By Tony Adibe
The Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in Enugu State, Nigeria Dr. Peter Mbah, has urged Christians to remember the poor, weak and less privileged as they celebrate the Christmas, insisting that giving and caring for others are the most important essence of the yuletide.
In a statement personally signed by him and issued by his media office on Saturday, Dr. Mbah congratulated Christians, Enugu citizens at home and in the diaspora, and Nigerians on the occasion of this year’s Christmas celebration.
Dr. Mbah said he was full of joy to identify and celebrate with Christians, especially Enugu citizens living across the globe, stressing that the message concerning the birth of Jesus “reminds us of the importance of the season and what is expected of us to do to our family, neighbours, friends, foes and humanity in general.”
While wishing Christians happy celebrations, Dr. Mbah stated that Jesus’ injunction key to us is to share love with one another, be compassionate in our everyday activity, extend helping hands to the less privileged in the society, imbibe the spirit of love, unity, solidarity, and peace.
He said: “As we celebrate this season, let us be reminded that we have been called to be bearers and doers of the message of Christ Jesus in our society. It is the message of renewed hope in humanity. It is the message of love for one another. It is the message of giving and caring for the poor, the weak, the vulnerable, the sick, the elderly, the less privileged, amongst us, and chiefly respect for everyone. People should see the Christ in us through our relationship with them. We should be able to reach out to them and be a reason for their celebration.”
Dr Mbah, who expressed optimism that 2023 will be a glorious year of hope and progress, called on the people of the state to join hands with him, keep their solidarity and support coming and join him on the journey of driving the state to greatness, transformation, exponential economic development, industrial revolution, new dawn of massive investments and job creation, and “a state which we will continue to proudly call our own”.
He further appealed to the people not to lose hope and faith in the nation as his blueprint, which he tagged “Manifesto, Statement of Purpose and Social Contract with Ndi Enugu,” has already worked out strategies on how to insulate the state from existential threats facing the country, address socio-economic hardships including poverty, unemployment and insecurity, while ushering in social equity, justice and inclusiveness.
While commending the government of Enugu State under Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for its giant strides in infrastructure, peace and security, workers’ welfare, Mbah also saluted the sacrifices made by illustrious sons and daughters of the state in areas of investment, exploits in education, science and technology, promising that his administration, if elected in the forthcoming election, will continue to forge more robust alliances with them to make the state a hub for economic activities and tourism through enabling environment for investment and business partnership.
“Once more, as we celebrate Christmas and inch towards the new year, I want to enjoin us to be tolerant, continue to live in peace, eschew all forms of violence, be your neighbour’s keepers, and keep your support for us coming. We appreciate the overwhelming support we have been receiving from you.
“Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. Congratulations,” the statement further reads.”
