and growth of the state.

“I want to acknowledge God and I pray that God will continue to honour what we do. Let me appreciate the convener of this programme, all the Fathers in Faith for standing in intercession for the good of our state

“Let me also charge those who are playing religion that we are where we are today because the Christians have left the space, if Christians had not given out the space we wouldn’t have been where we are today even as a country.

“In Christianity we are only complaining, if Christians want to redeem the land they must be involved”, he noted.

The governor appealed to the people to be patient with contractors handling road projects especially during the rainy season, pointing out that the roads may look a bit messed up, it will only be for a while and assured on completion of the projects to ease economic activities.

“If you must eat an omelette, you must break an egg, please don’t criticize government for pouring laterite on the road because it looks muddy, soon rainy season will be over and the projects will be completed.

He appreciated everyone for praying earnestly for the peace and growth of Akwa Ibom State from creation of the State 35 years ago.

In a goodwill message, the state governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Umo Eno, thanked the Fathers in Faith for organizing the event for Christians to gather and pray for the state, adding that there is need to sustain peace which is a fulcrum to development and job creation in the state .

In his homily, tagged ‘The Kingdom of God" drawn from Matt: 6:9-10, Pastor Ben Offiong, harped on the need for Christians to elect leaders with the fear of God to lead the state under the atmosphere of peace and development.

The well attended event featured songs of praise, exhortation and intercessory prayers.