Christians Should Emulate Christ This Christmas – Ifeanyi Okowa

Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has come out to say that Nigeria and international communities can be at peace if Christians practise what Christ preached while on earth.

His Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika recently revealed this in a Christmas message, and Nigerians have been reacting.

According to him, the virtues that need to be shown during the festive period are peaceful coexistence, love, tolerance, and sacrifice, because Christians must strive and emulate wholly, the ways of Christ.

He added that as true followers of Christ, Nigerians and the world must avoid all forms of communal and religious clashes, armed robbery, kidnapping, militancy, armed banditry, terrorism e.t.c.

His words, “As the world celebrates Christmas, the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate all Christians for witnessing yet another yuletide.

“This year’s celebration calls for absolute sober reflection in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and the many challenges Nigeria had to grapple with within the course of the year.

“As the world begins to record a rather painful second wave of the pandemic, I advise Deltans and Nigerians to shun elaborate celebrations, limit gatherings, and use the festive period for total spiritual renewal as well as live peacefully and harmoniously with worshipers of other religions.

“As we celebrate, let us not forget to extend our hands of love and fellowship to our neighbours and the vulnerable in the society.”

“We must not also forget that we are brothers by reason of being one Nigeria and as such, we must learn to tolerate other people’s religious beliefs, political leanings, and cultural affiliations by living in peace and showing respect to one another.

“As I have always said, no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of insecurity as whenever there is a breakdown of law and order, funds that would have been deployed to building infrastructure and develop the economy have to be channeled towards procuring peace.

“Besides, it is common knowledge that insecurity stalls progress of ongoing projects in our cities and communities that are troubled.

“As Christians, we must use this period to pray for greater peace, love, unity, tolerance, and progress of our country.”