Christmas: Bauchi Governor Rejoices with Christians, Calls on Fellowship with other Adherents
By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has urged Christian communities in the state to use the period of Christmas celebration to extend hands of fellowship to adherents of other religions for peace, harmony and security in the society.
The call, contained in his Goodwill message on the occasion, joined millions of Nigerians in congratulating Christians on this year’s Christmas celebration.
The Governor tasked Christian brothers and sisters to reflect on the life and times of Jesus Christ who used the whole of his life time to preach peace, honesty, love and fear of God.
According to him, these are indeed, virtues that people are expected to emulate irrespective of their religious beliefs, adding that, Christmas period should be an opportunity for Christians to cultivate the habit of love, respect and harmonious relationship with other members of the society.
He reiterated the need for mutual understanding and respect for one another as well as peaceful coexistence among other various groups.
“I want to use this auspicious occasion to on behalf of myself and the entire people of Bauchi State, extend my warm and sincere gratitude and goodwill to Christian brothers and sisters.”
“As we celebrate Christmas, we should also reflect on our routine activities since the last Christmas, and to use this occasion to pray to God for better things ahead.”
In line with the teachings of Christ, Governor Mohammed called on Christians to strive to be brothers keepers during the Christmas and beyond as it goes without saying that, many of compatriots in the IDPs and other situation of extreme poverty, can do with some show of love and charity.
The governor who said his administration is committed at ensuring the safety of lives and property of all people residing in the state, noted that, it has demonstrated that through support and effective liaison with security agencies.
“I am glad to inform you that inspite of some security challenges, such as kidnapping/abduction, cattle rustling, insurgency etc, our State is today the safest in the North-East and one of the safest in the country. We will, by the grace of God, continue to ensure that peace is maintained in the State.”
With this development, Governor Bala Mohammed appealed to all and sundry to support and cooperate with the state government by giving useful information on criminals and criminal activities.
He pleaded with pastors to use the period to preach against the recruitment of youth into inglorious criminal activities where they often end up as losers for life while the larger society bear the scars of their peril.
On COVID-19 pandemic, the governor enjoined churches to be in the forefront of the vanguard to vanquish the pandemic by constantly reminding followers of the need to adhere to the NCDC protocols of physical distancing, hand sanitation, wearing of face masks among others.