PFN felicitates with Nigerians, enjoins national unity

Clerics in Imo urge leaders to reduce suffering

The National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev Dr. Felix Omobude, has felicitated with Nigerians as they celebrate this year’s Christmas.In a statement in Benin City, Edo state, he congratulated the people for being alive and well to witness another season.

Omobude, who is the General Superintendent of New Covenant Gospel Church, urged all Christians and non-Christians not to forget the reason for the event.He said: “Jesus Christ, the saviour of the world is the reason for the season. Therefore, while we celebrate, we should not forget the reason for the period.”

The PFN leader also commended the people for their personal and collective sacrifices towards the peace, harmony, unity and prosperity of the country.He urged them to look up to God with great hope and faith, irrespective of their religious affiliations.

According to him, Nigerians have every reason to be thankful to God for keeping the country together as one, despite the numerous challenges militating against it.While urging the leaders to reduce the suffering of the people, he prayed that the country would henceforth; enjoy the peace that is free from the wanton destruction of lives and property.

Also, the Archbishop of Catholic Ecclesiastic Province, Owerri, Dr. Anthony J. V. Obinna, and the Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Egbu, Owerri North, Geoffrey Okorafor, have advised Christians to desist from indulging in unnecessary vices.They made the appeal at the weekend in Owerri, Imo State, as part of their Christmas messages.

Okorafor advised governments at all levels to make life a little comfortable for the growing population.He appealed to government to pay workers’ salaries and allowances, as well as pensions to reduce the sufferings of both Christians and non-Christians across the country.

The cleric urged the Christians to appreciate the birth of Jesus Christ and allow his love and kindness to translate in their dealings.“Irrespective of how highly placed a person maybe, he should not only show humility to one another, but love. Also, the privileged ones must not to lose sight of the downtrodden masses who look up to them for assistance.

“I urge Nigerians to check their excesses during the period, because after Christmas there are family responsibilities, like school fees and rents to be paid,”He cautioned against using the season for criminality such as kidnapping, but rather as a time of sober reflections and period of showing love devoid of malice, hatred or anything that would inflict pains on the people.