Religious tolerance in Benue will be sustained – Ortom

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to the sustenance of religious tolerance in the state.

Governor Ortom stated this on Sunday, August 21st, 2022 at the Thanksgiving Mass to mark the 15th Priestly anniversary of Rev. Fr. Amos Mbachie and his classmate, Fr. Peter Paleve held at the Good Shepherd Catholic Chaplaincy, Benue State University, Makurdi.

The Governor noted that Benue has remained a state where there is religious harmony, with everyone peacefully practicing their faiths without any incidents of intolerance.

He particularly acknowledged the contributions of the Catholic Church in adding value to the development of the state.

The Governor pointed out that apart from the propagation of the gospel, the Catholic Church has positively contributed in the areas of healthcare delivery, education as well as moulding young people.

Governor Ortom also urged Benue people to stand united and fight a common cause devoid of politics, stressing that the security of lives and property of the people of was beyond partisanship.

He restated his commitment to delivering on his mandate, saying blackmail and victimization will not distract him from serving the people and pledged to finish strong in governing the state.

Governor Ortom further enjoined Benue people to actively participate in the forthcoming general election by electing God-fearing and selfless leaders who would steer the affairs of the country.

While congratulating the celebrants on their 15th Priestly anniversary, the Governor prayed to God to grant them more years in good health and grace to continue serving in His vineyard.

The Vice Chancellor, Benue State University, Professor Tor Iorapuu in his remarks, acknowledged Governor Ortom and his wife as alumni members of the university, stating that the Governor has accorded priority to the university’s needs.

He also lauded the Governor for always granting the university access to him, stressing that the Governor has never interfered with the running of the institution.

Earlier in a homily, the Chaplain, Good Shepherd Catholic Chaplaincy, Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula challenged Christians not to be used as a tool in the hands of the devil to destroy the country.

He emphasized that evil will only prevail if Christians will not pray enough to conquer the devil and prayed to God to restore the country to its glorious days.

The clergyman charged the celebrants, Fr. Mbachie and Fr. Paleve to cherish the priesthood and not be afraid to proclaim the word of God to the people, urging them to lead their lives as a source of blessing to others.

The celebrants, Fr. Mbachie and Paleve in separate remarks, commended Governor Ortom for his resilience in tackling the security challenges confronting the state, pointing out the Governor’s humanitarian intervention in the treatment of victims of snake bites.

Fr. Mbachie who described the Governor as a “model of courage and voice of conscience” in the country, encouraged him to remain firm and undaunted and prayed to God to always protect the Governor.

The PDP Deputy Governorship candidate, Sir John Ngbede, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Ngbea, Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals, Hon. Bernard Unenge, Chairman, BIRS, Mrs. Mimi Adzape-Orubibi, PDP State Secretary, Dr. Joe Nyam, Rt. Hon. Terngu Tsegba among others accompanied Governor Ortom to the thanksgiving Mass.