By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
As the people of Akwa Ibom State joined brethrens in Christendom world-wide to celebrate the joy and goodwill brought about by the birth of Jesus Christ, Governor Umo Eno has advised the citizens to go beyond Greek gifts to reaching out and lift up those who may have fallen on the rough edges of life.
The governor, who expressed this in his Christmas day message to the people on Monday, noted that Christmas is a day to celebrate hope, that, in the birth of the Lord and Saviour, the future and salvation to mankind is assured.
Eno, who pledged that his administration would continue to flow with the waves of love and amity so as to extend the frontiers of the Golden Era as promised through the ARISE Agenda, sued for sustained peace and unity in the state.
The Governor, who himself is a Pastor, said, “….as you celebrate this day, please remember to reach out to those who may have fallen on the rough patches of life. Don’t just give hand-outs, give them a hand to get up and let us together ARISE and work to extend the frontiers of the Golden Era of our collective growth, development and progress.”
The State Chief Executive, also urged the people to shun divisiveness that politics may have brought as well as despising the leaders and symbol of authority but to hold on the bond of brotherhood as a people of common stock and value notwithstanding the languages.
According to him, politics had long gone, giving way for governance in the state which directly called on all to come together to build a greater Akwa Ibom together of the forebears.
“This is a season of joy and goodwill. I call on our people to continue to live in peace and unity and eschew tendencies that seek to divide us. As I have been saying: Politics is long gone. It’s now time for governance. We should bury and throw into the trash can, the cards of hatred, of whipping non-existence schisms and of demonizing our leaders and symbols of authority.
“From Ibibio to Annang lands, to Oro Nation, to Obolo, we are united and shaped by the language of love and unity. We are homogenous. Therefore, let no one throw a poisonous substance into our otherwise calm waters of unity and kindred spirit.” Governor Eno posited.
Pastor Umo on behalf of his family, wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance while also praying to God to bless the State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
