By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
Christians in the Taraba state have been called upon to pray for the state against the COVID 19 pandemic.
Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku made the call in a press statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicly Bala Dan Abu in Jalingo.
“Greet all Christians in Taraba State at Easter, and I wants them to be steadfast in prayers against COVID-19, for it is an important festival celebrated annually to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
According to him, the festival is a reminder to all Christians of the great sacrificial act of Jesus Christ, the only son of God, through which Gods grand plan for the salvation of mankind was actualised.
He said it was particularly gratifying that Christians the world over, had remained steadfast in their faith and belief in our Lord Jesus Christ, even in the face of the numerous adversities that the world is contending with today.
He describe this year’s Easter as unfortunate which coincided with the outbreak of COVID-19, a highly infectious disease that has not only claimed thousands of lives globally but has made gathering for religious worships involving large crowds of people inadvisable.
He disclosed that COVID-19 is today the biggest threat to humanity and in particular, the worship of God and called for a united and well coordinated action by people the world over to get the pandemic defeated quickly.
” I advise Christians not to despair in the face of the threat posed by the pandemic but rather take advantage of its coincidence with Easter to renew their relationship with God by becoming more prayerful and dedicated.
“Taraba State was particularly lucky not to have recorded any case of Coronavirus infection so far I attributed this to God’s divine protection and the cooperation of all Tarabans by observing the rules of behaviour being promoted through this administration’s sensitization drive – he said.
He urged the people to remain firm in their belief that Taraba will remain Coronavirus infection free to the end.
” I regretted the hardships caused by the lockdown which this administration had to impose to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus infection to the state but it was the best thing to do to protect lives.
” I want to thank the Tarabans for their understanding and resilience in the difficult circumstances foisted on the state and the country by COVID-19.
He said the pandemic is not yet over and, therefore, it is not yet time to relax as a people.
He pointed out that the threat it poses is very real and so as a government, it will continue to take proactive steps that may become necessary to prevent it from entering the state.
He commended Tarabans for their cooperation so far and urged them to continue to obey instructions on the restriction of movements, social distancing and personal hygiene.
” I urged Christians in the state not to be discouraged but be happy at Easter and wished them and all Tarabans God’s continued protection against Coronavirus infection – he added
Nasarawa Reporters 