Cross river governor suspends perm sec for halting prayer in schools

It appears that the Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade, has suspended the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Eyam Abeng, for allegedly halting a prayer session in schools.

According to reports, the Permanent Secretary had instructed teachers to stop conducting prayer sessions in schools, citing the need to separate church and state. However, this decision was met with opposition from some religious leaders and parents, who felt that it was an attempt to suppress religious freedom.

The Governor, in a statement, accused the Permanent Secretary of acting unilaterally and without consulting him or other stakeholders. He also claimed that the decision was not in line with the state's policy on religious freedom.

The suspension of the Permanent Secretary is seen as a move to placate the religious leaders and parents who were upset by the decision. The Governor has also ordered an investigation into the matter to determine the facts and take appropriate action.

This development highlights the sensitive nature of religious issues in Nigeria, where there are often tensions between the government and religious leaders. It also underscores the importance of ensuring that religious freedom is protected and respected in the country.

Here are some possible implications of this development:

1. Tensions between the government and religious leaders: The suspension of the Permanent Secretary may lead to further tensions between the government and religious leaders, who may feel that their rights are being suppressed.
2. Protection of religious freedom: The incident highlights the need for the government to ensure that religious freedom is protected and respected in the country. This includes allowing individuals to practice their religion freely, without interference from the government.
3. Importance of consultation: The incident also underscores the importance of consultation and collaboration between the government and stakeholders, including religious leaders, in making decisions that affect the public.
4. Potential for further conflict: The suspension of the Permanent Secretary may lead to further conflict between the government and religious leaders, which could have negative consequences for the state and the country as a whole.

Overall, the suspension of the Permanent Secretary is a complex issue that highlights the need for careful consideration and consultation in making decisions that affect religious freedom and the rights of individuals.