Cross River State Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Hon Peter Odey, was among hundreds of guests that converged at the Holy Family Catholic Church, Ikom, for the Thanksgiving Mass in honour of Nigeria’s Sports Development Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh, on Saturday
The Deputy Governor represented the Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, at the well attended ceremony.
The celebrant and Nigeria’s Sports Development Minister, Sen. John Owan Enoh, while thanking God for his very remarkable political journey, praised the Governor of Cross River State whom he said had demonstrated uncommon leadership in his first term and deserved to be supported, debunking rumours of his 2027 gubernatorial ambition by stating simply, “there is no vacancy 2027 in Peregrino House”.
Speaking earlier at the thanksgiving mass, the Bishop of Ogoja Diocese, Bishop Donatus Edet Akpan, admonished the minister to remember that the people he is chosen to lead are God’s children and he must strive to lead them well. The Bishop commended Sen. John Owan Enoh for his consistency in politics stating that the politician had accepted his fate in the past when he lost elections and when he won.
He praised the decision to come home for Thanksgiving to God instead of using the resources for personal projects. The Bishop said Thanksgiving was a recognition of the fact that all authority comes from God and those who get their authority from other sources will lose it soon.
The event was attended by representatives of the Governors of Enugu and Ebonyi States, Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District at the Red Chamber, Distinguished Senator Eteng Jonas William, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem and members of the House, Member representing Obanliku/Bekwerra/Obudu Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Peter Akpanke.
Others were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh and members of the State Executive Council as well as other top government functionaries among others.
Highpoints of the ceremony were performances by legendary artist, Sunny Neji, and Nollywood actor, Okon Lagos, among others.