To Maintain Peace, Gov Eno Urges Restraint In Public Discourse

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called on citizens to exercise restraint in their public utterances to maintain peace and unity.

Speaking at the November edition of the Government House Covenant Service held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, the Governor emphasised the need to safeguard the peace and unity that have become the hallmark of the State.

He warned against divisive actions and speeches capable of undermining social harmony stressing that words have the power to build or destroy.

“Try to stay away from anything that infuriates people. The comment you make, whether in public or private, should exalt people. Give others a chance to survive.

“The person you destroy today may be the same person you would need tomorrow. Let’s manage our emotions. There’s nobody without a weakness. I have one, but I have always said to Akwa Ibomites, let’s not major in minors. Let’s project our leaders, the ones God has given to us, let’s stand by them,” he said.

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The Governor disclosed that the State will host two major events in December, the Unity Concert and the Christmas Carol scheduled for December 6th and 19th respectively.

“We thank God for a new month He has brought us into, and we thank God for the theme He has given us this month. I pray that the word of this month would comfort us,” he said.

He noted that the Unity Concert will be an opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together in worship and praise to God.

On the Christmas Carol, he emphasised that it will take a different dimension, absolutely dedicated to Christmas Carols and no other type of songs will be accepted.

“Don’t come and sing anything that’s not a carol on the 19th. You can act it, dramatise it, and do anything with it, but let it remain a carol,” he said.

The Governor also used the opportunity to appreciate everyone for their commitment and regular participation in the monthly covenant service and wished Akwa Ibomites a happy new month.

Preaching on the theme, “Jehovah El-Roi,” drawn from Genesis 16:13-14, the General Overseer of Christian Fellowship Evangelical Nigeria Inc., Rev. Emem Simon Jacob, emphasised that God is deeply interested in every life and is always thinking positively about every believer.

He noted that whatever blessings come through the covenant cannot be destroyed by the devil, adding that the eyes of the Lord are continually upon the righteous, to bless, uplift, and also grant them discernment to distinguish between good and evil.

The service was attended by top government functionaries and leaders from all walks of life.