The All Progressives Congress (APC) has felicitated with Christians and Nigerians on the joyous occasion of Christmas which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.
A statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Issa-Onilu, reads: “As we gather with family and friends for the Christmas festivities which is characterised by gift-giving, social gatherings and feasting, we should remember and extend love and generosity to the less-privileged around us.
“We should also emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ exemplified by self-sacrifice.
“The Party calls on Nigerians to use the joyous occasion to pray for our leaders and the peace, progress and socio-economic development of our dear country”.
In his message, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, said: “This Christmas, I urge all Nigerians to spare a thought for our military and security forces who are on the frontlines on the war on terror. I had cause to telephone Lt. Col. Ibrahim Sakaba’s family member this Yuletide season and I was touched by the devotion and love they had for the man who paid the supreme sacrifice for Nigeria.
“I urge all Nigerians to think about these heroes who make the relative peace we live in possible. They endure so that we all can enjoy. Because they gave their all, we all have some peace. So, when next you see a soldier, boost his or her morale by acknowledging their sacrifices and thanking them. Nigeria owes so much to the gallant officers and the men and women of our armed forces.
“They epitomise the spirit of Christmas, which is sacrificial giving. Let us also celebrate the sacrifice our armed forces make for Nigeria.
“Finally, seeing that the essence of Christmas is that Christ came to earth to reconcile us to God, should we not, as beneficiaries of such divine reconciliation, reciprocate it by being reconciled with each other during this Yuletide period and beyond? There are too much divisions in our nation today and it is up to each and everyone of us to inject the healing and unifying serum of love for our neighbour into the nation’s consciousness this Christmas.
“We may be Muslim, Christian or traditional religion adherents. But we are all creatures of God deserving of the love of God and of our neighbours. Let that be the attitude we embrace this Christmas and beyond.
“Once again, on behalf of me and my entire family, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a safe, prosperous and New Year”.
All Progressives Congress National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, urged Nigerians to rise above their differences and treat one another with kindness and decency.
Tinubu, in his Christmas message in Lagos, urged Christians and Muslims to recognise each other as part of the same human family and act as brothers, not antagonists.
”As we gather in our homes to celebrate the Christmas, let us take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the season.
”Jesus Christ came into the world not that we may use his birthday as an excuse for festivities.
“He came into this world to teach and show us the best aspects of our common humanity and to point the way to spiritual salvation.
“He is known as the prince of peace but he came into the world not cloaked in temporal power or visible wealth.
“He came dressed in humility and in compassion for those whom society has tossed aside.
”Let us remember these things as we eat and drink on this day. Let us, on this day, resolve to help our fellow man a bit more than we have in the past,” he said.
According to him, it is easy to be good to family and friends, however, we must do better than this.
“We must strive to be kind and generous even when it is hard to do so.
”We must exercise tolerance regarding those who even oppose us and must douse hatred and conflict where we find it.
“As a Muslim, I understand that Jesus knew the road to our better existence and that his life was dedicated so that we may walk this path as well.
”Whether or not one is a practicing Christian or not, Jesus holds something value for us.
” His teachings are of a most ethical and humanitarian existence. To follow them will make of each of us a better person and to make of Nigeria a better nation,” he said.
Tinubu said Nigeria is a young and growing nation, still shaping its national identity and political culture.
” It would be easy for us to descend into the way of endless squabbling and mindless conflict, to seek power solely for the sake of holding power.
”But this is not how we build our nation. We must strive to serve the greater purpose.
”Whether Christian or Muslim, we must recognize each other as part of the same human family and must act as brothers not antagonists.
“There will always be things upon which we will disagree and differ. Such is the way of life. But we must always transcend these inevitable differences to treat one another with fundamental kindness and decency.
”This is the real spirit of Christmas and this must be the spirit of the Nigeria we seek to build,” he said.
Tinubu wished all Nigerians a peaceful and happy Christmas, urging everyone to join hands to make the country a better land for all.
Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Peter Obi, admonished Christians and all men of goodwill to use the occasion of Christmas celebration to extend the hands of love and care to the less privileged.
“Let us all thank God that we are here today to celebrate yet another Christmas, an occasion which as Christians we should use to remind ourselves of the commencement of the mystery of our salvation and the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ who is our way to eternity,” he said Monday in a statement.
The former Governor of Anambra State also charged Nigerians to use the occasion to reflect deeply about the pervading sadness in the country arising from difficulties affecting the world, including our country. He said: “This period therefore actually calls for prayers and deep reflection on, and re-examination of, the lives we have led up till this moment. The dictum of Socrates comes to mind here: ‘An unexamined life is not worth-living’.”
