The Anglican Bishop of Enugu, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ike, has urged Nigerians to extend prayers, generosity and compassion to gallant soldiers and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) during the Yuletide season.
Ike made the call in his Christmas message titled “Allow the Prince of Peace to Reign,” delivered at a press conference on Wednesday in Enugu.
The bishop said many Nigerians were facing deep challenges, noting that while some were spiritually poor, many others were physically hungry.
According to him, several Nigerians who escaped death from hunger have remained in captivity with kidnappers, leaving their families heartbroken and gradually losing hope in the nation.
“Now that the international community is paying closer attention to Nigeria, our leaders must realise that the music has changed and the dance must also change,” he said.
Ike called on President Bola Tinubu to use the spirit of Christmas to foster national unity, warning that social media had increasingly become a tool for deepening division in the country.
He added that the body language and actions of some government officials had often contributed to disunity.
The bishop encouraged the President to pursue a political solution to the Nnamdi Kanu issue, saying it would help ease tensions in the South-East and promote national cohesion.
“We acknowledge that many leaders desire to do good, but intentions alone are insufficient.
“If Nigeria must stand tall among nations, our leaders must allow Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to reign in their lives and decisions,” he said.
Ike also urged Nigerians to live peacefully and shun the temptation to attain social status through force or violence, which he said had led to the loss of many lives.
“Take it easy. Pause. Be cautious in your travels, movements and celebrations this season,” he advised, especially cautioning the youth.
He called on Nigerians to use the Christmas season to give generously and ensure that the poor felt the positive impact of the celebration, which symbolises Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace and hope to the world.
The bishop commended the Enugu State Government for what he described as revolutionary achievements over the past two years, praising Gov. Peter Mbah and his administration.
However, he noted that residents of the state were burdened by multiple taxation.
“In the spirit of the season of joy and peace, we appeal for the review and reduction of these tax burdens so that the people may breathe more easily and livelihoods may flourish,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the governor, whom he described as a listening leader with a human face, would respond compassionately to the appeal.