Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has expressed appreciation to the people of the state for the support they have given him through his eight year tenure.
Governor Ortom spoke Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 at the headquarters of the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, Makurdi during the formal handing over ceremony from Rev. Akpen Leva to Bishop Wilfred Anagbe.
He pointed out that his eight years as Governor of Benue State was rough and tortuous but the support of the people, especially the Christians through prayers and encouragement has ensured that he was not consumed by the challenges.
The Governor said, "For me, I came, I have seen, I have worked hard and I have done what I could and I am grateful to God for helping me. It is not an easy thing to be Governor for eight years. I also thank the people of Benue for standing with me and supporting me through the rough roads that I have found myself."
While expressing hope that the incoming administration would take over from where he stopped in providing purposeful leadership to the state, Governor Ortom urged the people and members of CAN to extend the same support they had given him to the new administration.
The Governor thanked the outgoing chairman of CAN in Benue, Rev. Leva for the efforts he made in keeping the church together, describing him as a "workaholic, a courageous man and someone with deep love for God."
In his words, the Governor said, "I have worked with him closely for the past eight years of my Government and I have seen the anointing on his life and commitment in ensuring that the things of God are carried out in the most efficient manner."
The Governor lauded the process that led to the emergence of Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Catholic church as CAN Chairman, pointing out that his support to the outgoing administration had ensured that "There was peace, love and togetherness in the association."
In his remarks, the outgoing CAN Chairman, Rev. Leva expressed appreciation to Governor Ortom for the support he has given the association over the years, saying it was largely responsible for him handing over a highly united association to the new leadership.
The former CAN Chairman who also commended leaders of the church for their advice to him and the incoming CAN leadership, however cautioned them against making comments that would promote disunity and create bad blood.
Rev. Leva who said he had no doubt that the new leadership has the capacity to build on the foundation he has laid, particularly enjoined them to expedite action on the 30 room hostel at the premises of the secretariat, which Governor Ortom had laid the foundation.
The new Benue State CAN Chairman and Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe expressed appreciation to Governor Ortom and his Government for the cordial working relationship with the church.
Bishop Anagbe however said his team would work to protect the sanctity of the church and promised not only to "Stand on the side of Christians but on the side of every oppressed Nigerian and on the side of victims of injustice."
The Bishop also said, "We will be resolute but not deliberately antagonistic. We shall maintain a harmonious and collaborative working relationship with secular authorities in the areas that will bring peace and progress in the state."
Earlier, Bishop Mike Angou who preached on the topic, "Going up by the good hands of God" advised Christians to always allow God into their affairs so that he can lift them up and take them to higher and exalted places.
Nathaniel Ikyur
Chief Press Secretary
May 2nd, 2023
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