Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi has described 2012 as a bad year for Nigeria, saying the year can pass as the worst in Nigeria’s history.
Elechi made the statement on Tuesday at Echialike, his hometown in the Ikwo Local Government Area of the state, while addressing parishioners at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, during a service to mark this year’s Christmas celebration.
“The year was bad for the country and the worst in terms of natural disasters such as flood, senseless killing of innocent citizens by terrorist and other hoodlums, among others.
“We should, however, be consoled with the fact that other countries have their own share of these misfortunes.”
The governor called on Nigerians to put the ugly incidents behind them and concentrate on moving the country forward.
“We should forge ahead with renewed hope of a better future and pray earnestly to God for His grace and protection.”
Elechi said that Nigerians should learn to celebrate Christmas and other festivities with utmost degree of caution and decorum.
“The best Christmas is the one celebrated in a way that ensures we live to celebrate another one.
“The way people drink and drive recklessly on our roads leaves much to be desired.
“Though we should not be ruled by the fear of death, we must make efforts to live by ensuring safety on our roads.”
He called on Christians to ensure that they inculcated the significance of Christ’s birth by living a life of humility, tolerance and good neighbourliness.
In his homily, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Godwin Onuorah, advised people whose thoughts and actions were evil to use Christmas celebration as an avenue to change.
“These people cannot be identified by mere appearance as they live and mingle with us but they should be aware that they cannot see God with such behaviour.”