Oku Ibom Ibibio Calls On Faithful To Imbibe the Essence Of Christ Birth, Mission

Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General of Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR has called on the Christian faithful and the world generally to reflect on the significance of the birth of Jesus Christ and his mission on earth.

The patriarch of the Ibibios worldwide noted that as the world is celebrating the birthday of Jesus Christ, the merrymaking should not be allowed to becloud the full essence of his mission as a Messiah, who was sent to save humanity and reconcile everyone to the Almighty God.

“While we celebrate, let us be more concerned about the type of lives we live; the type of things we do, and how we relate with one another. A Godly life is more important than any other thing,” he said.

In a special Xmas and New Year message, Ntenyin Etuk, who was recently conferred with the national award of the Commander of Federal Republic (CFR) by President Muhammadu Buhari, urged the Christian faithful to shun ignoble acts, injustices, and disunity during and after the yuletide season. He noted that abominable life is bound to incur God’s wrath or bring terrible consequences to society.

The premier traditional ruler in Akwa Ibom State eulogized the life of Jesus Christ which centred on peace, love for all and reconciliation of man to God and stressed the need for followers to also imbibe such good virtues in our day-to-day lives.

According to him, “As Christians, it is incumbent on us to exemplify his teachings and lifestyle. We must let the world see in us those virtues that our saviour preached. We must continue to show love for one another and avoid conflicts and disunity.”

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He further stressed the need for believers to support the government at all levels for peace, unity and tranquillity to prevail over the state and nation.

“I also appeal to all to show brotherly love and mercy to one another, especially to the less privileged in society. Bearing the burden of others is divine,” he added.

Ntenyin Etuk, who is the Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area and also the Chancellor of the Akwa Ibom State University, also appealed to politicians to go about their campaigns for the 2023 general elections with decorum and without bitterness.

He said, “A few months from now, our State and Nation will be having general elections to elect a new President, Members for the National Assembly and then State Governors and Members for the State Houses of Assembly. We must go about these exercises peacefully. We urge politicians to eschew bitterness and rancour. They must know that it is God who gives power to whosoever he wants. Pursuit of political offices must not be done as a do or die affair.”

The royal father particularly urged Akwa Ibomites to love themselves and join hands with the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel to sustain the continued peace and development of the State.

“Lastly, I give my royal blessings to all the people of Akwa Ibom State as we celebrate the season of Xmas and New Year. Let us show love to ourselves and join hands with His Excellency, Mr Udom Gabriel Emmanuel to sustain the peace and ongoing development of the State,” the royal father stated.

He further reiterated the commitment of traditional rulers to the continued unity, peace and togetherness of their respective communities.