By Archibong Emmanuel
Archbishop Emmah Gospel Isong has warned political leaders to desist from making reckless public utterances, saying such careless words could affect their lives and tenures.
Isong gave the admonition yesterday during the 2026 Independence Day Thanksgiving Service held at the Faith Mansion World Centre, Christian Central Chapel International (CCCI), Ikot Eneobong, 8 Miles, Calabar.
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), 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 Vice President South-South Zone 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. He added that while citizens can criticise government, they do not have the right to criminalise their leaders, and warned Christians against unforgiveness.
Isong also cautioned against celebrating others’ downfall, saying, “You cannot pray for your neighbour’s fall only to kneel down and begin to pray to God for your upliftment.”
In his reaction, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, CRHA, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, who spoke on behalf of the state governor, Bassey Otu, stated that Cross River State cannot be reduced to a subject of ridicule. “Cross River State shall rise again. As we pray for our nation at 66, we should pray for wisdom and good health,” Otu maintained.
