President Muhammadu Buhari has asked Nigerians to embrace love, peace and
hospitality.
Buhari urged the populace to reflect on the “message of hope, compassion,
salvation, reconciliation, forgiveness and peace that Jesus Christ embodies and
conveys.”
He asked Nigerians to show the world that something good can
come out of the country.
The president said he had ordered the security agencies to see to it that
people can celebrate in peace without fears of insecurity.
He added that the future of the country is better than what
it had experienced in the past.
He also promised to deliver a credible, free and fair
election in 2019, saying “my word is my bond”.
His message to the nation on the occasion of
Christmas, read, “I felicitate with all Nigerians, particularly our Christian
brothers and sisters, on the joyous occasion of this year’s Christmas, which
commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ,”
“In 2018, Nigerians have had mixed blessings, typical of human beings. On the
pleasant side, our economy has made significant progress since coming out from
recession and our faithful implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth
Plan.
“On the downside, we have seen so many
unnecessary deaths caused by violent clashes between neighbours, who ordinarily
should complement and support one another.
“We cannot bring back the lives lost to
floods, unfortunate fire disasters, road accidents, farmers/herders clashes and
insurgency.
“But we can put back smiles on the faces of
the grieving, the displaced and the troubled, if we show a little love and
recommit ourselves to building relationships with those outside our ethnic,
religious and socio-political divides.
“As we celebrate Christmas, exchange gifts, pray and visit loved ones, let us
remember many others who cannot be with their families this time.
“Our brave Armed Forces, and other security
men and women who make incredible sacrifices to keep us safe, the aged, the
sick, physically challenged persons, all deserve our goodwill in this season of
love and sharing.
“Together we can show generosity to our
neighbours and demonstrate the diversity that makes Nigeria unique – a land
with a beautiful climate and vegetation, beaming with an energetic and creative
youth population.
“We must not also forget that what lies ahead
of us as a nation is better than whatever we must have experienced in the past.
“With general election around the corner and
heightened political activities across the country, I have charged our security
and law enforcement agencies to secure the sanctity of the ballot box and
ensure that the outcome of the polls reflects the will of the Nigerian people.
“My avowed commitment to free, fair, credible
and violence-free polls is not a ruse or yet another vain political promise. My
word is my bond.
“It is a sworn declaration on the advancement
of Nigeria, the future and safety of our young and unborn generations.
“Let us tell the world that, indeed, something
good can come out from Nigeria. And it will happen, as we all team up to make
it happen.”
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