As Christians in Akwa Ibom celebrate the 2020 Christmas, Governor Udom Emmanuel has enjoined all to adhere to all the COVID-19 protocols to avoid another lockdown in the state.
Emmanuel who gave the advice in his 2020 Christmas broadcast said “The use of facemasks, social distancing, regular hand washing, hand sanitizers are protocols that have worked in reducing infections. Let us remain committed to applying these protocols.
“If we adhere to these simple but effective rules, there may be no need for us to impose another lockdown, but if we observe that these rules are flouted, then we may have no other option than to put the State under lock -down. We have put in every conceivable tool to manage this pandemic and our gallant medical professionals have been in the frontline, managing and stemming the spread of the virus.
He recalled “We passed through the scourge of the pandemic and it did not overwhelm us. We witnessed looting and arson from the EndSars, and it did not consume us. We have a lot to thank God for, as this year draws to a close. As the Bible enjoins us let us, in the New Year, “forget those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before us, press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
“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.
On the lessons of Christmas, Emmanuel stated “The lessons of that night of Christ’s birth should not be lost on us. That there was no room for God’s only begotten Son Jesus Christ at birth, did not stop him from fulfilling His mission as the Messiah and Saviour of the world.
“So, let this season remind us that the circumstances of our births are not strong enough to stop us from fulfilling our mission on earth. Let the humble beginning of Jesus Christ in the manger be a constant reminder that with faith we can rise above the circumstances of our birth and be a blessing to our dear State and nation.
“Compatriots, let us honour this season of love by meditating on Christ’s message of God’s steadfast love, tender mercies and saving grace, which has brought hope and joy to the world, and has inspired the faithful to love God and put their trust in Him. His simple message of love has also become the strongest thread that binds humanity together in a garment of brotherhood. Let us, therefore, resolve in this season to love one another and let the emotions of love guide all our actions.
“This year was like bumpy ride on a gallop-filled rural road. But God kept His word in Isaiah 43:2 “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”
The Governor used occasion to advise the youths to continue to keep the peace and shun anti-social tendencies, noting “We still maintain our zero tolerance for those who may wish to disrupt the peace we have enjoyed in this State. Please do not try our resolve.
“My dear Akwaibomites let me illustrate the key elements of love and goodwill to all which this season of the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ represents. On Christmas day, 1914, in the Western Front of the First World War, German and English soldiers who had been fighting and killing each other before that day, emerged from their trenches to share the joy of Christmas together. They sang Christmas carols, exchanged gifts and played soccer.
“This incident remains the most powerful testament that love knows no boundaries, no ethnicity and no divisions. Commenting on this incident, German Lieutenant Kurt Zehmisch recalled, “Thus Christmas, the celebration of love, managed to bring mortal enemies together as friends.”
“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, ethnicity, 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.
The Governor advised political office seekers “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 Akwaibomite as we savour the joyous commemoration of our Saviour and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.”
