Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, on behalf of his family and the Government, has encouraged all Benue people and Nigerians in general not to lose hope in project Nigeria but to continue to work together to build an indivisible Nigeria.
The Governor gave the advice in a goodwill message to Benue citizens and Nigerians to celebrate the 2021 Christmas marking the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
The Governor said the yearly commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ signifies the love God has for mankind.
According to him, this is an opportunity for all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, political or religious affiliation to come together and work consciously to dislodge the terrorist forces destabilising the country.
Governor Ortom regrets the painful activities of these terror groups have wrecked on the political, economic and social life of Nigerians and dragged the country to its knees.
“As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, let us celebrate as one big Nigerian family with love and care for one another. Let us avoid divisive tendencies where religion, ethnicity and political have eaten deep into our lives. This is not the Nigeria we looked forward to.”
He went on, “This season presents to us, a unique time to share love genuinely, first to our immediate families and also to the larger Nigerian family where we speak and act for the unity of country irrespective of our political or religious differences. We must not allow this criminality by terrorists and their sponsors to continue and destroy our nation. Lets come together to end it now for the benefit of our children and future generations.”
While admonishing Christians to pray for the peace, harmony and tolerance of the country, Governor Ortom also encourage them to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari, State Governors, members of the National Assembly as well as ministers and all those in positions of authority for the peace of the country.
A statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nathaniel Ikyur, coats the governor as admonishing Benue people to be security conscious and at alert as they celebrate during the festivity; saying given the recent security alert raised by security agencies, Benue people should be conscious of their environment now.
“Let residents report suspicious movements of people to the security agencies so that together, we can fish out the bad eggs amongst us.”
He assured that his administration has taken proactive measures in collaboration with security agencies in the state to guarantee a hitch-free Christmas and New Year celebration and appreciates the state civil servants and the senior citizens for their understanding and the cordial relationship they have shown towards government.
He prays that this year’s Christmas celebration may reinforce the faith of the people in God and make Nigeria a better place for everyone to live. #