Emmanuel preaches love, urges A’Ibom indigenes to eschew tribal sentiments

Akpan Umoh

The Akwa Ibom State governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel has urged all residents of the state to celebrate Christmas with love for one another and do away with tribal and ethnic sentiments.

Speaking during the 2020 Christmas broadcast on Friday in Uyo, Emmanuel noted that Christmas celebrations is a period of love and exchange of gifts, which should bring even enemies together as one, as stated by Jesus Christ in His Holy Book.

He said: “We pray that this celebration of love will not only bring mortal enemies as friends, but will also cause some of our people who are still in the trenches of tribalism, ethnicism, petty-mindedness, and other vices, to emerge from the foxholes and join us.

“To build a State which would be defined by faith, love and brotherhood. Let us be reminded that Christmas is only Christmas when we celebrate it by sharing gifts with our neighbours and shining the light of love to everyone.”

Emmanuel advised those fanning embers of disunity and causing unnecessary tension in the state to desist from it.

The governor, however, urged Akwa Ibom people to remain hopeful in spite of economic challenges confronting the year, believing that the coming years would be better.

He said: “We advise those who desire to stoke the embers of division and cause unnecessary tensions because of their ambitions to allow the wheels of governance to move gingerly forward.

“We pray that joy; peace and hope will fill the heart and soul of every Akwa Ibomite as we savour the joyous commemoration of our Saviour and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

“My dear Akwa Ibomites, let us remain hopeful and not be afraid because what the Lord has in store for this State in the next year and the years to come, will gladden the hearts and minds of us all!

“Let love, hope and brotherhood continue to bind and shape our engagements with one another.”

The governor urged the youths to continue to keep the peace and shun anti-social tendencies, adding that the state still maintain zero tolerance for those who may wish to disrupt the peace enjoyed in the state.

He told residents that coronavirus pandemic second wave was still ravaging the world and appealed to residents to observe all COVID-19 protocols as the best option to stay safe.

Emmanuel warned that if residents refused to adhere to all laid down COVID-19 protocols, government would be left with no other option than to impose another lockdown.

“Fellow Akwaibomites, let us press forward by doing all we can to stay alive and beat the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic.

“As you may already know, we are currently experiencing the second wave of the pandemic, but as we had succeeded in stemming the rate of infection when it first hit our shores, I ask you to join hands with us again to beat this second wave.

“The use of facemasks, social distancing, regular hand washing, hand sanitizers are protocols that have worked in reducing infections,” he said.