Obi, who also took the opportunity to remind Nigerians about the coming general election of 2019, called on them to be vigilant and only vote for those with proven track records of performance, especially those who, through practical and demonstrable ways, have proved their capacity to create wealth, manage men and exhibit with deep understanding of the economy”, which, according to him, were the bywords for Atiku/Obi candidacy.
Calling of Nigerians to always have the interest of the country at heart, Obi concluded: “As we march towards the end of 2018, I appeal to all of us to go into the New Year with a new commitment to make sacrifices for our country and our people. I also enjoin all of us to believe in our country, support the leaders that understand leadership, exhibit the spirit of patriotism that will be in tune with what will lead to progress and development.”
Obi prayed to Almighty God to continue to guide and protect all Nigerians and indeed all men of goodwill, so that 2019 will be a better year for Anambra State, Nigeria and the world.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, urged Nigerians to seize the symbolic occasion of Christmas to extend acts of love and kindness to all mankind especially to the less privileged in the society.
Ambode, in his Christmas message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said the qualities that Jesus Christ represents, which include love, care, selflessness and compassion for persons, especially the weak, vulnerable and less-privileged was the real essence of the season, adding that his message to everyone at this period is to put a smile on the faces of persons who cannot afford to return the favour.
He said, “Christmas is a season that explains the depth of God’s love for mankind and exemplary sacrifice that we should emulate in our relationship with our neighbours irrespective of status and creed. This season is another opportunity to increase our acts of kindness and touch the less privileged in our society.
“Therefore, this Christmas means so much more than just mere merriment. It is a veritable avenue to extend love to the less-privileged who are disadvantaged in several ways. In this special season therefore, I urge you all to spread love and be our brother’s keeper. Let us reach out to those who struggle to provide for their families. Let us put smiles on the faces of the weak and vulnerable. This is the real essence of Christmas.”
Ambode while commending residents for the peaceful atmosphere the State has enjoyed over the years, urged them to emulate Jesus Christ and continue to pray for continued peace in the State.
“We shall continue to pray for continued peace in Lagos; we shall continue to pray for increased prosperity of our people; we shall not relent in our prayers for Lagos to continue in its path of growth; and we shall look forward to more of your prayers, now, in the New Year and beyond.
“Our government appreciates the spirit of tolerance and cooperation which has provided the enabling environment for growth and development in Lagos State. We reiterate our commitment to continue to promote healthy community relations with economic opportunities and empowerment prospects for all,” he said.
Ambode, while wishing Lagosians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2019 in advance, also urged residents to continue to pray for sustained peace and progress in the State especially as Nigerians prepare for next year’s general elections.
Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson, called on Christians in Nigeria to be more prayerful as the country moves towards another round of crucial general elections.
In his Christmas message signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the governor said only prayers can avert any negative plan by enemies towards the country.
He said Nigeria must remain united even after the elections, stressing that the outcome of the polls should not throw the country into chaos.
According to him, elections will come and go but Nigeria and Nigerians will remain and called on political leaders not to inflame the country with their misguided utterances and actions.
Dickson also called on Christians to eschew every form of acrimony but use the period of Christmas to show love to one another which is a major virtue of Jesus Christ, whose birthday is the occasion.
The governor noted that being Christ like during this season and even always will help promote peace, unity and development in the country.
While wishing Bayelsans a Merry Christmas, the Bayelsa Governor again assured them of the commitment of his administration to finish well and strong in the remaining months of his tenure.
Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, congratulated Christians in the state and the country in general for celebrating another Christmas, urging them to continue to live by example in matters relating to love, peace and progress.
Fayemi said Christmas is a season to demonstrate love for one another, through giving and peaceful coexistence, adding that such love and generosity and craving for peace should extend beyond the season.
The governor, in a Christmas message by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Yinka Oyebode, said it is only through a practical demonstration of love, peaceful co -existence with one another that Nigerians can unite and forge ahead in the crucial task of nation building.
Fayemi challenge the people to use the opportunity of the season to reflect on individual contribution to the peace and progress of their immediate community and the state in general.
While noting that being alive to witness another Christmas remains a privilege, which calls for celebration, he however advised that celebration should be done in moderation.
Fayemi said: “Christmas is the season of love, joy, generosity and forgiveness. While we celebrate with friends and family, we should also reflect on our individual contribution to the peace and progress of our immediate community and the larger society.
“That peaceful and prosperous state we all desire would be realised when we live in love and show consideration for others around us.
“We can achieve more if we stay united, extend hands of fellowship to one another and be law abiding.
