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Neiphiu Rio speaking at a thanksgiving service in Kohima on Sunday.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, March 10 (EMN): The People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) government conducted a programme on Sunday at the State Banquet Hall in Kohima where the members thanked God for the alliance completing one-year governance in Nagaland.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in his address thanked God for guiding the government till date. "We are aware of our weaknesses. We are not worthy to have this privilege of representing our people, but it is God’s blessings, His faithfulness, and through His grace that we are given this privilege to serve our people."
Rio acknowledged the commitment and support from the alliances members, various agencies, bureaucrats etc., during the one-year period. He also acknowledged the ‘prayers of the believers who had been consistently praying for the Nagas and the leaders.’
“We thought we should have a thanksgiving service for all that God has done for us in completing one year," Rio said. He assured of PDA's commitment to implement and work towards achieving the 'many promises' made during its induction.
Rio called upon the people to help the government bring positive change in the state. Stating that there are lots of negativity in the state, Rio expressed dismay over the "pessimistic" attitude of the people. "We don’t talk what is good but only debate or talk what is bad," he said.
Concerning the Nagaland government’s attempt to make the state plastic-free, the chief minister said that "we could not achieve the plastic-free objective, because we could not bring in the substitute." However, he said that the state government was trying to make it possible.
Citing the declarations made by villages—proclaiming their respective areas tobacco-free or as green villages, or even taking up environmental activities—the chief minister said those were indications that positive things are starting to happen in the state. Together we can make a real change for the better, Rio added.
He went on to say that in a democratic country, "we are public servants and public are our masters and therefore if we remain too high and don’t connect with the masters, then we are detached." He said this while referring to the VIP culture. At the same time, he said people could also provide suggestions to the government.
He encouraged his colleagues to re-dedicate themselves to God, to the people, and to the service of the people.
The deputy chief minister of Nagaland, Y Patton in his speech said that the past one year had been "successful and fulfilling.”
The PDA government was formed on mutual respect and trust among its partners with a commitment to provide strong and stable government, good governance to the people, Patton said.
"Trust, mutual respect, and unity are three essential requirements to make a coalition government strong and effective. So long as the responsibility is cast upon us, we will possess these qualities,” Patton remarked.
He encouraged the leaders to re-affirm, re-dedicate to work harder and better, to ensure the development of the state.
Minister of Agricultural and Cooperation, G Kaito Aye in his short speech encouraged the leaders to “look to God and work.” Simply giving thanks to God without realising one’s responsibility will not make one a worthy leader, he said.
Minister of Public Works Department, Tongpang Ozukum encouraged the leaders to “continue to remain humble, accountable and grounded, and strive to bring about the change that we have envisioned.”
With the completion of one year, he reminded the leaders to “introspect and be proud of our achievements and at the same time, be mindful of the loopholes that we have encountered in the past few months.”
The chairman of PDA, Chingwang Konyak; advisor of the department of Economics and Statistics, L Khumo Khiamniungan also delivered short speeches. Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Kohima, Keviyiekielie Linyü shared the word of God during the service, while Pastor H Moba Konyak led the programme.
The service also witnessed performances from the Sanctuary Choir of Union Baptist Church, Kohima; Nourhengunuo Zatsu; Kohima Lotha Baptist Church choir, and Zaseto Sasü and friends.