Newsfront Online …Telling the Public as it is
…Let your policies give Nigerians hope, says Labour | Governors, Akpabio, others preach love, unity
President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerian citizens of his administration’s commitment to alleviating their hardships amid ongoing economic reforms. In his Christmas message to Nigerians, Tinubu acknowledged that the “necessary reforms” implemented this year to achieve greater national prosperity had brought difficulties on Nigerians. Tinubu described 2023 as a period of significant transformation and change in Nigeria.
He said, “This year has been a time of transformation and relentless change in our country. And I am aware that the necessary reforms we are implementing to achieve a more prosperous, peaceful nation for all have imposed unique sacrifices. “My administration will continue to implement palliative measures to ease the burden on the most vulnerable, address current hardships and alleviate the suffering of all our nation’s people.
“Fellow Nigerians, as we navigate this transition to stability, prosperity, and renewed hope, I urge you once more to hold fast and rest assured of my commitment to govern with vision, dedication, and empathy. “Be confident that by the strength of our joint endeavour, we will shortly emerge into a new dawn of prosperity, peace, and irreversible progress.”
President Tinubu also extended his festive greetings to Nigerians, highlighting themes of hope, transformation, and compassion. On the Christian celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth, Tinubu emphasised the universal significance of Christmas as a time of joy, love, and friendship for people of all faiths.
He acknowledged the varied emotions of the season, recognizing that, for many, the festivities are mingled with sadness due to lost loved ones or unfulfilled dreams. President Tinubu called for a spirit of kindness and empathy mirroring the teachings of Christ. He urged Nigerians to support those around them, especially those facing hardship, even as he underscored the importance of collective acts of kindness.
President Tinubu asked for prayers and remembrance for the men and women of Nigeria’s armed forces, acknowledging their sacrifices for national safety. He also paid homage to those who lost their lives in service, praying for comfort for their families and loved ones. President Tinubu called upon the spirit of Christmas to guide Nigeria into the new year, expressing optimism for a brighter future.
Labour Tasks Leaders Against Demoralising Nigerians
But the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has tasked political leaders to pursue policies that offer hope and happiness to the people, rather than those that demoralise and eviscerate them. This was contained in a Christmas message issued yesterday by the NLC national, president, Comrade Joe Ajaero in Abuja where he asked Nigerian leaders specifically to emulate the example of Jesus Christ in serving the people selflessly.
Ajaero said that Nigerians are suffering from the heavy burden of poverty, insecurity, and corruption, and expect the government to take creative measures to address these challenges. He said that Nigerians deserve to win in life, as taught by Christ, and that the essence of leadership is to enable the people to unleash their potential for wealth creation. He urged Nigerians to remember that there is hope in their collective action, and to aspire to come together across the regional, ethnic, and religious divides.
The message reads in part, “In a year marked by challenges and uncertainties, we find solace and strength in the enduring spirit of hope, love, and the teachings of Jesus Christ. “We urge those in government to also allow the spirit of Christmas to lead them in all their policies and actions. Jesus served his followers selflessly and we hope that our leaders at all levels will emulate this and serve Nigerians selflessly.
“Instead of heaping heavy burden on the people, it is important that they seek creative measures that will lift the present humongous suffering from our shoulders. Instead of handouts, Nigerians expect concrete actions with solid results”.
Meanwhile, governors in Nigeria have called for continued unity even as Nigerians join the rest of the whole in celebrating Christmas. Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, congratulated Christians in the state on the occasion of Christmas.
In a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye,, the governor said the birth of Christ heralded hope and urged people of faith to act in accordance with the message of truth, love and peace that the Christ preached. “On this joyous occasion of the anniversary of the birth of Christ, the Governor wishes everyone a happy celebration and the best of the season,” he said.
On his part, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago called on Christians to show genuine love to all as they celebrate Christmas. The governor in a message signed by his chief press secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, said forgiveness, humility, and genuine love to all are the hallmarks of the Christmas celebration.
In his own message, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri implored people of the state to foster peace, joy and brotherliness as they celebrate Christmas. Governor Diri, during the state-organised carol programme christened “Festival of Nine Lessons” at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa, stated that his government would continue to build on the legacies of peace and love that it has been preaching.
In his goodwill message to the people of Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah urged Nigerians to live in love, peace, and togetherness in order to advance the country. He reaffirmed his dedication to create a new Enugu State, stressing that his goals included leading an Enugu State where love, peace, and unity are paramount, in addition to eradicating poverty and growing the state’s economy sevenfold to $30 billion.
