Bello Receives CAN Leadership at Christmas »

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has described the Christian Community as a major stakeholder in his administration and instrumental to the giant strides recorded in the State so far.

Governor Bello who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Edward Onoja, made this known when he received the State Chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN Leadership which paid him a Courtesy Visit at the Government House, Lokoja, yesterday.

Speaking on behalf of the Group, the State CAN Chairman – Bishop John Ibenu drew a clue from Romans 13 verse 1, explaining that the umbrella body has over the years, acted according to the dictates of the Bible which all Christians are bounded by to become subjects to authorities as there was none which God did not establish.

Bishop Ibenu, who praised Governor Bello for establishing the Government House Chapel, described the act as one of the Governor’s numerous acts of fellowship across religious divides, a factor which he said was responsible for the overall tolerance, peace and unity being enjoyed in the state. He commended the financial prudence of government in meeting its fiscal responsibilities which earned her the recent national acknowledgement.

The clergyman expressed regret over the outbreak of the Coronavirus and months of lockdown which provoked attacks on warehouses and health facilities by hoodlums. He however praised Governor Bello for his resolve and steadfastness to keep the state secured and working in those trying times, assuring that the Christian body will continue to cooperate with the government in achieving the best for the state.

“On our part as an Association, and as messengers, we would keep collaborating with government and even relevant Islamic groups to improve the security apparatus in the State,” he said.

Bishop Ibenu thanked Governor Bello for his laudable civil service reforms and prompt payment of workers’ salaries in recent months.

Other requests such as the building of CAN State Secretariat and construction of an alternative road at Barracks which is the Krusher, to give an access route during flood at the Ganaja road axis as well as the improvement and remodeling of policies to benefit the every Kogite took the front burner of requests by the Group during the Visit.

Responding, Chief Onoja thanked the delegation for sharing in the joy of the Yuletide with the State Government.
He announced that the Christmas Service was earlier held at the Government House Chapel, adding that Governor Bello continues to exemplify leadership of equity and fairness irrespective of religious affiliation.

He explained that Governor Bello’s daring steps has put the State even on a more reputable level given the data recently released by the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission which ranks Kogi State high on Investments.

“By mere human reasoning, investors are likely to put their money in a state that was not shutdown during the pandemic than a state that totally locked it’s doors to them,” he said.

Chief Onoja challenged the alleged Second Wave of the coronovirus as widely circulated, questioning how effectively the new vaccine can arrest the new strain.

According to him, “Governor Bello, my friend and Siamese twin is a leader who means what he says, and says what he means. He has shown that he a potent material and ready for even greater responsibilities.”

He noted that the State is still counting its losses on the attack on the State Medical Facilities by hoodlums, but given that the Sector is second in the thematic resolve of Governor Bello, he is positive the state will weather through the storms.

He promised to convey other requests clearly presented to the Governor for his final commendation, calling for prayers to God for peace and economic prosperity of the State.