Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has challenged eligible citizens of the State who are yet to register for their Permanent Voters Card to take advantage of the 2 work free days declared for Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th June 2022 to register.
Governor Lalong who was speaking at monthly prayer and fasting held at the Government House Chapel Rayfield Jos said partipating in the democratic process is not just a civil responsibility but a spiritual one because God has given people the power to elect their leaders through choices in the ballot box.
He said it is not good for people to sit back and complain on the social media and elsewhere about bad governance but yet fail to take part in the process that brings in new leadership that will change the situation.
He said “Beyond prayers and fasting, we should also participate and do our part in ensuring that the right people are elected. Part of this is the performance of our civic duties of voting. That is why I approved work free days on Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th June to enable eligible citizens who have not yet obtained their Permanent Voters Card to do so. I charge all civil servants to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure that they register so as to be able to choose their leaders during the elections. Failure to participate automatically means that you will live with the choices of others whether it is good or bad. We have been assured that our votes will count because of the reforms in the electoral process particularly the new Electoral Act”.
He also used the opportunity to call on political actors and their supporters to go about campaigning and seeking electoral support in a civilized manner and according to the laws of the land. He urged them to shun toxic campaigns that promote fake news, hatred, division, intolerance and incitement.
According to him, the determination of all politicians should be to strengthen the peace of the State built over the years and ensure that whoever emerges victorious works for the general good of the society. Politics he said should never be seen as a do-or-die affair because at the end of the day, Plateau people are brothers and sisters and share the same heritage.
He said the prayer and fasting which is a very important spiritual exercise has been sustained over the years and continues to be of tremendous benefit for the well-being of Plateau State and Nigeria.
Deputy Chaplain of the Government House Chapel Rev. Dewan speaking on the role of the Holy spirit in the life of the believer said whenever the children of God gather to fast and pray, the opportunity to depend on God is evident and the need for total submission to his will and dependence on his guidance through the holy spirit.
He charged the people to always depend on no matter all the circumstances as even though things do not always go as anticipated, they should never be discouraged to think that God does not hear or care.
He emphasised that fasting and prayer exercise such should always deepen the faith of Christians on God’s ability to make all things work together for good in their favour tike the Bible states in Romans 8:28, “All things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to his purpose”.
Prayers were offered for the peace and security of Plateau State and Nigeria and the need for a successful elections.
