Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubarkar, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Ahmed Idris Wase, various state governors and other eminent Nigerians have felicitated Christians in the country as they join their counterparts across the world to celebrate Christmas – a festival to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
The APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in his Christmas message charged all Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation or differences, to work towards moving the country forward.
According to the APC standard bearer, the greatness of the country should be the paramount responsibility of all, stressing that, “No matter our political differences, we are all Nigerians and we must move this nation forward.”
He also urged all Nigerians to let the hope symbolised by this season of celebration herald our renewed hope in the Nigeria of our dreams.
The statement reads: “On this special day, I stretch forth my hand in fraternal affection and great joy to Christians and all who join in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
“Christmas is a period of spiritual uplift as both Christians and non-Christians are moved to reflect upon God’s love for mankind and what, truly, it means to love your God, your neighbour and yourself.
“Thus, I say merry Christmas to the farmer, the student, the labourer, the artisan, the professional, the entertainer, the teacher, the police officer, the market women, the soldier and all Nigerians.
“I also extend my wishes for a good and happy Christmas to my political opponents. No matter our political differences, we are all Nigerians and we must move this nation forward.
“Thus, let the hope symbolised by this season of celebration also herald our renewed hope in the Nigeria of our dreams.”
Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in his Christmas message said: “On behalf of myself, my family and our great party – the Peoples Democratic Party, I extend my felicitations to our Christian Brothers and Sisters on this joyous season of Christmas.
“May the good Lord grant you and all yours unlimited joy and sustained happiness. May His Divine intervention grant our dear country Nigeria Tranquility, Peace and Prosperity.
“Let us remain steadfast in prayers for a greater Nigeria after the elections of next year that will be a shining example for our present and future generations.”
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Ola Awoniyi, in Abuja, enjoined Christian faithful to spread the message of love, peace, hope and tolerance which Jesus Christ preached by personal example.
“I heartily rejoice with Christians in Nigeria as they celebrate this annual festival of the birth of Jesus Christ.
“The life and teachings of Jesus Christ enjoins his followers through holy living to be the light and salt that make the world brighter and better for mankind.
“Jesus Christ also commanded his followers to love their neighbours just as they love themselves and to seek peace in the society.
“Abiding by those great instructions is important for Christians everywhere and for all of us in Nigeria as we seek to build a virile and happy nation.”
Gbajabiamila rejoiced with Christian faithful for marking this year’s Christmas.
He said Christmas, which is marked to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, is a period for sober reflection and re-dedication to His teachings and ways.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, Speaker Gbajabiamila enjoined the Christian faithful and other Nigerians to use the period to pray for a peaceful and successful general elections in 2023.
He said as the country was getting ready for the general elections, it was imperative for Nigerians to eschew any form of violence and acts that could undermine the peaceful conduct of the polls.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Ahmed Idris Wase called on the Christian faithful to uphold the tenets of love, sacrifice and tolerance as symbolised by Jesus Christ.
Wase in his Christmas message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Umar Muhammed Puma, urged Christians to use this special occasion to show love and kindness to one another.
He urged Christians to use the occasion of this year’s Christmas celebration to pray to God to put an end to all the security and economic challenges bedeviling the country.
The Deputy Speaker further urged religious leaders to pray for the nation and its leaders , as we prepared for the 2023 general elections.
Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan called for love, unity and peace among Christians and others around the world.
In a statement released by his media office on Saturday, Dr. Jonathan urged Nigerians to “approach this season of Christmas with optimism and renewed faith in ourselves and our country.”
He further stated: “At Christmas, we celebrate love, hope and joy, which the birth of Jesus heralds to the world. As individuals and as a nation, we face different challenges. But we should not allow that to weaken our faith in God and our country, as well as imperil our shared promise of greatness and prosperity.
“Let us approach this season of Christmas with optimism and renewed faith in ourselves and our country. Let us exhibit love, tolerance, sense of unity and peace towards our neighbours and all around us during this season and beyond.”
