From Angela Nkwo-Akpolu (Owerri)
Governor Emeka Ihedioha of Imo State has assured of safety of lives and property in the State as Nigerians celebrate Christmas.
Ihedioha gave the assurance on Tuesday in a statement signed by his spokesman, Chibuike Onyeukwu and made available to newsmen in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
He said “I assure you that the State government has put all machinery in motion to guarantee the security of lives and property in the State both now and after the festivities. Our Operation Iron Gate is in full force to ensure that we celebrate in safety”.
He welcomed Imolites who travelled long distances from both within and outside Nigeria to celebrate with relatives and loved ones, even as he appealed to all motorists to drive carefully and urged citizens to avoid all acts that are likely to cause a breach of peace.
Further, the Governor called on the people to imbibe the lessons of Christmas which is charity, forgiveness, and sacrifice.
He said “I implore us all to emulate the lifestyle of Jesus Christ and remember the less fortunate ones in our midst. The joy of Christmas must go round. At the end of the festivities, we should find satisfaction in how much we gave and not how much we spent on ourselves”, the statement read.
The Governor said “My good people of Imo State, I am delighted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, today, as we commemorate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. As Christians, this occasion affords us a great opportunity for the exchange of goodwill between us and our neighbours, families and communities”.
He however reiterated the ban on the use of all of forms of guns and explosives and appealed to the people to report all suspicious movements to the nearest law enforcement agency.
Governor Ihedioha wished everyone a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year”.
