A three-day fasting and prayers has been declared in Akwa Ibom State by the governor, Deacon Udom Emmanuel.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Charles Udoh, and made available to News Express, said that the fasting is in furtherance of the State Government’s avowed commitment to maintaining peace and fostering economic prosperity as the 2019 general election is fast approaching.

“The Government of Akwa Ibom State has declared a-three day fasting and prayer programme ‪from 15th to 17th November, 2018 to usher in the commencement of political campaigns and other political activities for the 2019 general elections,” the statement stated.

Udoh however said the programme does not imply any public holiday. He said in the first two days of the programme, those in public offices and in private business locations, are expected to gather and pray at the close of work to round off the fasting. ‪On Saturday, November 17, 2018, everyone who can make it to the Banquet Hall Grounds, Government House, Uyo. is invited for the final prayers at an open service ‪at 4pm.

The theme of the programme, which defies the mere rhetoric of politics, according to the statement, is “PEACE BE STILL” (Mark 4:39) and the essence is to collectively pray to God to avert all forms of bloodshed and violence in our state throughout the electioneering period.

“We would also pray that no matter how the messengers of evil overstretch to rob us of our peaceful environment, God should continue to protect and sustain us. Our last prayer point would be that only ordained God-fearing leaders shall emerge as winners in all elective offices,” the statement added.

Udoh said that the State Government “enjoins her spiritual fathers and leaders of faith-based organisations, churches, government offices, markets, farm settlements, schools, motor parks, and indeed every business organisation, to encourage their members to participate in this very important three-day programme. Citizens and Residents of Akwa Ibom State; irrespective of political affiliation or religious leaning, are also implored to join in the interest of the peace and unity of our dear state.”

Continuing, Udoh said: “As a people, we must remain grateful to God Almighty for His ceaseless benevolence and abundance of peace which our beloved state has enjoyed in the past three and a half years. We do not take that for granted. We have toiled, we have travelled around the globe to paint a glorious picture of a new and prosperous Akwa Ibom. Our efforts have been rewarded by the large and continuous influx of investors to our state. The sustenance of this new lease of economic prosperity is hinged on the peace, safety and security within our borders. We believe that politics should not be a platform to roll-out drums of violence and criminality that can destroy all that we have built within the last few years.”

The State Government, he said, has put in place adequate security measures to ensure a peaceful atmosphere in the state during the forthcoming general elections.

“It is only God that can give us peace in and out of the election period, and we trust that He is always faithful to do it for us,” he concluded.

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