Also, a former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, urged Nigerians to renew hope and faith in God in the quest to find lasting solutions to the socio-economic and political challenges facing the nation.
Senator Mark in a goodwill message to Nigerians to mark this year’s Christmas celebration, said there is need to seek refuge in God, saying: “if all things fail, God never fails”.
On his part, the Chairman of Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Solomon Adeola, called on all Christians in particular, and Nigerians in general, to use the occasion of the Christmas celebration to renew their faith in Jesus Christ of Nazareth and pray for a peaceful and rancour-free 2023 general elections in a few weeks’ time.
“I want to urge all Christian faithful not to use the occasion of the 2022 Christmas celebration for merry-making only but use it as a period of reflection and supplication to God Almighty for a better, peaceful and prosperous future.
“With this year’s celebration coming weeks to crucial national and state elections, I urge all Nigerians to see the season as another opportunity for fervent prayers for a new dawn and prosperous future for individuals and the Nigerian nation,” Adeola said.
A former governor and Enugu East Senator Chimaroke Nnamani called for religious tolerance and mutual respect between and among different adherents as a road map for harmonious coexistence in the country.
Nnamani stated that respect for each other’s religion and observing the rights of others is a sure way to guarantee harmonious coexistence without stepping on toes.
He specifically urged Christian faithful to be guided by the spirit of the season as exemplified by Jesus Christ’s advocacy for peace, love, tolerance and forgiveness.
Remain committed to ideals exemplified by Jesus Christ- Wike urges Christians
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, enjoined Christians to use the occasion to promote love, peace and unity.
Wike, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant, Media, Kelvin Ebiri, urged Christian faithful to remain committed to the worthy ideals exemplified by Jesus Christ.
He advised the privileged in the state to use the season to reach out to the less privileged to deepen friendship and communal living.
The governor said: “I join Christian faithful in our dear Rivers State and the entire world in celebrating the joyous occasion of Christmas.
“As we remember the true meaning of this glorious festivity, may we emulate the Lord Jesus Christ’s love, kindness by extending our hands to the less privileged among us.”
Nasarawa gov calls for sober reflection
Nasarawa State Governor, Engr Abdullahi Sule urged Christians to live in peace, harmony and pray for peaceful transition of power as they celebrate Christmas.
The Governor in a message signed by the acting Governor of the state, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, said “the birth of Jesus Christ, symbolizes love, peace, humility and, indeed, dignity for humankind”
“It is for this reason that Jesus Christ epitomizes self-sacrifice, good neighbourliness, charity and reconciliation among human race. This festive season, therefore, calls for sober reflection and reaffirmation of moral rectitude as exemplified by Jesus Christ.
“My dear brethren, let me use the opportunity of this festive celebration to call on all Christians in the State and in diaspora to imbibe the virtues and teachings of Jesus Christ by showing affection and sharing of love with one another at all times as enshrined in the Holy Book”
Diri implores politicians to eschew violent conduct as 2023 beckons
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri urged the Christian faithful to practice the teachings of Jesus and as much as it is within their power live in peace with all.
Diri said: “The season of Christmas is upon us again, signaling the end of yet another year. On behalf of my family and the Government of Prosperity, I send best wishes to all Christians in Bayelsa, and, indeed, around the world, for a Merry Christmas.
Ahead of the 2023 elections and in the spirit of the occasion of the Christmas celebrations and festivities, the governor implored politicians in Bayelsa and elsewhere in Nigeria to be tolerant and eschew violent conduct.
Nigeria’s future bright- Elumelu
Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rep. Ndudi Elumelu asked Nigerians to use the occasion of the Christmas celebration to rekindle their trust in God and reinforce their love for one another in the renewed hope of a brighter future for the nation.
Elumelu assured that the future is bright for the nation under a purposeful, caring and humane leadership in the coming year.
He said: “Despite the challenge, we must not succumb to despondency but strengthen the bond of unity, celebrate and share with one another in love, believing that this will be the last Christmas under an uncaring government.”
