Jonathan, Peter Obi, Tinubu Felicitate Christian Faithful On Christmas Celebration

Leading Nigerian political actors including former President Goodluck Jonathan, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, and his counterpart in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, have extended their felicitation to Christians on the celebration of this year's Christmas.

In their separate Christmas messages, the political elites prayed for peace, love and unity as they express hope for a better Nigeria even as 2023 approaches.

In a statement issued by his Media Aide, Ikechukwu Eze, dated Friday, December 23, forrmer President Jonathan called for love, unity and peace among Christians and others around the world.

Jonathan acknowledged that Nigerians have suffered a series of tragedies in the last few months. He, however, urged the citizens to approach the season of Christmas with optimism and renewed faith in themselves and the country.

He said: “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 exhibit love, tolerance, a sense of unity and peace towards our neighbours and all around us during this season and beyond.”

On his part, the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi charged Nigerians to remain hopeful for a better nation especially as they prepare for the 2023 general elections.

Obi made this call in his 2022 Christmas Message to Nigerians yesterday in Awka, Anambra State througha a statement by his media aide, Dr Valentine Obienyem.

The former governor preached love as he reiterated the reason for the season, noting that the celebration of Christmas birthed hope in the world.

Obi charged Nigerians to be hopeful for a better and more productive nation. He restated that Christmas remained a season of love and that the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ should be a constant reminder of how God gave His only begotten son for the salvation of humanity.

Obi said, “We, as humans should, therefore, endeavour to make sacrifices, even when it is painful, for the good of others and for our society.”

The presidential candidate encouraged Nigerians to go beyond the festivities and glamour associated with the Christmas season and strive to live out the true essence of the celebration.

Meanwhile, the former Governor of Lagos State and APC flag-bearer has said that despite political differences, Nigeria must move forward even in the face of its challenges.

Tinubu felicitated with his opponents as Christians mark this year’s Christmas. In a statement made available to newsmen, Tinubu said, “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. May the joy and great gift of this Christmas be the renewed hope that we can and will forge a better Nigeria with the help and guidance of Almighty God above.”