Mr Peter Obi
BY SUNNY A. DAVID
The Vice Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in 2019 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has rejoiced with and congratulated the Apostolic Nuncio to Trinidad and Tobago, Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, who was recently appointed by Pope Francis as the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations Office and Specialized Institutions in Geneva.
Pope Francis also appointed Archbishop Nwachukwu as Permanent Observer to the World Trade Organization, WTO, and the Representative of the Vatican to the International Migrations Organization.
Mr. Obi, in his Congratulatory Message made available to our correspondent in Onitsha, said Bishop Fortunatus’ new appointment was not just an appreciation for his labour in the vineyard, but a bigger platform from where he could impact more lives.
The former Governor of Anambra State described the new positions as being very critical, not just to the Church, but the global Community.
He expressed his wishes thus: “It is my hope that by your appointments as the Permanent Observer of the Holy See, Vatican, to the United Nations Office and Specialized Institutions in Geneva, and Permanent Observer to the World Trade Organization, WTO, and the Representative of the Vatican to the International Migrations Organization, you will continue to contribute to policies that will promote global economies, restore the dignity of man and lead men closer to God. I am confident in your ability to excel in your new positions,” Mr. Obi stated.
He prayed God to inundate Bishop Fortunatus with His wisdom and strength, while appreciating the Catholic Church, through the Holy Father, Pope Francis, for finding ‘our brother and friend, worthy of occupying such an exalted position’.
Meanwhile, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on Christians to show more brotherly love and imbibe the spirit of giving their best for the good of others and for the development of society.
He made this call through his 2021 Christmas Message to Nigerians, explaining that the celebration of the birth of Christ should be a constant reminder of how God gave His only begotten Son for the salvation of humanity.
“We, as humans, should, therefore, endeavour to make the sacrifice, even when it is painful, for the good of others and for our society,” the former Governor said.
Mr. Obi urged Nigerians to go beyond the festivities and glamour associated with the Christmas season and strive to live out the true essence of the celebration and stated that fraternal love and giving to the poor are the hallmark of the Christmas celebrations, and enjoined all to lend helping hands to one another.
The Vice Presidential Candidate argued that “many societal ills plaguing Nigeria today, particularly rising insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and drug abuse are mainly because we the leaders lack love and the spirit of sacrifice for the people.
“We need capable, visionary, caring leaders who are passionate about the wellbeing of the poor. Christmas celebration presents us an opportunity for sober reflection on our lives as individuals and as a nation,” he said.
He further encouraged Nigerians not to allow the challenging times over the years and the prevailing hardship in the country to affect their spirit of love, and peaceful co-existence, saying that the country will progress on all fronts if the people unite in love, and continue to contribute as one, to the growth and development of the Nation.
“I urge Nigerians to remain strong and optimistic through these difficult moments of our journey as a nation. With hope, patriotism, unity, and the right crop of leaders, we will achieve the much-desired national development,” Mr. Obi enthused.
He finally wished all Nigerians a Merry Christmas, and a peaceful and productive New Year.
