The archbishop of Bendel Diocese of Anglican Communion in Edo, Rev. Friday Imaekhai, yesterday urged Nigerians to shun violence and utterances that could heat up the polity.
Imaekhai said in a Christmas message released in Ekpoma, that Nigerians should use the Christmas period to reflect and pray for the nation.
Imaekhao, who is also the bishop of Esan Diocese, called for prayers to end the current security challenges in the country.
“In the recent past, the events of kidnapping and bomb blasts credited to the Boko Haram, have assumed alarming proportions, threatening the existence of Nigeria as a united entity.
“The violence in the country is disgracefully too high and there is need for us all to reflect and pray for our nation.
“We can pay no greater respect to our redeemer than to exhibit his virtues of love, peace, humility, compassion, sacrifice, service, honesty and respect for the dignity of the human person and work for a society that is just.
“The essence of Christmas must not be seen in the eating and drinking that usually characterise the celebrations, but in our show of attitude of love, peace, togetherness and harmonious living, so that we can jointly move the society forward.’’