Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State

As Christians all over the world are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the Beneue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has called on Nigerians to pray for rapid economic recovery and display love by shunning those things that would not add value to families, home and the society at large. This Governor gave the charge in the 2016 Christmas message signed by him.

He pointed out that Christmas is not only a time for celebration but also for sober reflection as individuals and as a people. He said it is appropriate for all and Christians in particular to reflect more deeply on the virtues and ideals which the Messiah stood for during his earthly mission.

The Governor reiterated the commitment of his administration to do the things that promote unity and development, prominent among which is the task of safeguarding lives and property in all parts of the state at all times. He promised to remain proactive and responsive in addressing the yearnings of the people as contained in the policy document, ‘Our Collective Vision for a New Benue’.

“I am optimistic that the current economic challenges will not last forever. This however, calls for concerted efforts by all citizens to invest wisely in the present and the future so as to avoid a repeat of the current difficult circumstances. The efforts this administration is making are aimed at repositioning the economy and empowering the people to depend less on government.”.

“Let me also restate our unflinching commitment to transparency, accountability and the rule of law. As I have said on many occasions, there is no sacred cow in my administration and we will continue to run an open-door and people-oriented government, a government that often tells its people the true position of resources of the state. This, we have been doing and so shall it be sustained.”

Ortom noted that security of lives and property will remain a priority of his administration. “As I have always emphasized, I will not surrender the state to criminals. We have intensified the war against hoodlums and I call on you the good people of the state to collaborate with us in this cause to ensure sustained peace in all parts of the state.”

“I urge you all to go about your normal businesses without molestation as security agencies have been mobilized to prevent any breach of peace during the Yuletide. I implore you to assist security personnel with timely and useful information to enable them apprehend criminals.”

“May this year’s celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ rekindle, strengthen and reaffirm our faith in our dear state.” He concluded