The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu to sustaining a robust partnership with the Christian community in promoting peace, unity, and development across the state.
Odey made this known while receiving the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, who paid a courtesy visit to Governor Otu, represented by the Deputy Governor, at the Deputy Governor's Conference Room, Government House, Calabar, on Thursday.
Rt. Hon. Odey acknowledged the invaluable role of the Church in fostering moral values, social harmony, and good governance, noting that the state government would continue to support faith-based organizations in their efforts to build a better society, while also appealing for their continued support and prayers for the Governor.
Earlier, setting the tone for the visit, the PFN President and leader of the delegation, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, commended Governor Otu and his Deputy for their exemplary leadership style, describing Cross River State as one of the most peaceful and progressive states in the country.
According to the PFN National President, the state's steady advancement and development are evidence of God's favour and the quality of leadership it has been blessed with.
He particularly praised Rt. Hon. Peter Odey for his humility, loyalty, and dedication to the vision of the Governor, stating that the Deputy Governor has demonstrated uncommon commitment by embracing the agenda of his principal as his own.
Bishop Oke further noted that the Church of God and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria have continued to thrive in the state because of the cordial relationship and support they enjoy from the government.
Commending the leadership style of both Governor Otu and his Deputy, Bishop Oke described their approach as servant leadership anchored on humility, inclusiveness, and genuine concern for the welfare of the people.
He appealed to the state government to sustain its support for the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and other faith-based organizations, emphasizing their critical role in promoting peace, moral values, and social development.
The visit was attended by the South-South Zonal Vice President of PFN, Bishop Emma Isong, Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, members of the State Executive Council, State Coordinator of PFN, Apostle Trinity Ogar, Special Adviser on Religious Affairs to the Governor, Apostle Frank Umo, Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Chris Ojikpong; and other dignitaries.
High point of the visit was special prayers offered for the Governor, his Deputy, members of the State Executive Council, and the entire State.
