In the spirit of Christmas, the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has sued for peace, urging all Imo people to join hands with him to secure the state in the interest of everyone.

He spoke on Sunday at the Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square Owerri during the Imo Thanksgiving Day Carol of Nine Lessons 2021, organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria O mo State Chapter, where he promised to do whatever it will take to bring peace back to Imo State. The theme was, “Peace be Still”.

The Governor had thanked the CAN leadership in Imo State for organizing the event to usher in the Christmas mood in Imo which he said was a way of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

He regretted that Christmas which naturally should be a period of joy everywhere in the world is now viewed differently in Imo because of the activities of banditry and unknown gunmen “even though some of them are known.”

He said apart from the above named vices, the problem of kidnapping, armed robbery and other crimes fester in Imo State which he said are politically motivated.

Governor Uzodimma therefore thanked CAN for putting the event together, noting that they have done so severally in the past and appealed to God to remove the load of insecurity on the head of innocent citizens of Imo State.

He however blamed the killings and insecurity on the selfish ambition of politicians and pleaded with those who have one political interest or the other to “stop killing our brothers and sisters so that by the time they will emerge as Governors, Senators and other political positions they will see the people to lead.”

He reminded them that Imo people believe in God and have decided to leave everything in the hands of God as the judge and arbiter.

On the part of the Government, Governor Uzodimma assured that he will continue to serve Imo people without fear or favour, promising that he will not relent in ensuring that those who are behind the killings and banditry in Imo State are paid back in their own coin.

“Imo under my leadership is ready for them and I assure them that my administration is very ready for them. Whatever it will take to bring back peace to Imo State my Government will do it.”

He reassured Imo people and the congregation that his administration will rise to the occasion “by making sure our people go about their businesses without fear of harassment or any molestation.”

The Governor promised Imo people that Christmas will bring them blessings and peace of God “because the heart of Imo people is pure and they have not done any bad to any people or group of people,” noting that, “evil will follow them who plan evil for the innocent.”

He urged the congregation to continue in their prayers for Imo State and Nigeria just as he wished them Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.

In his homily, the Prelate of Methodist Church of Nigeria, the Most Rvd. SCK Uche, thanked God for everything that had happened, especially by preserving the lives of his people from insurgency, banditry and insecurity, emphasizing that Jesus whom we are celebrating is the “Prince of Peace”.

The Prelate admonished all not to let their heart be troubled, adding that “in human existence there is always rancour, trouble everywhere but if you have relationship with God you must overcome.”

He advised Imo people in particular and Nigerians in general to rededicate themselves to the word of God this season, “seek his face to grant us peace, pursue peace with earnest and sincere words on our mouth and shun all things that separate us from the love and peace of God because Christmas is about peace and harmony.”

Expressing satisfaction with the programme, the Executive Secretary Nigeria Pilgrims Commission, Revd. Dr. Yakubu Pam, congratulated Imo people and the State CAN for being able to “rally the crowd that graced the occasion in the midst of insecurity everywhere today.”

He also thanked Governor Uzodimma for always showing concern in the things of God and used the opportunity to solicit, once more, his sponsorship of Christians to Israel for pilgrimage next year.

Highpoint of the occasion was the pontifical prayers for the Governor, his family and Imo State by the CAN President, His Eminence Rev. Samson Ayokunle and other Bishops present as well as the Presentation of a Holy Bible to the Governor.

The event was well attended by many top government officials, business moguls, traditional rulers and other dignitaries including former Governors Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State and Ali Modi Sheriff of Borno State.

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