Emulate Jesus Christ, govs preach at Christmas
Governors in their various Christmas goodwill messages yesterday urged Nigerians to emulate the life of Jesus Christ as they mark his birth.
Samuel Ortom of Benue State said the yearly commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ had presented the opportunity for individuals and as a state to reexamine and redirect their paths aright.
He said this could be achieved by avoiding the things that did not add value to families, homes, state and the country in general. He asked citizens to resolve at this Christmas to embrace peace and harmony and to tolerance and show love to one another as Christ taught His followers.
In Plateau State, Governor Simon Bako Lalong said, “The world would be a better place if the values and virtues reflected by the holy birth of Christ, especially the love for one another, are imbibed and practiced faithfully.
Lalong said the virtues of love which is the essence of Christmas should be seen to radiate and reflect on the lives of Christians.
A statement signed by the Governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Samuel Emmanuel Nanle, urged Christians to apply the teachings of Jesus Christ in all aspects of their lives.
On his own, the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, said in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Crusoe Osagie, that the birth of Jesus Christ was significant as his life symbolizes redemption from condemnation and reconciliation with God, hence the celebration.
He enjoined Christians to extend the love, which he described as the hallmark of the Christian faith, to their neighbours and everyone they encountered in their businesses and work places.
Also speaking, Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa state enjoined Christians and all citizens to imbibe the spirit and teachings of this festive period by showing love and affection to all people at all times.
Al-Makura said in his Christmas message, “As you are all aware, the birth of Jesus Christ symbolizes humility, love and peace. It is in this regard that Jesus Christ personifies selflessness, good neighborliness, charity and reconciliation among humanity. This season is, therefore, a period for sober reflection and reaffirmation of moral values as exemplified by Jesus Christ.”
And Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State urged all Nigerians to be their brothers’ keepers.
He also advised them against vices that could jeopardize efforts of government to provide conducive atmosphere for the citizens to realize their objectives.
In a Christmas message issued by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal enjoined his countrymen and women to continue to reflect on positive tenets that unite the nation and strengthen the polity.
“We must ponder on the teachings and lessons of Christmas by exhibiting good character at all times,” Tambuwal said.
In Rivers State, Governor Nyesom Wike asked the people to use this year’s Christmas to promote love, friendship, peace and reconciliation.
The governor in a Christmas Message signed by Simeon Nwakaudu, his Special Adviser on Electronic Media, said the season exemplified love, advising that Nigerians should always love one another.
He particularly urged Rivers people to use this year’s Christmas to erect platforms of love, peace and reconciliation for the greater development of the state, and assured them that he would remain focused in his delivery of pro-people projects and programmes to improve their standard of living.