The Senate President, Senator David Mark, has tasked Benue indigenes to foster peaceful coexistence even as he said that “it is the foundation for the attainment of socio-economic development,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
He made the call on Sunday at Gbajimba in Guma Local Government Area of the State at the 50th birthday celebration of the Minister of State, Trade and Investment, Mr Samuel Ortom.
Mark, represented by the Minister of Interior, Mr Abba Moro, said that the incessant outbreak of violence had slowed down the pace of development in the State.
He advised the people to change their negative behaviours and develop positive attitude in the overall interest of the State.
Mark, however, warned against criticisms borne out of malice and added that it was unhealthy for the State.
Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam at the occasion also advised the people to refrain from unnecessary criticisms and channel such energies toward productive ventures.
He complained that “instead of engaging in constructive criticisms, some people take delight in condemning leaders’’ and added that in spite of such criticisms he would remain focused.
The Governor promised to construct the road connecting Daudu with Gbajimba before the next rainy season.
The Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga, who attended the ceremony, described Ortom as a team player who had passion to serve people.
He described Ortom as “a God fearing man who performs his assignments with lots of zeal and dedication’’.
The Guest Speaker, Senator Jack Gyado, advised Ortom not to relent in helping the less privileged and added that he would continue to grow from strength to strength “so long as he does not deviate from carrying out his social responsibility activities’’.