Worshipers during the dedication of the Christian Legislators’ Fellowship Chapel in Calabar on Tuesday.
By Itam Offor
The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem has declared that the need to serve God the more prompted the erecting of the Christian Legislators’ Fellowship Chapel in the Assembly’s Complex in Calabar.
He pledged the commitment of the 10th Assembly to praising and honouring God for His blessings and mercy during the dedication of the Christian Legislators’ Fellowship Chapel and Musical Instruments on Tuesday at the complex.
Ayambem stressed the need to erect an altar for God in the Assembly in order to lay a solid foundation for the Legislature adding that the dedication of the Chapel marks a turning point for the 10th Assembly.
The Speaker, who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Nelly Ayambem, explained why he provided a place for a chapel in the Assembly complex stressing that he had a covenant of “no deaths” amongst the Members of the 10th Assembly.
He harped on the need for forgiveness while thanking the guest ministers, lawmakers and staff for their efforts in ensuring the success of the event.
“Purge your heart, forgive those who have offended you, move on. God has forgiven you several times so don’t follow those who have offended you. God is merciful to us, no Member will die like in past Assemblies”. He said.
Declaring the purpose for the Dedication Service, the Member representing Yala 2 State Constituency, who served as one of the Pastors in the fellowship, Hon Martins Achado, said it is to fulfil God’s expectation of pulling down evil altars and building Godly altars adding that an altar is a place of worship and supplication.
Lawmakers, Pastors and others at the dedication ceremony.
He maintained that Cross River State is blessed to have a Minister of God as governor.
“We are privileged to have a priest as our governor for the first time. As the 10th Assembly dedicates its altar to God, it becomes a door to unhindered access to God. We are turning Cross River State into a praying state. Overtime, we intend to move into various Local Government Councils, their Legislatures will also have altars. As prayers go up to Heaven from all over the state, blessings will definitely come upon our state.” Achado stated.
In a sermon before the dedication, the guest minister, Rev Theodore Effiong, who took his text from Judges 6 verses 12 to 26, noted that God is looking for people who can raise altars for Him after destroying satanic ones.
He added that Godly altars make people outstanding and move from glory to glory.
Rev. Effiong commended Governor Otu for reviving the State’s Solemn Assembly and applauded the Speaker for providing the Assembly a befitting place of worship.
“It’s a new season, when you serve God with all your might, He will lift you beyond your imagination”, he emphasised.
The service featured prayers, Choir rendition as well as praise and worship. Present at the service were the Deputy Speaker, Hon Sylvester Agabi, Deputy Leader, Hon Davies Etta, other Ministers of the Fellowship including; Rev Mercy Akpama, Evangelist Kingsley Ntui, Hon Samuel Neji Abang and Elder Bassey Bassey as well as the majority of the lawmakers.