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule called on Christian faithful to always imbibe the spirit of love, brotherhood and forgiveness as symbolised by Jesus Christ. In a Christmas message signed by Governor Sule and issued through his special adviser on media and publicity, Dr. Nawani Aboki and made available to newsmen in Lafia, the governor felicitated with the Christian community in the state on the commemoration of this year’s Christmas celebration.
He tasked Christians to use the period to practice the good virtues of Jesus Christ by sharing love with faith and remaining prayerful, and showing respect for leaders to enable them overcome the difficulties of the present time.
Imbibe Life Of Christ, Bala Mohammed Tells Citizens
The governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed has called on the people of the state to imbibe the life of Christ. According to the governor, throughout his lifetime, Jesus Christ preached peace, honesty, love for one another and above all the fear of God. “I therefore enjoin you all to, irrespective of your religious belief, imbibe and put these virtues into practice. While we observe Christmas with merriment, we should also reflect on our routine and spiritual deeds in the last year and pray to God for better and prosperous years ahead. “
Nigerians’ Sacrifices Will Never Be In Vain – Akpabio
As Christians celebrate Christmas, the president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has called on Nigerians to remain steadfast and hopeful regardless of the hard times they are experiencing. He expressed optimism that the pains Nigerians are going through, occasioned by series of socio-economic upheavals, shall manifest in positive outcomes through the visionary development architecture of the current national leadership in the country.
Akpabio, in a Christmas message issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, admonished the Christian faithful to “not only to merry but also continue to pray for our dear country Nigeria and our leaders. Show love to one another and continue to reflect on the life of Jesus Christ, especially his humility, sacrifice, love for neighbour and loyalty to God and constituted authority. Our today’s pain will surely produce joyful gains in a very short time.” He advised Nigerians not to give up on their leaders, particularly the present government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaker Abbas, Kalu Greet Christians, Seek Prayers For Leaders
On his part, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, in his Christmas greeting to Christians yesterday, called for prayers and supplication for Nigeria. Noting that Jesus Christ had a humble beginning before becoming a global and generational phenomenon, he said it was incumbent on Nigerians to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ, which he said included love, sacrifice, peacemaking, tolerance, building consensus among the people, selflessness, among others.
Similarly, Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, in his Christians message, called for peace, love and unity among citizens. Kalu, in a statement by his special assistant on press affairs, Udora Orizu, noted that Christmas calls for reflection, emulation and dedication to the teachings and ways of Christ.
Let Christmas Inspire To Bridge Gaps, Foster Understanding, Wike Tells FCT Residents
The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, has called on residents of the FCT to allow the spirit of the Christmas season to serve as an inspiration for them to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and build communities where every resident feels valued and included. The minister, who made known in a Christmas massage to the residents of Abuja, extended his heartfelt greetings to all the residents of the territory for the 2023 Christmas which is a season that transcends borders and brings people together in a spirit of love, compassion, and goodwill. Wike noted that “Christmas holds immense significance for all of us as it symbolises the birth of hope, the promise of renewal, and the enduring power of kindness.”
Atiku Urges Nigerians To Embrace Peace, Unity
In his own Christmas message, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerians to embrace peace and unity at this period, and to love one another for the sake of progress and growth in the country. The Waziri Adamawa said, “Christmas is the season of love, joy, generosity and forgiveness and while we celebrate with family and friends, we should also spend time to pray for a more peaceful and prosperous nation as it is important for Nigerians to inject the healing and unifying serum of love for our neighbours into the nation’s consciousness, this Yuletide.”
Let Us Face Challenges With Unity, Courage – CDS
The Chief of Defence Staff. General Christopher Musa, has called on Nigerians and members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to unit in the face of challenges facing the country. The CDS, in a Christmas message, called on Nigerians to support the members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, who remain steadfast in defending the nation’s integrity.
“My fervent prayer is that, as we revel, we align with Christ’s teachings of peace, love, and harmony. Acknowledging the sacrifices of our uniformed heroes defending our nation, let us face challenges with unity and courage.” To the troops he assured that their bravery will not go unnoticed, even as he urged troops to stay vigilant and resolute in protecting the nation, adding that with the commitment of all Nigerians, “we will secure our dear nation.” He urged all Nigerians to unite against common enemies and to support the armed forces which are steadfast in defending the nation’s integrity.
