Governor Lalong and his wife, Regina sing at the Carol night
By Anthony Maliki
It was a night of colour and glamour as various choral groups performed at thec 2021 Carol of 9 lessons organised by the Government House Chapel, Jos to mark the Christmas celebration.
Governor Simon Bako Lalong who was accompanied to the event by First Lady Mrs. Regina Lalong said the Christmas season is one that continues to maintain its relevance to not only Christians, but people of other faiths.
This was contained in a statement by Dr. Makut Simon Macham, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State to Apex News Exclusive.
He said “This season is one that rekindles our hope in Christ and in our Nation despite the challenges that we are passing through. Rather than be overwhelmed, we have to be strengthened by the fact that Christ came to the world to give us assurance of victory and hope”.
Lalong urged Nigerians not to despair because during his mission on earth, Jesus Christ passed through many tribulations and also warned his followers to expect similar challenges in their journey of faith. The most important legacy Christ left to the world according to him is the assurance of victory over the devil and eternal salvation.
Lalong said Plateau State has so much to thank God for because of it recorded a lot of victories despite the challenges from Covid-19 pandemic and the breach of peace witnessed in some Local Government Areas. God he said gave the Government the grace to contain the situation and restore peace within a short time.
He said “As believers, it is our duty to ensure that we follow His footsteps by embracing people from every background and tolerating one another. Our stand as a Government is that so long as people are ready to abide by the laws of the land and respect the culture and traditions of Plateau State, they are welcome to live and pursue legitimate businesses in the State”.
He warned that his Government will never tolerate criminals who come to destabilise the State through their criminal activities with some using religion, ethnicity and politics to further create crises in the State in order to pursue their selfish ends. He said they will never be allowed room to turn Plateau State to a crises zone.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda said the season of Christmas provides another opportunity for people to forgive and share their wealth with one another. He also urged Nigerians to pray for their leaders.
In a goodwill message on behalf of heads of security agencies, the GOC 3rd Armoured Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven Gen. Ibrahim Ali said the Governor has directed security agencies to carry out robust deployment of personnel and also ensure that they dominate critical flashpoints to prevent crimes from taking place.
He urged the citizens to continue to love one another, expose criminals, remain vigilant and pray for the peace and unity of the nation.
In their remarks, Acting Chief Judge of Plateau State Justice David Mann, Representative of the State Traditional Council, and the Vice Chairman of CAN Plateau State all said the essence of Christmas is for love and unity which is rooted in the lifestyle of Jesus who essentially came to save the world.
Chairman PFN Plateau State Rev. Steve Dangana prayed for the Governor, President and other leaders of the nation.
