By Asuquo Cletus
The most senior Archbishop of Cross River State extraction, Josef Bassey, has warned that Nigeria cannot survive without the stabilizing role of the church
The clergy described the church as the nation’s “first government of hope” in the midst of social and political instability.
Speaking during a media parley in Calabar yesterday, which also coincided with his birthday,Archbishop Bassey said while many criticize the proliferation of churches across the country, the church remains the strongest pillar sustaining the Nigerian society.
“If the church pulls out today, Nigeria won’t survive,” he declared. “The only consistent voice of light, hope, encouragement and strength in this nation is the church. When people face crises, they may not reach their governor, senator or president, but they can always reach their church leader or community of faith.”
The cleric stressed that churches function as “community organizers” and provide a form of leadership that is voluntary and selfless, unlike political structures that thrive on compulsion. He argued that what many see as “too many churches” is in fact evidence of their effectiveness in filling the void left by failing institutions.
Bassey also used the occasion to unveil plans for the Premier Cross River Destiny Awards, billed for October 2, 2025, an event aimed at honoring individuals whose sacrifices have advanced the destiny of the state.
He explained that the awards will celebrate landmark contributions to the development of Cross River, while also inspiring future generations to embrace patriotism and selfless service.
According to him, Governor Bassey Otu will be honored for his role in “rebuilding the state from its darkest moments,” alongside other eminent personalities such as Chief Anthony Ani, Professor Kelvin Etta, and Sir Kanu Agabi.
“Great nations are not built by politicians or the military,” Bishop Bassey said. “They are built by patriots men and women who love their land enough to make sacrifices, sometimes even with their lives. That is why we must celebrate our heroes while they are still alive, not only when they are gone.”
He lamented that Nigeria’s youth in recent years have shown little willingness to fight for societal change, preferring “cheap comfort and leisure” over sacrifice, and called for a reorientation that will rekindle patriotism.
The cleric maintained that celebrating patriotism and selfless service would encourage more Nigerians to walk the difficult but rewarding path of nation-building.
Bassey, however, said his convictions are guided purely by his mandate as a servant of God and not by political calculations. He said he has always spoken truth to power, noting that he is accountable to God, not to men. According to him, the forthcoming awards are not political endorsements but recognition of individuals who have contributed to the prophetic destiny of Cross River State.
He dismissed suggestions of nepotism in recent government appointments, describing such allegations as “pure mischief,” and argued that Governor Otu acted within the law in appointing a new Head of Service. He recalled years of abuse in the state’s civil service under previous administrations, where people were recruited above entry levels and elevated to top positions in record time, stressing that the present government is consolidating on existing structures rather than wasting resources.
Responding to insinuations that honoring the governor could be seen as political endorsement ahead of 2027, Bassey said: “We are not talking about 2027. We don’t know what will happen then. What we are saying is that in the last two years, something has changed in the state. Institutions are being restored, hope has been revived, and transparency is returning to governance. It is only fair that when a leader gets it right, we acknowledge it.”
He insisted that he was not seeking any personal benefit from government, adding that for nearly 20 years he had organized events with leaders in attendance without collecting a dime. “There is nothing anybody can offer me. If I am hungry, my people will feed me. What I seek is the realization of Cross River’s prophetic destiny and Nigeria’s survival as a nation,” he said.
Bassey noted that when leaders fail, he would not hesitate to speak out, but when they succeed, they equally deserve to be recognized. He maintained that Nigeria’s survival ultimately depends on the church’s continued role as a voice of hope, truth and stability.
