As part of the Easter Celebration, a Special Session of Hymns was held at
the Latter House Chapel, Governor’s Lodge, Uyo, to mark the Good Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Emmanuel lauded the Government House
Prayer Team for packaging the occasion to lift the souls of the people and
noted that Jesus Christ who suffered crucifixion deserves all the Glory and
honour from all mankind for his demonstration of love even unto dead for
humanity.
He advised the people to reflect on the significance of the dead of Jesus,
betrayal and the treachery of the political class where Herod and Pilate
connived to sanction the crucifixion of one who knew no sin but became a
sinner for our salvation and urged politicians to be wary when the
persuasion to commit mischief against anointed persons beckons in order not
to attract curses but should subject their passion to sound reasoning.
The Governor explained that if Pilate had listened to the wife and stood up
to the truth he would not have been swayed by the populist sentiments and
thanked God that by His death salvation became accessible to all who
believe in his dead and resurrection.
In an exhortation, Prelate Emeritus Sunday Mbang recalled the prophecies
concerning Jesus as the Messiah and affirmed that the scripture has been
fulfilled as Christians can attest to his calling without a personal
encounter with Jesus as was the case with the Centurion, Saul, Paul and
even Peter.
He charged the people not to be carried away by the festivity as a
tradition but to use the solemn moment to reflect on Christ birth,
ministry, crucifixion, resurrection and turn a new leaf by leading others
to know and serve him.
The service, which featured song renditions by choirs, had in
attendance Deputy Governor, Mr. Mosses Ekpo; Speaker of the State House of
Assembly, Barrister Onofiok Luke; Secretary to the State Government, Sir
Etekamba Umoren, and wife, Glory; former Deputy Governor, Lady Valeria Ebe;
Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Service Chiefs and Aides of the
Governor.