Former Governor Ikedi Ohakim has called on the people of Imo State to emulate the virtues of love, sacrifice, forgivness and good conscience as they celebrate Christmas, noting that Imo people can create the Imo State of their collective dreams.

While wishing Imo people a merry Christmas in a press release he signed on Sunday, the former Governor called on Christians to also lend a helping hand to others around them in the yuletide.

Chief Ohakim added: “The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ over two thousand years ago marked the beginning of God’s redemptive work for mankind, for The Christ was to offer himself as sacrifice so that mankind would be free from all forms of enslavement.

“It is these values of sacrifice, love, freedom and good conscience that Christians all over the world should imbibe as they celebrate Christmas.”

He called on Imo people to eschew bitterness and hatred, saying: “As the good people of Imo State join their brothers and sisters in the Christendom to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, I call on them to eschew bitterness and hatred but to emulate the virtues of love, peace, compassion, forgiveness sacrifice, and to also make necessary sacrifice for their freedom and better future for themselves and their children yet unborn.

“In addition, Imo people should use the occasion of this Christmas celebration to turn to God in earnest supplication in this time of difficulty because only to him shall we make our supplication.”

Expressing optimism that God would grant the requests of Imo people, the former Governor said: “God sees the real content of our hearts and he is willing and abundantly able to rescue us from the most vicious army.

“As we celebrate with our families and loved ones, may we find the strength to lend a helping hand to those in need and put smiles on their faces.

“While we celebrate, let us all bear in mind that we can create the Imo State of our collective dreams where the government finds no pleasure in the pains of the citizens but rather sees the happiness of the people as a primary function of the government.”

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