By:: Our Reporter, Calabar
The Cross River State Government commemorated Nigeria’s 2026 Democracy Day with an inter-denominational church service and a special Jumat prayer, as religious and government leaders called for accountability, gratitude, transparency and improved governance.
Delivering the Democracy Day sermon, the Minister in Charge of the Anglican Diocese of Calabar, the Rt. Rev. Prof. Nneoyi Onen Egbe, urged public office holders to approach leadership with humility, gratitude and a sense of divine responsibility.
Drawing from Hebrews 12 and 2 Chronicles 34, the cleric said leadership positions were opportunities to serve God and humanity rather than avenues for self-glorification.
He stressed that gratitude should shape the attitude and conduct of leaders, noting that public servants should see themselves as custodians of trust rather than masters over the people.
The bishop lamented what he described as a culture of dishonesty in governance and society, urging both leaders and citizens to embrace truth and accountability.
According to him, governments should regularly publish budget performance reports to enable citizens assess the implementation of projects and ensure transparency in public spending.
He also called for reforms in the conduct of state prayer gatherings, arguing that solemn assemblies should focus more on genuine worship and seeking God’s guidance than ceremonial activities.
Speaking during the event, the Cross River State Government highlighted improvements in security and infrastructure under the current administration.
Representing Governor Bassey Otu, the Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, said the state had become one of the safest in Nigeria due to sustained security operations and collaboration with security agencies.
He disclosed that over 170 suspected criminals had surrendered to authorities following intensified operations, adding that only three of them were indigenes of Cross River State.
The deputy governor maintained that democracy remained government by the people and recalled the sacrifices made by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola and others in the struggle for democratic rule in Nigeria.
He expressed confidence that the people of Cross River would continue to determine their political future through the ballot box.
Odey also defended the administration’s development record, stating that more than 120 kilometres of roads had been completed across the state without elaborate commissioning ceremonies, insisting that the government was focused on service delivery rather than publicity.
He further announced that the state government had approved the distribution of brand-new official vehicles to permanent secretaries as part of efforts to strengthen public service administration.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, described Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule as a significant milestone despite existing challenges.
He said democracy had continued to expand citizens’ freedoms and opportunities for constructive criticism, noting that while the country had not attained perfection, democratic governance remained preferable to military rule.
Ekpang urged residents to continue supporting the government through prayers while maintaining peace and vigilance, describing Cross River as one of the safest states in the federation.
The inter-denominational Christian service was held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Calabar, while a special Jumat service took place at the MOPOL 11 Mosque along Murtala Mohammed Highway, where prayers were offered for Nigeria’s unity, peace and sustained democratic development.
