18 October 2019
The govermor of Cross River State, Sir Ben Ayade, has expressed deep appreciation to the leadership and members of the Christians Association of NIgeria (CAN), Cross River State chapter for the support the association gives to the government of the state.
Sir Ayade gave the thanks in a message of good will sent to the body at the occasion of the state chapter of CAN elections held at Saint Louis Parish, Essien Town, Calabar on Thursday.
Governor Ayade who was represented at the occasion by the immediate past Special Adviser on Religious Matters, Reverend Father Bob Etta, thanked the Christian body in the state for the important role it is playing and for the support to Government, wished the delegates a successful elections of their leaders in the state.
"I really want to thank CAN for what they are doing, and for the support they give to the government of Cross River State, I wish all the delegates success in the elections, and I want to assure you that I will always support CAN in any way possible," Ayade stated.
Rev. Fr. Bob Etta, who represented the governor at the elections equally commended Sir Ayade and described him as a man who fears God and puts God first in all he does.
The Cross River State CAN elections which was conducted under a peaceful atmosphere produced new set of leaders with Reverend Okon Bassey Ekpeyong (Chairman) of CCN who emerged winner with a total of 98 votes; Snr Apostle Iwara Obeten (Vice Chairman) of OAIC who emerged winner with a total of 55 votes; Rev Father Dr Emmanuel Duke (Secretary) of CSN who emerged winner with a total of 95 votes.
Others include, Pastor Martins Omang (Asst Secretary) of PFN/CPFN who emerged winner with a total of 95 votes; and Elder Steve Akwaji (Treasurer) of TEKAN ECWA who also emerged winner with a total of 94 votes.
In his acceptance speech after the elections, the newly elected Chairman, Rev Okon Ekpenyong stated, "I want to thank everyone who voted for me, also want to thank my family and lastly I want to thank His Grace, Arch Bishop Ukpo who has been a Father and mentor to me. I want to assure you that we will not let you down, we will not let CAN down, we will not let the government down, we will work as friends, as a family. Your Grace, I will continue to come to you for some advice because you still have a lot offer, I'll make consultations with you and we will work as a team, we promise to remain a team, CAN is number one.
Thank you very much Sir, I can assure you that I have accepted your mandate and by God's special Grace we shall not let you down, keep praying for us and we will keep carrying you along in whatever we are going to do, the local government, the wings, together we have to work. I go back to the old National Anthem, though tribes and tongue may differ, in brother hood we shall remain, thank you very much and God bless you all, " Rev. Ekpenyong concluded.
