By Sunday Iduh
The Governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom has said that his administration has taken proactive measures to ensure that salary and pension arrears, which he inherited from past administrations are completely cleared.
He stated this Sunday at Full Gospel Revival Crusade Incorporated Nigeria premises, Near Austoma Filling Station, Gboko Road, Makurdi.
According to the governor, “if not for the obstacles placed on his way by the federal government, the issue of arrears of pensions and salaries would have long been settled.
“I inherited seventy billion naira of arears but it has been reduced drastically. We were owing the state workers seven (7) months arears. We have reduced it by two (2) months. We have domesticated the Pencom law in the state, in order to address the challenges of pension. So far, we have contributed over 4 billion naira. As soon as it gets to a certain threshold, we will be able to access funds and solve the pension issue.
“The Federal Government has denied the state the opportunities of what other states are getting, due to the path of truth that we have taken. We can not be intimidated into surrendering our lands.”
The governor described the General Superintendent of Full Gospel Revival Crusade Incorporated Nigeria, Rev. Thomas Ingya as a great source of inspiration to him and the church in the state as he preaches undiluted word of God.
“Continue to preach what God has given you to preach. The challenges we have in the country today is that, most people abandon their tasks and go about doing things that does not glorify God,” he said.
The governor encouraged believers to make the scripture their guide. “You have to hear and obey God. When you serve him faithfully, he will reach out to you,” he stated.
Earlier, in a sermon on the topic: “Mind your position, Rev. Ingya pointed out that God created man for his praise. “He put us in different positions. At every position we find ourselves, God must be praised,” he said.
Rev. Ingya, who read from John 1:10-11 and Revelation 3: admonished people not to derail from God when they are elevated in life, stating that a lot of people have become useless to the country as a result of prosperity.
He likened the behavior of so many people to that of a raven that was sent by Noah and did not return back because it found food and forgot the assignment.
The general superintendent described Governor Ortom as a true servant of God. “Time will not permit us to begin to recount all that you have done for us and the church. To say that we have benefited from your kindness is an understatement,” he stated.