The Yobe state Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON has called on Christian faithful in the state to spread love, peace, and sacrifice as preached by Christainity.
He made the call in a Christmas message to Christain faithful celebrating the yuletide.
Gov. Buni said love, peace, and sacrifice should be seen, felt and enjoyed in the spirit of the Christmas festival, now and always.
“We thank God for the peace and progress we now enjoy in the state. We should continue to work and pray for improved and lasting peace in Yobe state, Nigeria, and the world, ” the governor emphasized.
He urged youths to shun drug abuse and other negative vices that are inimical to society and against the teachings of their religions.
Gov. Buni further called on all religious leaders to preach tolerance, peaceful coexistence, unity, and love for the world to be a better place for all.
“We should be our brothers keepers and make sacrifices to support each other, carry the less privileged, and give them a sense of belonging,” Governor Buni said.
The governor also cautioned against reckless driving during the festive period for a peaceful Christmas celebration.
He further directed the public to be cautious of persons and movements in their domains.
“You should remain vigilant and report suspicious persons and movements in your localities to the authorities for peace to continue to thrive in the state” governor Buni said.
Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno state has felicitated with Christians in the State and across the country at ongoing Christmas celebrations.
Zulum’s message was contained in a statement issued on Monday morning by his spokesman, Malam Isa Gusau.
Below is Governor Zulum’s message as he was quoted in the statement:
“I will like to felicitate with our Christian brothers and sisters in Borno State at the Christmas celebration. I will like us to also remember our history and how we have been tested by the challenges that confronted our state, especially since 2009. The security challenges we faced affected us as citizens, regardless of our faith. Boko Haram insurgents attacked dozens of mosques and churches as well as communities, killing Muslims and Christians at various times. They rendered many of our brothers and sisters homeless across the north, south and central parts of Borno State.”
“As Governor, I have, on numerous occasions, paid humanitarian and reconstruction visits to diverse communities of all faiths in the south, north and central because the attacks by insurgents mostly did not take religion into account. Everyone who did not share the Boko Haram ideology was a target, regardless of whether the victim was Muslim or Christian.”
“I have paid countless visits to communities in Chibok, Askira-Uba, Hawul, Biu, Gwoza, Monguno, Baga, Kala-Balge to mention but a few and at all times, my consideration has always been about critical humanitarian needs and not religion.”
“We have worked hard to rebuild and resettle communities with the consideration of fairness to the most affected portions of our 27 local government areas.”
“While majority of citizens seem to appreciate all that we are achieving together, there are few amongst us, who in recent times are trying to undermine our core values and the religious tolerance that exist across Borno State.
These few persons appear to ignore the truth that in Borno State there are many families with mixture of Muslim and Christian members, sometimes from same parents, yet living together in harmony.
“These few persons seem to forget our experiences and how we have tried to resist aggressors who wanted to tear us along religious lines.
“We must resist any attempt to divide us along religious lines, especially now that Borno is on the part of economic recovery, growth and development.”
“As Governor of Borno State, I pledge not to be distracted and I pledge to remain fair with the guiding principle of considering the urgency of humanitarian needs as they affect communities in all our continued responses across Borno State”.
By El Shaddai