Governors have called on all Nigerians to resist religious disharmony and work for peace while sacrificing for the growth and development of the country.
In their various messages in commemoration of this year’s Christmas, the governors also disclosed that they will initiate a strategic development initiative for the development of the country.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, while felicitating with Christians in Borno State and across the country at ongoing Christmas celebrations, said Nigerians should not forget its history and always pursue peace.
Zulum’s message was contained in a statement issued by his spokesman, Malam Isa Gusau.
He said, “I would like us to also remember our history and how we have been tested by the challenges that confronted our state, especially since 2009. The security challenges we faced affected us as citizens, regardless of our faith.
“Boko Haram insurgents attacked dozens of mosques and churches as well as communities, killing Muslims and Christians at various times. They rendered many of our brothers and sisters homeless across the north, south and central parts of Borno State.
“As Governor, I have, on numerous occasions, paid humanitarian and reconstruction visits to diverse communities of all faiths in the south, north and central, because the attacks by insurgents mostly did not take religion into account. Everyone who did not share the Boko Haram ideology was a target, regardless of whether the victim was Muslim or Christian.”
The governor stated that he had paid countless visits to communities in Chibok, Askira-Uba, Hawul, Biu, Gwoza, Monguno, Baga, Kala-Balge and others but that his consideration had always been about critical humanitarian needs and not religion.
“We have worked hard to rebuild and resettle communities with the consideration of fairness to the most affected portions of our 27 local government areas,” he added.
Also, Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni, called on Christian faithful in the state to spread love, peace and sacrifice as preached by Christianity.
Buni said love, peace, and sacrifice should be seen, felt and enjoyed in the spirit of the Christmas festival, now and always.
He said, “We thank God for the peace and progress we now enjoy in the state. We should continue to work and pray for improved and lasting peace in Yobe State, Nigeria, and the world,” the governor said.
He urged youths to shun drug abuse and other vices that are inimical to society and against the teachings of their religions.
Governor Buni further called on all religious leaders to preach tolerance, peaceful coexistence, unity, and love for the world to be a better place for all.
On his part, Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, urged Christians in the state to emulate the virtues of Christ, applauding them for their resilience in fostering peace and religious harmony not only in the state but in Nigeria as a whole.
A statement issued by his chief press secretary, Ibrahim Muhammed Kaula and made available to LEADERSHIP, said Governor Radda further admonished the people to uphold the sanctity of love, unity and security of the state and Nigeria
He declared commitment to ending banditry and ensuring the safety of all citizens, adding that his government will continue to be active in tackling security issues by implementing measures to safeguard communities and foster peace and coexistence in the state
Furthermore, Governor Radda said he had dedicated himself to reforming the educational sector in Katsina State due to its pivotal role education in societal development.
Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, gave the assurance to the people of the state of his relentless efforts to implement strategic developmental initiatives aimed at providing a firm foundation which will enhance the quality of life of the citizenry in all ramifications
The governor who gave the assurance in his Christmas message through the Chief Press Secretary Tersoo Kula also called on the people of the state to continue to support and pray for his administration, even as he extended his warm congratulations and heartfelt wishes to all Christians on the occasion of this year’s Christmas.
Governor Alia, who described Christmas as a joyous occasion, urged all Christians in the state and the country to continue to show humility, love and kindness to one another to emulate Jesus Christ whom we are celebrating.
“As we celebrate the joyous occasion of Christmas, let us embrace the spirit of goodwill and extend kindness to all those around us. Let us share the love and joy that this season brings, not only with our loved ones but also with those who may be in need of a helping hand,”
Also, Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has felicitated with Christian faithful on the joyful occasion of Christmas, explaining that the state is working in tandem with the federal government to mitigate the challenges of insecurity.
In his message to the Christian community, Governor Sani called on the people to use the festive period as a moment for sober reflection and an avenue to imbibe the values and lessons of the season which are charity, peace and kindness to all mankind irrespective of any perceived differences.
Governor Sani’s Chief Press Secretary, Muhammad Lawal Shehu, in a statement while urging the people to embrace the virtues of the season, commended Christian leaders in the state for their unwavering support for policies and programmes of the Kaduna State Government.
Let’s renew our hope to build better Nigeria – CAN
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on Nigerians to use this Christmas season to renew their commitment to building a better country for future generations.
CAN, in a Christmas message signed by its president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, urged Nigerians to work towards fostering an environment where every citizen can thrive, where justice and equity prevail, and where peace and prosperity abound.
Okoh said that as Nigerians, they are faced with numerous challenges, but they must not lose hope.
“Instead, we must use this season to renew our commitment to building a better Nigeria for future generations.
“Christmas, therefore, holds great significance for Christians worldwide, serving as a poignant reminder of the genuine reconciliation initiated by God’s love to restore the hope of mankind to live forever.
“During this season, we are reminded to seek to be more like Jesus by reaching out to our neighbours with words of peace. In a diverse country like Nigeria, characterised by multiple ethnicities and religions, we must always strive to seek what unites and binds us together rather than what divides us.”
We must build bridges, says Ganduje
The national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has extended his heartfelt greetings to all Nigerians, especially those of Christian faith as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
In a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Edwin Olofu Ganduje said it is a time to reflect on the love and blessings his birth bestowed upon Christians and to embrace the virtues of the spirit of hope, sacrifice, peace, and joy that defined his lifestyle.
In the spirit of unity and togetherness, the national chairman urged every Christian to cherish the love they have for one another and to extend acts of kindness and compassion to the less fortunate.
“Let us use this season of goodwill to build bridges, mend relationships, and promote harmony within our communities,” he said.
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