Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has saluted soldiers who are celebrating Christmas battling insurgents in order to fully restore peace in his state.
He also extends his greetings to Christians all over the country.
In a message by his spokesman, Malam Isa Gusau, the Governor described “Christians in Borno as hard working, dedicated, peace loving and easy going fellow citizens,” who he wishes a memorable celebration.
He said: “I joyfully felicitate with our dear Christian brothers and sisters in Borno State who have, over the years, proved to be hard working, dedicated, peace loving and easy going fellow citizens. I urge the sustenance of these unique attributes and call on all citizens to remain united especially with the challenges we have faced together in over 12 years.
“I must commend the entire people of Borno State for showing a courage that is indomitable. Only indomitable people could have resisted the kind of challenge Borno has faced, and is still facing even though, to a comparatively lesser extent. I very strongly admire the courage in our people and the relentless determination to move on. I salute the good people of Borno State as I once again felicitate with our Christian brothers and sisters at Christmas.
“I am sure that, insha’Allah, our armed forces will remain focused to ensure a peaceful celebration and a peaceful living afterwards. Our armed forces from all security establishments deserve our respect, love, trust and prayers. They even deserve our empathy when we reflect and consider the fact that as we civilians think about how to celebrate the season, soldiers in particular and other security personnel as well as our volunteers are holding forth in front lines to keep off insurgents who never mean well, and who always want to ruin every joyous moment.”
He however urged fellow citizens to remain prayerful for the victories of our troops, and an end to the insurgency.
Zulum was quoted in the statement to have said: “We should pray hard with the hope that coming in any future celebration, troops should be able to celebrate with their families. May God grant us peace in Borno, the rest of the northeast and the whole of Nigeria. Merry Christmas to our brothers and sisters all over Borno State and Nigeria.”