COAS Salutes Troops’ Sacrifice, Courage In Defence Of Country
Similarly, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has commended the sacrifices and courage of Nigerian Army (NA) troops in ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria’s territorial integrity. The COAS, in a Christmas message, saluted the troops’ undying faith in the Nigerian state in the face of adversity.
In a statement by the director of Army Public Relations, Brig-Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, the army chief congratulated troops for making it this far into the year and for weathering every storm that came their way. He said, “Over 50,000 troops of the Nigerian Army would miss wishing their families and loved ones Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in person during this yuletide.
“This is not because they did not want to, but because they would be on duty across difficult-to-access towns, communities, villages and hamlets, across the country and beyond.” He, however, added that the troops were duty-bound to be deployed, while other families rejoice and celebrate together, sometimes not knowing if similar celebrations are going on in their own families.
CAN Urges Christians To Appreciate Blessings Of Christmas
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno State Chapter, has urged Christian faithful to embrace and appreciate the blessings associated with the feast of Christmas which supersedes temporal realities. The chairman of CAN in the state, Most Rev. Dr John Bogna Bakeni, said this in a felicitation message issued to Christians ahead of the Christmas celebration which was obtained by LEADERSHIP yesterday in Maiduguri.
Bakeni, who is the Auxiliary Archbishop of Maiduguri Catholic Diocese, noted that this year’s Christmas is celebrated amidst difficult and harsh economic realities, insecurity and palpable fear of the unknown, but he urged Christians not to lose the essence and true meaning of this solemn feast because the blessings and the graces of Christmas far outweigh and supersede these temporal and ephemeral realities.
Ododo Charges Kogites, Nigerians To Imbibe Spirit Of Nation Building
The Kogi State Governor-elect, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has felicitated with Christians on the occasion of the birth of Christ, urging Kogites and Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of nation building and sacrifice for the greatness of the nation. In a statement by the media office of the governor-elect, Ododo said the commemoration of the birth of Christ is a period “for deep reflection on the need to think and act in manners that bring glory to our nation”.
Let’s Celebrate Christmas In Sober Reflection – Bishop Nkulo
The Methodist Bishop of Diocese of Umuahia East, the Rt. Rev. (Dr) Ikechukwu Nkulo, has urged Christians to celebrate this year’s Christmas in sober reflection. Nkulo, who made this call yesterday in his Christmas message to members of the diocese, said the period calls for prayers, meditation and sharing of love and affection with others.
“We should use the period to reflect on the purpose of the birth of Jesus Christ, ponder on his teachings and the price He paid for the sake of humanity,” he said. He lamented that rather than do the needful, many professing Christians during the period engage in sinful acts, crime and criminal activities, the things which Jesus Christ preached against.
Give Hope To Young Nigerians, Anglican Primate Tells Tinubu
The primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Archbishop Henry Ndukuba has called on President Bola Tinubu to give young Nigerians hope in this nation. The primate, who made this known yesterday during a media chat with journalists in Abuja, expressed disappointment that despite the level of unemployment, and level of illiteracy, the young people are only seeing flamboyance displayed by Nigerian leaders.
He said the legislators in the House of Representatives and state legislators are the ones encouraging unemployment in Nigeria, because they are the ones that award contracts and also bring their companies to take the same contracts.
“Corruption must be dealt with completely, and the only thing we are pleading is that our leaders should show concern for our citizens. Nigerians are not asking for too much: provide basic amenities, build our roads and give us security. Nigerians are not lazy,” he said.
IPCR Tasks Nigerians On Peace, National Cohesion, Security
As Nigerians join the rest of the world to celebrate this year Christmas, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has enjoined citizens to strive for peace and unity. The Institute, in a statement signed by its director general, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, yesterday urged citizens to emulate Christ’s teachings anchored on peaceful co-existence.
Police, NSCDC Deploy Security Personnel Across Delta
The Delta State police command and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have deployed security personnel across the length and breadth of the state to provide sufficient security before, during and after the yuletide celebration. The commissioner of police, Delta state, CP Wale Abass, directed that all area commanders, divisional police officers, and tactical commanders to deploy their men to guarantee the safety of all state citizens and the success of all the celebration-related events planned.
Likewise, Commandant Suleiman Jimoh, Commandant, NSCDC, Delta State command, disclosed over 1,100 personnel had been deployed within the state. During his address, the CP stated that the police would be undertaking operations throughout the state, focusing on visible policing at all celebration locations, particularly shopping centres and other resort areas.
