Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, on Sunday, charged Nigerians to arm themselves with their Permanent Voters Cards so that they can vote for credible and trusted leaders in the 2023 general elections.
Governor Ortom gave the charge at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Gboko Road, Makurdi, while delivering his goodwill message at a church service to mark this year’s Christmas celebration.
He observed that the country is going through pain, hardship, economic and security woes because those elected to lead the country at various levels have failed to live up to their responsibility.
According to him, “The 2023 elections is the only opportunity we have. So those who are yet to collect their PVCs, please, I beg you in the name of God to do so because that is the only way you can exercise your franchise and restore hope and dignity to our country by electing leaders that have been tested and trusted who you can rely on and work with.
“One vote can make a difference. So if you want a change that will bring dignity and restoration to our country and promote economic development and add value to the development of humanity and restore security, that vote will count.”
Governor Ortom enjoined the people to ensure that they participate in the forthcoming elections, saying, “This time, there is no snatching of ballot boxes because it will not be there for anybody to snatch. BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System) will make a difference. And so your physical presence, [and] participation is very important.”
He further enjoined the people to remain firm and strong as they enter into the New Year, pointing out that with prayers, faith and works, Nigerians would experience the good life that they desire.
He added, “As I told you in 2020 the message that God gave me was that faith without work is dead. So whatever you want, it is important to ask God through prayers. Through having faith, through worship, through whatever in church but you must also do something on your own. To accomplish the faith that you have, you must also apply work and then He will perfect your ways.
“As we move into 2023, my prayer is that all of us will enjoy. Benue people will enjoy. Nigerians will enjoy. And let us be strong, let us be firm and let us be committed to those things that are just and fair. Those things provide equity, fairness and justice. Those things will promote righteousness. Those things that will make us truly children of the Almighty God.”
Ortom also prayed that “as we move into the New Year, God will give us a turn around that all our mind will be set to do the right thing so that together we can move our country forward.”
The governor was joined during the church service by the immediate past governor of the state, Senator Gabriel Suswam and his wife, Yemisi Suswam.
