Obi, Mimiko, Sylva, Oshiomhole, Aregbesola, Atiku, Others Urge Peace, Tolerance

OBI-05-11-12Obi:  ‘Amid Celebrations, We Must Master Our Challenges’

GOVERNOR Peter Obi of Anambra State has called on all Christians to reflect on the mystery of the salvation through Jesus Christ.

In his Christmas message to the people of Anambra State, the governor said the yuletide offers a great opportunity to live the ideals of charity, love, peace and harmony preached by Christ in His three-year ministry.

“On this happy occasion of Christmas, we Christians are called upon to reflect on the mystery of our salvation, which started with the birth of Christ who paved the way for us to attain eternity,” Obi urged the people.

“Let us all reach out and touch somebody else in a positive way. Let us give a hand to the less fortunate, that they may rise and walk with us.

“Yet, even as we celebrate, we must bear in mind the challenges that face our dear state in the coming year and prepare adequately to confront and master them.

“I wish Ndi Anambra, all those who live in our State, as well as all Nigerians a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.”

Love Will Make Nation Prosperous, Says Mimiko

ONDO State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has enjoined Christians in the country to remain committed to the ideals of Christmas, saying this will accord meaning to the celebration of the birth of Christ.

He also enjoined Christians to see the celebration as a season to share and exhibit love for one another.

In his goodwill message, signed by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Eni Akinsola, Mimiko said the earlier Christians recommitted themselves to the ideals of Christmas, the better it would be for the society.

The governor called on Christians to see themselves as beneficiaries of God’s infinite love and learn to share with others during the yuletide and beyond.

He urged Nigerians to embrace genuine love, saying it would form basis for a united and prosperous nation.

Sylva Preaches Moral, Democratic Rebirth

GOVERNOR Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa State has called on people of the state and Nigerians to imbibe moral values for which Christ came to the world.

In a Christmas message, released in Yenagoa by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Doifie Ola, Sylva also urged a renewal of faith in democracy among Nigerians, saying there is no alternative to freedom.

He said: “Jesus Christ, whom we worship and celebrate, this season, is an epitome of selflessness, self-sacrifice, and humility. As we mark His birth, we should soberly reflect on the ideals He represents among us and strive to fix them firmly in our minds through practice.

“Christ taught love, forgiveness, compassion, and generosity. He also declared liberty to the world. In the spirit of the season, we should be challenged to make the lifestyle of Christ part of our everyday private and public lives.”

Have Compassion For Masses, Oshiomhole Tells Leaders

GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole has urged leaders at all levels to demonstrate greater compassion for the masses, saying this is consistent with Christ’s message of charity and love for others.

In his Christmas message, the governor also said: “It is a season to appreciate the abiding goodness of God and a season to dispense goodwill and charity to family, neigbours and community.

“We need to be admonished to remember at all times that God’s design is a world that is free of hatred, recrimination and injustice. If indeed we are all God’s people, then we owe Him and ourselves a duty to honour His injunction, chief among which is the sanctity of life, respect for others and tolerance.

“The acute overlay of acrimony, tension and now sectarian violence calls for us to invoke the will and mercy of God on our country.”

Aregbesola Urges Prayers For Nation’s Survival

OSUN State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has urged Christian faithful to live with fellow citizens in love, unity and peace for the continued existence of the country.

The governor, in a Christmas message, signed by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, urged citizens to use the occasion of the celebration to pray for the continued existence of the country despite religious differences.

Aregbesola said love and unity should not be limited to the celebration of Christmas alone but should be part of people’s lives.

“Christmas which symbolises love, joy and peace, is famous for the birth of Jesus who lived a sinless life and died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins; an act of love which we must all emulate,” he said.

Mu’azu Harps On Peace, Harmony

By John Ogiji, Minna

NIGER State governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has urged Christians and all Nigerians to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ by promoting tolerance, peaceful co-existence and religious harmony.

In a Christmas message, signed by Chief Press Secretary, Malam Danladi Ndayebo, Aliyu said tolerance and peace remains the only way to build a great and prosperous nation.

He said the country’s security, political and economic challenges can only be surmounted in an atmosphere of peaceful co-existence.

Aliyu said Christmas affords Nigerians opportunity to reflect on potentials, strengths, and opportunities and look for ways of harnessing them for the benefit of country.

The statement called on citizens to support government in its effort to building a peaceful and harmonious society.

Atiku Calls For Prayers For Peace, Prosperity

From Martins Oloja (Abuja Bureau Chief)

FORMER Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerians, particularly

Christians, to pray for the peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria as they celebrate Christmas.

In a Christmas message, released by his Media Office in Abuja, Atiku said the season offers opportunity for sober reflection.

He decried the hardship visited on citizens by unscrupulous people who use the opportunity of festive periods to exploit Nigerians.

He called on citizens to be alive to their responsibilities to the nation and to one another. According to him, Nigerians need to show more love, sacrifice and compassion to their fellow citizens in line with the teachings of the faith.