By Amby Uneze
Deeply touched by the incessant criminal activities such as kidnapping, killings, destruction of government properties, etc usually carried out by the youths, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has cried to them to stop and embrace peace and love on the spirit of Easter celebration.
Addressing the mammoth congregation at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Ozuh Omuma in Oru East local government area of the State on Easter Sunday, Uzodimma expressed genuine call for security to return to the State as such move would usher in massive development to the State.
According to the governor, Easter is the foundation of Christianity. Jesus brought salvation to humanity, so, if Christ has not risen, there would not have been any basis for christianity.
He said, 'Therefore, the cardinal message of Easter is love because Christ died for the love he has for us. God brought his son as a ransom, which is the greatest love demonstrated ever in the history of humanity. As humans we may not on our own demonstrate the highest degree of love towards one another, but if we profess as true Christians, we must try to emulate our Lord Jesus Christ who is our true role model.
"It is most painful that as a State that is predominantly Christians, we have not been more involved in the way of the Lord. Yes, we have more Churches yet our hearts are still far from Christ and by extension from God. When Christ declared that the greatest Commandment is love, it means that if you love someone you can hardly do evil or harm to that person. But the conduct of most of us does not reflect that on us, this is very unfortunate indeed.
"Fortunately, Easter presents such opportunity for the remission of our sins to shun our old ways and embrace a new opportunity that Christ has provided for us. Who has shown us love and purity.
"Therefore, my appeal this Easter goes directly to our youths: our young men and women. I want you to reject the poisoned gifts usually offered to us by the enemies of Imo State for the purpose of destabilizing the State. You should shun all forms of criminality, knowing that you stand a better chance of starting afresh through a more responsive conduct," he noted.
He stressed further, "if you are a Christian and profess love; why then do you want to harm your fellow human being, why do you want to destabilize the State? Why do you want to join the criminal gang, why do you want to burn down police station, why do you want to destroy government assets?
"If you are really a Christian and you love your neighbor as yourself, why do you want to hurt another man or woman. The spirit of this Easter is a golden opportunity for our young men and women to show love to our State, show love to our community, show love to our country.
"The only State you can proudly call your own is Imo State. Anybody telling you how you can join to cause confusion, join a gang of kidnappers, if you love yourself as a Christian why do you want to behave like a cannibal?
"My appeal to the youths from Imo State is to join the numerous job opportunities which this government has made possible. This government has empowered over 40,000 young men and women in digital skills, we have empowered over 50,000 of the youths with other types of skills, why not join this team. At the end of the day you may either be employed or you employ others, by creating an environment to build our economy to our state," the governor stated.
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