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By Iheanyi Chukwudi
Federal and State governments in Nigeria have been called upon to embark on people-oriented programmes and policies in order to reduce the economic hardship in the country.
Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, who made the call in his 2023 Christmas message, urged leaders at all levels to be sensitive to the plight of the people.
The Bishop who lamented that things are hard in the country, decried what he called the insensitivity of the Nigerian Government to the plight of the people.
He said, “The federal government announced 50 per cent transport renumeration. How many people can afford it?
“Government at all levels, the legislators, all the leaders should be sensitive to the plight of the people. Transport is high, the roads are bad. Let us do things as if we are dealing with human beings. God is with us in all these things happening. God is still with us.
Onaga reminded the leaders that they will stand before God and answer questions on their stewardship on earth hence the need for them to lead righteously.
The cleric urged those hoarding fuel, those selling bad fuel and those involved in different kinds of crimes to desist from doing evil.
Bishop Onaga commended media practitioners for the good works they do, urging them to report objectively.
He urged Nigerians “to keep trusting in God, love one another, be united, prayerful and hopeful, practice the love of Christ, be sincere, make peace, avoid discord, and allow the light which the presence of God illumines shine upon everyone this Christmas and always.”
Noting that “Christmas commemorates the nativity of Jesus Christ,” the Bishop described the story around Christmas as a historical fact.
He said, “After the fall of man, efforts were made to save man from sin but Christ Himself came down again to save mankind. We had the fore runner of Jesus Christ, John the Baptist, say, “I am not the one coming.
So, there are proofs. In the Catholic Church, we have the luminous mystery, throwing light . The first mystery is the baptism of Christ at River Jordan. Through the Dove God spoke,’ This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.
“Every year it takes up in all Christendom. People to celebrate it as it has never been done in the past."
“God is a Saviour. God came after the fall of man . We share the love of God by sharing of love, gifts, forgiveness and caring for one another In Christmas we emphasize that fact that God is with us and if God is with us who can be against us?"
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