Cultism: Akwa Ibom consults religious leaders

The Akwa Ibom state government has renewed it call on religious leaders and faith-based organisations to partner with the administration in its determination to rid the state of cultism and other forms of criminality in order to make the state an investor’s haven and a safe place for residents.

Udom Emmanuel, the governor, made the call during his interaction with religious leaders under the aegis of “Spiritual Fathers’ Forum, who visited him on Tuesday.

Emmanuel, who lamented over cultism among the youths, particularly in secondary institutions in the state, pointed out that cult activities will not be tolerated in an otherwise peaceful state.

“I want to thank you for the support in the war against cultism, let me say that every reported anti- social activities in the state is from the backdrop of cultism. The armed robbers we arrested last weekend, very young boys and100% of them confessed to being cultists,” he said.

He advised such personalities to serve as role models to the youths, saying his administration would not fold its hands and watch few “disgruntled elements” disrupt the peace being enjoyed in the state.

Emmanuel said his administration is set to revitalise the educational sector to provide skills and prepare youths for meaningful livelihood.

“We want to declare total war on education so we need the support of the Ministers of gospel because we will rejigged the curriculum that we are using now and bring in an intermediate education,” he said.

“We have refurbished Technical College at Ikot Adaidem which will take on skills in carpentry, plumbing , etc and we are trying to see who we can partner and then we will bring in a new legislation for Nung Ukim to turn it to an intermediate school which will prepare our youths for the proper technologically driven ICT oriented University that we want to run.

“I really want to thank the fathers of faith for prayers I’ve received , i don’t think any Governor has received such prayers both in and outside Nigeria and by the grace of God we will succeed.”

Earlier, Sunday Mbang, leader of the delegation and chairman Spiritual Fathers’ Forum, Akwa Ibom chapter, lauded the achievements of the state administration evident in the infrastructural renaissance across the state and thanked the governor for the rejigged of educational curriculum in the state.