President Muhammadu Buhari has called on Christians to stay focused on the symbiotic relationship between Christmas and hope, Jesus Christ and humility, and Christianity and grace.
In a Christmas message he personally signed, the President says Nigerians can make this celebration a spectacular one by renewing their pledge and common resolve to work for the unity and prosperity of the country.
He says until his last day in office, he will continue to provide political and material support to sub-national governments, the Armed Forces, institutions, and individuals working wholeheartedly for the peace, unity, stability, and progress of Nigeria.
The President says the advances made so far on the economic front, especially in infrastructure; food security, anti-corruption, security, and energy sufficiency will need to be built on.
He notes that the joyous season has coincided with the period of campaigns to usher in a new administration, and urge Nigerians to be circumspect and vote for those that will maintain the momentum his administration has created for the greater good of the country.
President Buhari stresses that the forthcoming elections should be another opportunity to show the rest of the world that Nigeria is indeed ready to consolidate her democratic credentials as has been noted in international circles.
He prays God to let peace and joy that pervade this period continue well into the new year up to the elections in February and beyond.
The President assures Nigerians that those who violently seek to disrupt the peace of the nation have lost the battle, saying that Nigeria is blessed with a wealth of human and material resources.
President Buhari calls on Nigerians to celebrate their blessings this season with the trust that a better dawn awaits Nigeria.
I heartily rejoice with our Christian brothers and sisters on the occasion of this year’s Christmas.
“Many of us look forward to this festive season as a time to travel, share gifts, spend quality time with family and friends, attend special carols and events, and generally relive the good moments of the year. In whatever circumstances we find ourselves, Christmas is a period when we come together to rejoice and set aside our differences”, he observes.
According to him, this year’s celebration is unique for him and his family, as it is the last as an elected President.
“Twenty-two weeks from now, this administration will hand over to another.
“In the last seven years, I have had the privilege of receiving members of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) community on Christmas homage, except the year the Covid-19 pandemic denied us that opportunity. I will fondly remember them as my benevolent landlords and friendly neighbours.
“It is crucial that I remember this about my closest neighbours because there is no better way for us to celebrate Christmas as a people than showing genuine love, care, compassion and empathy for one another, the President say.