By Wilfred Eya
The Enugu State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Dr Peter Mbah, has urged Christians to remember the vulnerable members of the society as they celebrate Christmas, saying that giving and caring for others is the core essence of the yuletide.
In a statement signed by him and issued by his media office on Saturday, the PDP candidate congratulated Christians, Enugu citizens at home and in the diaspora, and Nigerians on the occasion of this year’s Christmas celebration.
He said he was full of joy to identify and celebrate with Christians, especially Enugu citizens living across the globe, observing that the message of Jesus’ birth reminds one of the importance of the season and what is expected of one to do to one’s family, neighbours, friends, foes and humanity in general.
Mbah wished all Christians happy celebrations and noted that Jesus’ injunction key to the faithful is to share the love with one another, be compassionate in one’s everyday activities, extend helping hands to the less privileged in society, imbibe the spirit of love, unity, solidarity and peace.
His words: “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 Christ in us through our relationship with them. We should be able to reach out to them, and be a reason for their celebration,” the governorship hopeful added.
Mbah expressed optimism that 2023 will be a glorious year of hope and progress and 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, the industrial revolution, new dawn of massive investments and job creation, and “a state which we will continue to proudly call our own”.
The PDP candidate 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 enthroning social equity, justice and inclusiveness.
He commended the government of Enugu State under Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for its giant strides in infrastructure, peace and security, and 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”, he said.