Ayatse’s election as AOCTRON President will bring unity – Ortom

By Matthew Ajai-Kume
Governor Samuel Ortom has expressed hope that the election of the Tor Tiv, HRM, Prof. James Ayatse, as what would usher in the desired unity and development of the country.
He made this known Tuesday when Tor Tiv who is also the National President and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Association of Christian Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, paid him a courtesy visit in the New Banquet Hall, Benue People’s House, Makurdi.
The Benue State Governor maintained that, the elevation of the Tor Tiv to such exalted spiritual position in the country is a feat made possible by the Almighty God.
Governor Ortom applauded and acknowledged the commitment of the Tor Tiv to up lifting of the state particularly as the father of Tiv, chairman Benue State Council of Chiefs and his impact and contributions for the peace and security of the state as a member of the State Security Council.
In an address, the National President and Chairman, Board of Trustees, AOCTRON, Prof. Ayatse, thanked God for his election.
He commended Governor Samuel Ortom for his commitment for the up lift of the state especially the step he took to dedicate the state to God noting that, his election came as a result of the feat.
“This election came as a result of the prayers of the people of the state and the backing by God and Governor Ortom who encouraged me to accept the position if need be” he stressed.
The Tor Tiv acknowledged the welcome accorded him by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Benue State Chapter and the official organization of the thanksgiving service for him, while he urged all to sustain prayers for him to succeed.
He said the challenges before him are enormous, stressing that, with God and the support of the people of the state especially the Christian community through encouragement and advises, he would surely succeed.
He called on Christians in particular to sustain prayers for him, the country, Benue State as well as the success of the Ortom’s administration which is working hard for both the spiritual and physical development of Benue State. I did not call for the position, but God Himself made it possible for me to occupy the position, for this ,I will do every spiritually possible to up lift the association and Nigeria as a country,” he noted.
Meanwhile, at the thanksgiving service organized by CAN, Benue State in honour of the Tor Tiv for his election which held Tuesday at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Square, Makurdi, Governor Ortom prayed God to lead the Tor Tiv in order to enable him succeed in the big tasks ahead as the National President and Chairman Board of Trustees of AOCTRON.
The Governor said ,the election of the Tor Tiv to the two great positions is a sign that, God is still working positively to up lift Benue State while he urged all to work towards the transformation of the state
Speaking at the thanksgiving service, Tor Tiv, Prof.James Ayatse said the association is not after fighting religious war but to cooperate in order to up lift the kingdom of God, peace and development of Nigeria.
Prof. Ayatse said the association would summon traditional rulers for prayer meeting very soon to pray for the peace and progress of Nigeria.
“This association is not for the division of the country but to forge a Christ like avenue of unity and development of the country” he said.
In their separate goodwill messages, Tor Lobi, Chief Moses Anagende and Ad’Apa and Agatu, Chief Baba Odangla said the election of the Tor Tiv on the position will not only attract spiritual blessings into the country but also impact greatly to the economic development of Nigeria and Benue State in particular.
Also speaking, the President General, Mdzough U Tiv, Mr Iorbee Ihyagh, expressed joy over the election of the Tor Tiv as the National President and Chairman of Board of Trustees of the association while he prayed God to guide and protect him.