A Christmas messages poured in for Christians on Saturday, with various state governors advising the Christian faithful to effectively utilise the celebration for the benefit of all Nigerians and the country.
They also called for the promotion of peaceful co-existence and tolerance.?
Gov. Isa Yuguda, in a goodwill message to the people of Bauchi State on the occasion of the 2011 Christmas celebration, urged Nigerians to make the Christmas celebration a meaningful one.
He said this would be possible by applying the significance of the Christmas celebration to the peculiar nature of the country’s environment and circumstances.
“Jesus Christ throughout his lifetime preached peace, honesty, love for one another and, above all, the fear of God.”
“It is these virtues that people, irrespective of their religious belief are enjoined to imbibe and put to practice,’’ the governor said.
Yuguda added that the noble characteristic of Christ, who lived a peaceful life, preached peaceful co-existence between his followers, should be emulated by all Nigerians.
He said that while the occasion called for meditation and happiness, it should also be used as a period for the stock-taking of routine and spiritual performances in the past years.
The governor called for mutual respect and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians, adding that the occasion should be used to strengthen existing friendships and establish new ones.
On security, Yuguda reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring that people live without fear of molestation or harassment from any quarters.
“The primary objective of a responsible government is to ensure the security of lives and property of its citizens.”
“We will do everything possible to ensure that we continue to enjoy a peaceful Bauchi State where no one is molested or harassed.’’ He said.
Gov. Babangida Aliyu of Niger, on his part, urged Christians to promote tolerance and peaceful co-existence in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ as they celebrate Christmas.
In a Christmas message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Danladi Ndayebo, Aliyu said tolerance and peace remain the only way to build a great and prosperous nation.
“Nigeria currently faces security, political, social and economic challenges which can only be surmounted? in an atmosphere of tolerance, peaceful co-existence and religious harmony,’’? he said .
The governor urged all Nigerians to seek and promote the virtues of tolerance and peaceful co-existence among ethnic groups and religious divides in the country.
He appealed to Nigerians to deplore acts of vandalism, arson, destruction of lives and properties which were perpetrated by few groups who have given the country a bad name.
Also, Rev. Musa Dada, the Niger Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), called on Christians in the country to live the life of service and sacrifice as shown by Jesus Christ.
In his message to Christians in the state, Dada said that in celebrating the birth of Jesus, the faithful should emulate Jesus by exhibiting love, tolerance, generosity, obedience and sacrifice.
He also called for moderation during the celebration, noting that the faithful would be celebrating Christmas without Christ if they indulge in drunkenness, rioting, gluttony, sexual immorality and other vices.
“We should de-emphasise the social aspect and emphasise the spiritual aspects that the celebration comes with”, Dada added.
On his part, Gov. Sullivan Chime of Enugu State called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to the promotion of values, tolerance, brotherhood and unity amongst them.
Chime, in his Christmas message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Chukwudi Achife, said the celebrations had offered Nigerians the opportunity to reflect on God’s love and
compassion for man.
He said such reflections would help Nigerians understand why they should respect each other’s rights, especially the right to life and peaceful co-existence with their neighbors.
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the joy it brings to the world, we must use this occasion to re-dedicate ourselves to values and virtues that promote love, tolerance and unity among us,’’ the governor said in the message.
Chime assured that the Enugu state government had taken adequate measures to ensure that citizens and visitors to the state enjoyed the celebrations without hitches.
He, however, warned against any act that would disturb the peace of the people during the celebrations.