…Obi tells Nigerians to use Christmas season to appreciate essence of God

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party for the 2023 poll, Peter Obi has used the season of Christmas to appreciate God’s mercy.
He made the appeal in a Christmas message on his X (Twitter) handle yesterday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the Federal Government had declared December 25 and 26 as public holidays to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Obi noted that Nigerians were going through hardship, but advised that they use the season to appreciate God for his numerous blessings.
His words: “My Dear compatriots, I wish you all a merry Christmas as you join the Christendom to celebrate the anniversary of Jesus Christ .

“This season epitomises love, peace and joy for all mankind. These are values and longings that unify our common humanity in a feast of love.
“This is why I wish to share the spirit of this season with all our compatriots irrespective of station, circumstance and persuasion.
“I fully appreciate the difficulties of these times in our dear country.
“The hardship in the country and the biting effects of government policies and poor governance have dampened the hopes of most Nigerians.
“The difficulties and challenges of this moment should not, however, hinder us from appreciating the essence of our creation and the importance of seeking God’s mercy at all times.”

The former governor of Anambra state said the prevailing circumstance should not stop Nigerians from aspiring to overcome and realise the full potential of the country.

He, therefore, enjoined Christians to use the feast to offer supplications to God for the nation.

Obi said as leaders, they must embrace the spirit of the season, which emphasises charity.

“For leaders, charity underlines compassion for the people in their present hardship.
“For us as a people, charity means sharing with our neighbors and the less privileged, our material blessings,” he added.

He reassured the people of a New Nigeria.

Equally, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, yesterday, charged Nigerians to be hopeful.

In his Yuletide tiding issued by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, the erstwhile governor of Akwa Ibom State said current pains would result in positive outcomes through visionary development architecture by the President Bola Tinubu administration.

He admonished faithful to “pray and be hopeful because with the birth of Jesus Christ, who is the symbol of hope, love and redemption, Nigeria will also overcome its current challenges.”

According to Akpabio, Christmas calls for deep reflection on the teachings of Jesus Christ, anchored on love for neighbours, peaceful co-existence and loyalty to constituted authorities.

He submitted: “On behalf of my family and constituents, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and indeed the entire National Assembly, I wish to sincerely congratulate all our Christian brothers and sisters on the celebration of the feast of Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ.
“As you celebrate, I urge you not only to merry, but also continue to pray for our dear country, Nigeria, and our leaders.
“Show love to one another and continue to reflect on the life of Jesus Christ, especially his humility, sacrifice, love for neighbour and loyalty to God and constituted authority.

“Our today’s pain will surely produce joyful gains in a very short time,” he said.

Akpabio advised Nigerians not to give up on their leaders.
“I am confident that with your prayers and support, the current administration will wipe away our tears in no distant time.
“In this season of joy, may Jesus’ birth resonate within us all, guiding our thoughts, our words and our actions.
“May His hope re-ignite our spirits, encouraging us to spread love and kindness to those around us. Each small act of goodwill can illuminate a life, bringing light to the darkest corners of our world,” he added.

The lawmaker stressed: “Christmas is a time when hope fills the air, when merriment and goodwill permeate our hearts.
“It is essential to remember the reason for this season, the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
“In a world grappling with uncertainty, strife and challenges, Jesus remains the beacon of hope, offering solace and assurance to all who seek Him.”

Also, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar felicitated with worshippers.
In a statement from his media office in Abuja, yesterday, the Adamawa State native urged Nigerians to embrace peace and unity for the country’s progress.

It reads in part: “I felicitate with all Nigerians, particularly the Christian faithful on the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ.
“Christmas is a time of love. Therefore, I call on all Nigerians to emulate the essence of this season and unite for the greater good of our dear country.
“Christmas is the season of love, joy, generosity and forgiveness and while we celebrate with family and friends, we should also spend time to pray for a more peaceful and prosperous nation as it is important for Nigerians to inject the healing and unifying serum of love for our neighbours into the nation’s consciousness, this Yuletide.”

Atiku equally charged Nigerians to use this time to rededicate themselves to the virtues of “faith in God, love for one another and make these virtues more evident and practical in their daily living.”

The Wazirin Adamawa enjoined Nigerians not to relent in praying to God to restore peace and all-round development and progress for Nigeria.