Cross Rivers State Governor Suspends Prayers In Schools

Cross River state governor, Ben Ayade Governor Ayade in a letter signed by Mrs Anne O. Odey, the permanent secretary, state Ministry of Education, dated Wednesday, October 21, said the suspension of prayers will subsist till further notice, Daily Trust reports. The governor also ordered that all teachers with effect from next year must be in suits during official hours. The directive which was sent to all zonal heads in the state said: “The ministry hereby directs all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state to suspend all assemblies (morning and afternoon) till further notice.” All school heads were directed to comply strictly or risk sanctions. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in reaction to the new development, signed by Archbishop J. E. Ukpo, the state chairman and Apostle Iwara Oleh Obeten, the state secretary said such directive was completely unacceptable. The christian group said the order would negatively affect the upbringing of children and urged the state government to immediately withdraw the directive. The politician stated this when he spoke with the state house journalists after his meeting with the country leader in Aso Rock. Ayade spoke about his negative attitude towards privatization calling it an “unacceptable” exercise.