There was confusion yesterday when Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, cried profusely during a fasting and prayer galore to dedicate the state to God, saying the agrarian state was facing numerous unsettled challenges and appealed for deliverance.
The fervent prayerful meeting was organized by the state government in conjunction with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to mark the celebration of Democracy Day in the state.
This came just as workers in the state blatantly refused to attend the ceremony over the non-payment of their salaries, saying they could not pray on empty stomach.
The ceremony was held at the popular IBB Square Makurdi and was attended by men and women from all facets of life. Governor Ortom’s deputy, Benson Abounu, and their wives, as well as former minority leader in the 7th National Assembly, Senator George Akume graced the occasion.
The state chairman of CAN, Pastor Akpen Leva, explained that the prayers became imperative because of the numerous challenges faced by the state which, he said, needed to be eradicated through God’s intervention.
The presiding priest, Pastor Gbila Akanni, in his preaching urged christians to pray for the deliverance of the state and said only by so doing could the blessings of God enhance rapid development for the poverty stricken state.
However, a civil servant who simply gave his name as John, said, “Many of the workers have refused to attend the celebration because we are hungry and our salaries are not being paid.”
Addressing the gathering, Ortom said the people needed to toe the righteous path in order to surmount the economic and political challenges faced by the state. He said the prayers were to enter into covenant with God to forgive the negativities of the state.
Ortom further said the payment of salaries and allowances of workers remained the priority of his administration but noted that the wages were being owed due to dwindling federal allocations. He insisted that the backlog would be cleared as soon as the economy improves.
Source: Leadership News
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