By Valentine Amanze, Online Edutor
The Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 Presidential election, Mr Peter Obi, has urged public office holders in Nigeria to put God ahead in their service to the people.
He also advised them to see their offices as platforms for service to God and man.
In his Christmas message, Obi explained that the reason for the season, which is the coming into the world of the Messiah, served as a moment of reflection for leaders to re-examine their lives and turn back to God.
He said that it was also an opportunity for political leaders and public office holders to reflect on the leadership qualities of Jesus, and learn from His meekness, humility and compassion for the people.
Obi, who lamented the level of poor governance in Nigeria, attributed it to the lack of fear of God and respect for humanity on the part of public officeholders, bent on pursuing self gains.
He said that it was the absence of God’s doctrines in Nigerians’ leadership that led to moral and political decadence, corruption and lack of prudence in governance.
His words: “The dearth of true leadership and good governance in Nigeria stems from absence of godliness among leaders, which manifests in form of, but not limited to, corruption, self-aggrandizement, looting of public funds, financial imprudence and political irresponsibility.
“The enormous wastage in our public service today by leaders derives from greed and lack of understanding of the true definition of leadership with the fear of God.”
The former Governor of Anambra State also urged Nigerians, particularly Ndigbo, to use the Christmas period to intensify their prayers for peace, urgently needed in the country.
He assured that true peace would reign in the nation if Nigerians allowed the Prince of Peace to reign in their hearts.
Obi further advised Nigerians not to allow the challenging times of the years and the prevailing hardship in the country to affect their spirit of love, brotherliness and peaceful co -existence.
He said that the country would progress in all fronts if the people unite in love and contribute, as one, to the growth and development of the nation.
“I urge Nigerians to use this year’s Christmas festivities to engender the spirit of oneness and also re-dedicate themselves to the virtues of love, patriotism and unity for the much desired national development,” he said.
Besides, he wished all Nigerians merry Christmas and prosperous 2021.