Jonathan, Akpabio, Abbas, Atiku Preach Peace At Christmas

Former president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, has congratulated  Nigerians and Christians around the world on this year’s Christmas Celebration.

In a statement released by his media office on Sunday, Jonathan urged Christians to exhibit love, peace, humility and sacrifice as they celebrate.

He noted that the birth of Jesus Christ marks a new beginning and a new destiny for all believers, as it serves as the fulfillment of many prophecies about the coming of the Saviour who will save the word from sin and other difficulties.

Jonathan urged citizens to “make the most of this season to rebuild our country by showing love to our neighbours and upholding moral principles that will deepen the thread that binds us together as a people.”

In the same vein, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has said that in spite of the hard times Nigerians face currently, they should continue to pray for peace and better days ahead for the country.

Akpabio; his deputy, Senator Barau Jibrin; Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Adeola Olamilekan and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, all sent messages of felicitations to Nigerians on Sunday ahead of the Christmas celebrations by Christians.

Akpabio acknowledged the pains caused by the Federal Government’s decision to discontinue the fuel subsidy regime, but said it was for the good of everyone, adding,

“Our today’s pain will surely produce joyful gains in a very short time”

His Christmas message was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, on Sunday.

Akpabio admonished the Christian faithful “To pray, fast and be hopeful because with the birth of Jesus Christ, who is our symbol of hope, love and redemption, Nigeria will also overcome its current challenges.”

He called for reflections on the teachings of Jesus Christ, which he noted were anchored on love for neighbour, peaceful coexistence and loyalty to constituted authorities.

“On behalf of my family and constituents, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and indeed the entire National Assembly, I wish to sincerely congratulate all our Christian brothers and sisters on the celebration of the feast of Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ.

“As you celebrate, I urge you not only to merry, but also, continue to pray for our dear country Nigeria and our leaders, show love to one another and continue to reflect on the life of Jesus Christ, especially his humility, sacrifice, love for neighbour and loyalty to God and constituted authority,” the statement quoted him as saying.

Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable  Tajudeen Abbas, has called for prayers and supplication for Nigeria as Christians celebrate this year’s Christmas.

He maintained that it is incumbent on Nigerians to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ, which he said included love, sacrifice, peace making, tolerance, building consensus among the people, selflessness, among others.

Also, a former vice president and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during last general election, Atiku Abubakar, in his Christmas message, urged Nigerians to embrace peace and unity at this period and to love one another for the sake of progress and growth in the country.

He stated:  “I felicitate all Nigerians, particularly the Christian faithful on the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ. Christmas is a time of love. Therefore, I call on all Nigerians to emulate the essence of this season and unite for the greater good of our dear country.”