Governors, NLC seek unity, equity, justice

EKITI State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has urged Nigerians and their leaders to imbibe the teaching of justice and equity for all men that the Lord Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohammed taught all men to observe.

In his Christmas and Malud Nabiyy message to the people of Ekiti and Nigerians at large issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Idowu Adelusi in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, the governor said without being fair to all, Nigerian leaders would not be able to take the country to the promised land.

Also, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has called on Christians to use this Christmas period to promote love, peace and unity.

Governor Wike, in a Christmas Message issued by his Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, urged the Christian faithful to remain committed to the worthy ideals exemplified by the birth of Jesus Christ as they celebrate the Yuletide.

The governor, who called on the people to pray for Rivers State and Nigeria, said the state would continue to grow from strength to strength as his administration is founded on God and the will of the people.
He, therefore, advised the people of the state to use the season to deepen their faith in God as He has the solution to all societal challenges.

In another development, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has thanked the people of the state for their love, support, best wishes and prayers in the last seven years as he celebrates his last Christmas with the people as governor of the state.

Also, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state has thanked the governor for his “unflinching commitment in the payment of workers’ salaries up-to-date,” adding that “you have clearly shown that you are a man of distinction who sees workers as assets and not liability.”

In his Christmas message to the people of the state, the governor said: “We started the year on a very difficult note and I am happy that we are finishing the year on a lot happier note.
“Of course there are challenges in the economy, there are challenges in the country, our main source of national resources has dropped to 11 years low, slightly above 30 dollars and one is not yet sure if it will not go lower than that.
“The good news is that Edo State civil servants received their December salaries on the 21st of the month and for me, that was important to ensure that those who truly live on salaries and wages are get paid.

On its part, the NLC in a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Ademokun, said: “On behalf of the leadership and members of the NLC, Edo State Council, we commend you for the journey so far.
“We want in a special way to thank you our Comrade Governor for your unflinching commitment in the payment of workers’ salaries up-to-date. Comrade Governor, you have clearly shown that you are a man of distinction who sees workers as assets and not liability.”

Fayose, who said that social justice and equity were vital to maintaining orderliness in the society and to give everybody a sense of belonging, further said: “Both the Lord Jesus and Prophet Mohammed whose birthdays we are celebrating at the same time, emphasised justice for all and equity in their messages and preaching. Though they were born in particular geographical areas, their messages were universal and they never saw themselves as being for a section of the society alone.

If we are truly concerned, whether as leaders or followers, for our country to achieve greatness, the way to do it is not to be sectional. We cannot see ourselves as being for Paul and not for Appolos. We must be for Nigeria, an indivisible entity and for all Nigerians irrespective of political, religious and ethnic differences.

While we wish ourselves happy celebrations of the two great events, we must not brush aside the fact that we must follow their teachings and really work for a brighter future. For the people of Ekiti State, despite the various challenges we are facing, we are ready to live up to expectation and do everything within our power to ensure a better state,” he said.

Fayose called on the people of the state to also be alive to their civic obligations of paying their taxes and rates promptly and fully, saying no government can survive without finance.
Governor Wike assured the people of the state that his administration working with all security agencies would ensure a peaceful celebration of the season.

He advised the privileged in the state to use the season to reach out to the less-privileged as a measure of deepening friendship and communal living.

Oshiomhole further said: “So I want to thank the good people of Edo State for the trust, confidence, friendship, and the spirit of conviviality that characterised our walk. I believe we have all made enormous sacrifices to keep this state going.
“That we are able to pay salaries and still meet our obligation to contractors is a result of our collective creativity, resourcefulness, doggedness and much importantly, the will to readily make sacrifices in order to keep Edo project going.
“I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a much more prosperous New Year.”