The thanksgiving attracted thousands of worshippers, including the Cross River State government delegation…
By Patrick Abang
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Published on September 28, 2026
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3 min read
The General Overseers of Christian Central Chapel International, Archbishop Emmah Gospel Isong, has warned politician to desist from making reckless public utterances, saying such careless words could affect their lives and tenures.
Isong gave the admonition on Sunday during the 2026 Independence Day Thanksgiving Service held at the Faith Mansion World Centre, Christian Central Chapel International (CCCI), Ikot Eneobong, 8 Miles, Calabar, on Sunday, September 27.
The thanksgiving, which attracted thousands of worshippers, including the Cross River State government delegation, led by speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly (CRHA), Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem and State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, was held to thank God for Nigeria at 66 and intercede for those in authority.
In his sermon, the national publicity secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), said longevity is tied to tongue control.
“You want to live long, guide your tongue. Our political leaders are not exempt from the need to control their tongues and thoughts. After all, offices have tenures; after your tenure, you will go,” he stated, adding that while citizens can criticise government, they do not have the right to criminalise their leaders, and warned Christians against unforgiveness.
Cross River State Governor, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, has called on Nigerians to remain committed to peace, unity and the collective responsibility of building a nation that future generations will be proud to inherit.
The call was contained in a message delivered by the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, who represented the Governor at an interdenominational thanksgiving service held at the Christian Central Chapel, Ikot Ene-Obong, 8 Miles, Calabar, to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The Governor described the anniversary as an opportunity to appreciate God’s faithfulness and reflect on the sacrifices of past heroes. “Independence is more than the remembrance of a date in our history. It is a reminder of the sacrifices of those who came before us and of the responsibility placed on our generation to build a nation that future generations will be proud to inherit,” Otu said.
He noted that despite challenges since 1960, the Nigerian spirit has endured. “Nigeria has travelled a long road since 1960. Yet, through it all, the Nigerian spirit has endured. Our people remain resilient, enterprising and deeply committed to the hope of a better country,” he added.
Otu said his administration remains conscious of the work needed to improve lives through opportunities for youths, stronger education and healthcare, support for enterprise, improved infrastructure and increased investment.
Reaffirming his People First agenda, he stated: “We will continue to work deliberately towards a state where our people can live in peace, work with dignity and look to the future with confidence. But government cannot do this alone.”