Obaseki urges love, peaceful co-existence
Felicitating Christians, Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, urged them to use the period to show care and reflect on the life of Jesus Christ and His teachings on love and sacrifice.
Obaseki in a statement said, “I celebrate with all Edo people, at home and in the diaspora as well as residents, as we mark this beautiful Christmas season.
“Christmas presents an auspicious opportunity to show care and reflect on the life of Jesus Christ and His teachings on love and sacrifice.”
He added, “As we celebrate with our friends, relatives and acquaintances, I urge you to continue to spread the message of love, unity and peaceful co-existence.”
Akeredolu, Ondo APC call for prayers
Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, urged party members who are Christians to pray and identified prayer as an essential tool needed to excel in every endeavour, even at critical times.
Similarly, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu who spoke through his Press Secretary Richard Olatunde, called on Christians across the country to embrace goals and ideals that would promote societal common good as well as bring stability to the country.
Governor Akeredolu charged the people to imbibe the lessons of the birth and life of Jesus Christ.
“We must reflect deeply on the reason for the season. The birth of Jesus Christ is significant in many ways. It teaches love, tolerance and sacrifice. Let us be deliberate in imbibing the lessons in this season.”
Adeleke distributes rice
Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke felicitated with Christians on the occasion of the birth of Jesus Christ, directing the various committees in charge of rice distribution to be fair and avoid partisan considerations.
“As I rejoice with our people, I have directed the rice distribution committees in all the 332 wards to ensure equity and transparency. The members are drawn from all interest groups and the committee must ensure the materials get to the intended beneficiaries”
In a statement issued on Saturday and released to the media by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke described Christmas as a moment that reflects the love of God for mankind even as he justified his rice distribution programme as necessary to cushion the effect of the hard time on the citizenry.
The Governor called for a renewed commitment to the service of humanity in line with the true teaching of Jesus Christ, adding that we must strive at all time for the progress of our society.
“This season is another opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the true teachings of Jesus Christ, which has love at its heart. In love, we will have no trouble enduring each others’ differences and live in harmony, which holds the key to prosperity,” he noted in the message.
Obi, urges Nigerians to remain hopeful
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, urged Nigerians to remain hopeful for a better nation especially as Nigerians prepare to take back their nation, for good, come 2023.
Obi made this call while delivering his 2022 Christmas message to Nigerians. He explained that the celebration of Christmas birthed hope in the world, while urging Nigerians to hold unto that firm hope for a better and more productive nation.
He restated that Christmas is a season of love and that the celebration of the birth of Christ should be a constant reminder of how God gave His only begotten son for the salvation of humanity.
He said, “We, as humans should therefore, endeavour to make sacrifice, even when it is painful, for the good of others and for our society.”
Sani-Bello grateful for peace in Niger State
Niger State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello in his Christmas message thanked God for the relative peace the state is currently enjoying. He assured of his administration’s continuous support to continuously support the security agencies to ensure that the relative peace enjoyed in the state is maintained.
The Governor called on Christians to reflect on the significance of the birth of Jesus Christ urging the people to imbibe the Christian hallmarks of love, compassion, sacrifice, selflessness, and forgiveness as they mark the Christmas celebrations.
“I celebrate with all Christians on this joyous occasion of commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Love, compassion, sacrifice, selflessness, and forgiveness are the basis for the celebration so I urge all Nigerlites to use this period to reflect and practice these principles for a better society”, he said.
Enugu PDP guber candidate seeks help for the poor
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah urged Christians to remember the poor, weak and disadvantaged as they celebrate the Christmas, saying that giving and caring for others are the essence of the yuletide
In a statement personally signed by him and issued by his media office on Saturday, Dr. Mbah congratulated Christians, Enugu citizens at home and in the diaspora, and Nigerians on the occasion of this year’s Christmas celebration.
The governorship hopeful said he was full of joy to identify and celebrate with Christians, especially Enugu citizens living across the globe, adding that the message of Jesus’ birth reminds us of the importance of the season and what is expected of us to do to our family, neighbours, friends, foes and humanity in general.
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