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From Adesuwa Tsan and Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, have congratulated Nigerians, particularly Christians, on the celebration of Christmas, urging them to promote peace, love and unity.
Senator Akpabio, in a message signed by his media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, called on Nigerians to use the Yuletide to spread kindness, generosity and compassion, especially to the less privileged.
He encouraged citizens to remember those in need and extend a helping hand, noting that the birth of Jesus Christ symbolises peace, love and selfless giving.
“On behalf of my family, constituents, the Senate and the entire 10th National Assembly, I wish to heartily rejoice with our Christian faithful on this joyful occasion of Christmas.”
He also invited Nigerians of other faiths to share in the celebration, urging tolerance and mutual respect.
“To our brothers and sisters of other faiths, I invite you to join us in celebrating the birthday of Jesus Christ. I urge you all to exude love throughout this period and beyond. Let us tolerate one another and strive to be our brothers’ keepers,” he added.
Akpabio further called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and steadfast despite prevailing challenges, praying for sustained peace, unity and progress in the country.
Expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future, the Senate President said the nation was on the right path under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and urged citizens to continue supporting the government for better days ahead. Governor Uzodimma urged Nigerian leaders to govern with humility, love and compassion in line with the virtues exhibited by Jesus Christ.
He noted that in spite of His divinity, Christ humbled himself to be born in a manger and not a Palace and gave his life for mankind in the highest demonstration of love.
The governor spoke at the occasion of the Christmas Carol Service held at the brand new Government House Annex, Orlu “In studying the life of Christ, two virtues stand out as the pillars of His mission: humility and love. Christ descended to earth to impart these virtues to all of humanity”, he said.
Uzodimma further averred that the Christmas season challenges those in authority to wield power with the same humility that Christ exercised with his divine authority.
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According to him, as the quintessential embodiment of love, Christ also gave his life for the salvation of mankind which demands to be reciprocated in the love of neighbours.
Uzodimma was emphatic that Christmas was beyond the annual ritual of festivities, social gathering and the joyous reunion in ancestral homes, saying it was a season for deep spiritual introspection on the faith of mankind and the shared values of love and compassion.
He, therefore, urged both the leaders and the people to be true ambassadors of Christlike love by loving without discrimination, eschewing hate and avoiding any act that might cause pain to others.
“We cannot claim to be Christians in the morning and transform into bandits or kidnappers at night. We can not be devout church goers who use the same tongue to spread hate speech, stoke ethnic tensions or attempt to derail the efforts of the government.”
The governor, however, expressed happiness that this year’s Christmas was being celebrated under improved economic growth as prices of foodstuffs had gone down considerably.
Uzodimma asked Nigerians to continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as his bold economic reforms were yielding positive and tangible results.
He commended the people of Imo State for believing in his administration and gave God the glory for all the achievements his administration has recorded in the state. He also pledged to continue to serve with humility and transparency. Senator Mark has charged Nigerians to be vigilant, amid rising security challenges and remain committed to national unity.
Mark also urged Nigerians to embrace peace, tolerance, and harmonious coexistence across religious and ethnic lines.The opposition leader, while noting that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, called on citizens to uphold tolerance, mutual respect and national cohesion in the collective pursuit of peace and progress
“As we commemorate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, I extend my warmest Christmas greetings to you and your families across the length and breadth of our dear country.
“Christmas is a season that reminds us of the timeless values of love, peace, sacrifice, humility, and service to humanity. “I urge all Nigerians to draw strength from the true spirit of Christmas by showing compassion to one another, reaching out to the less privileged, and standing united despite our differences.”
Mark implored Nigerians to embrace the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the credible alternative capable of ushering in an era of good and inclusive governance, accountability, respect for the rule of law, and the promotion of human rights. He urged leaders at all levels to embrace selfless service and recommit themselves to the ideals of good governance, accountability and justice.“As we celebrate this festive season, may peace reign in our communities, joy fill our homes, and renewed hope inspire us for the year ahead,” Mark stated.
