Gov Bago Stirs Debate: Reasons Behind His Call For Christians To Skip Holy Pilgrimage This Year

Governor Bago delivered this message on Sunday during the 2024 state Christmas Carol, organized by the state government, urging the Christian community to exercise patience regarding this year’s pilgrimage to Israel, due to what he described as “the lack of peace in the Holy Land.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking through the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Afiniki Dauda, the governor stressed that the ongoing situation in the Middle East, especially in Israel, poses a significant risk to the safety of pilgrims.

He explained that he could not, in good conscience, support a journey that could endanger the lives of Christian pilgrims, stating, “I am not willing to issue tickets that could result in the death of our Christian brothers and sisters.”

The Christmas Carol, held at the Justice Legbo Kutigi International Conference Hall in Minna, was part of the activities to celebrate Christmas 2024, organized in collaboration with the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria.

“I urge the Christian faithful to be patient regarding this year’s pilgrimage to Israel due to the ongoing unrest in the region. Allowing pilgrims to travel there would be equivalent to signing their death warrants,” Governor Bago said. “The safety of our citizens is of utmost importance, and we will not compromise on that. I ask that they wait until peace returns to the Middle East.”

Meanwhile, Rev. Bulus Yohanna, chairman of the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), had earlier appealed to the governor to consider alternatives for Christians in the state, such as pilgrimages to Jordan/Israel, Turkey/Jordan, or Rome/Greece, citing federal opportunities for intending pilgrims.