“We must also rededicate ourselves to the virtues of faith in God, love for one another and make these virtues more evident and practical in our daily living.
The governor described the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ as the climax of God’s love for mankind. Therefore, he said Christians should imbibe the lesson of humility as demonstrated in the birth of Jesus Christ in a manger.
He admonished them to use the season to share love and lend a helping hand to others, most especially the less privileged.
Fayemi said his administration would continue to promote peaceful coexistence of adherents of all religions in the state and offer them conducive atmosphere to practise their faiths.
Former Governor of Abia State and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Orji Kalu, expressed hope that Nigeria is gradually taking its rightful position in the comity of nations.
According to the APC senatorial candidate for Abia North, the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has been implementing pro-poor policies and social investment programmes aimed at alleviating the suffering of the masses.
While cautioning the political class against heating up the polity with unguided, unpatriotic and inflammatory utterances, Kalu urged politicians to embrace issue-based campaigns ahead of the forthcoming general election.
The former governor made these remarks on Monday while addressing scores of supporters and political associates, who paid him a solidarity visit in Igbere, Abia State.
He said, “as we celebrate Christmas and approach 2019 , let us seize this opportunity to reflect on our lives as individuals and as a nation.
“Nigerians regardless of ethnic, political and religious divides, must embrace piety, togetherness, selflessness and patriotism in all endeavours for the country to regain its lost glory.
“The unity of Nigeria is not negotiable and as such, we must continue to leave in peace and harmony.
“Let us see our diversity as an added advantage for the betterment of Nigeria and not an opportunity to polarize the country .
“With different cultures, languages and religious beliefs, we can complement ourselves in life.
” As we gradually approach the 2019 general election, let us abide by the tenets of democracy anchored on probity, transparency and accountability.
“Politics is not a do-or-die affair and as such, politicians, political parties and aspirants to elective offices and other stakeholders must ” play by the rules”.
“The essence of democracy is to improve the common lots of the people by adhering to the principles of good governance.
” As we mark the yuletide, remember to offer prayers for the leadership of the nation especially President Muhammadu Buhari in his efforts to rebuild the nation.
The former governor, who expressed optimism that the coming year will be a blessed year for the country, called on government at all levels to place the interests of the people above selfish ambitions.
Kalu while wishing Nigerians pleasant Christmas and New Year celebrations, commended traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil societies and other stakeholders for advocating peace and unity across the nation.
The APC chieftain used the opportunity to admonish the electorate to vote en-masse for President Muhammadu Buhari and other APC candidates in the 2019 general election.
Former Ekiti State Governor, Chief Ayodele Fayose, also felicitated with the people of Nigeria urging them to emulate the teachings of Jesus Christ whose birth and coming to this world has liberated us from the bondage of sin, poverty and suffering.
Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, Fayose said the teachings of Jesus Christ are: love your neighbor as you love self, to be tolerant, obedience to the authority and the law, and sacrifice, stressing that if the teachings have been adhered to by the leaders and followers, Nigeria would not be in this mess.
The former governor urged Nigerians, particularly Christians, to imbibe these teachings which made the life of Jesus Christ worthy of emulation, stressing that the teachings of Jesus Christ is solution to all problems such as poverty, killings, kidnappings, bad governance, armed robbery, unemployment and economic stagnation which the country is facing currently.
Fayose said that for us to be great as a nation, we must not only imbibe these qualities but we must also put them into use.
Jimi Agbaje, the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP governorship candidate in Lagos State, has called on Lagosians to show love to one another as the world celebrates the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In his message to the people of Lagos State, the PDP governorship candidate in the 2019 election, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, who praised Lagosians for their resilience in the face of severe economic challenges, promised to turn around their fortunes if voted in next year’s election.
“Christmas is a season of love, joy, hope and charity. For all of us today, it is a privilege to be counted among the living. So, we must thank God for his goodness and mercy.
“But as we celebrate, let us also spare a thought for our less privileged brothers and sisters in our midst. By remembering them with our good works and actions, we have also remembered God.
“However, let me state again that the power to better Lagos State and the lot of our people is in our hands. And this, essentially, is quality and accountable leadership which I ask you to entrust me with.
“Let nobody deceive you, I fully understand the issues. We are where we are today because those who have led us in the last 19 years, clearly lack vision and the required knowledge to change our condition for good.
“These and more are the reasons I am again, presenting myself, purely for service. I thank you all for your support and co-operation. I also trust that your encouragement will continue into the election and even beyond.
‘Once again, thank you all. Please, remain hopeful of a better and greater Lagos State. Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year in advance”.
