ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – As Christians mark this year’s Christmas celebration, Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, and his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, have called on Nigerians to ensure that peace, unity and love are their watchwords, especially at this season of Christmas.
The duo made the calls Thursday in two separate email statements issued by their special advisers (SAs on Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, and, Uche Anichukwu, respectively.
While Saraki urged Nigerians to ensure that their actions are predicated on peace, love and unity, Ekweremadu urged the Christian faithful to follow the footsteps of Christ and pursue peace, unity, and love towards all men.
Saraki, who described the three virtues as important requirements needed to rebuild the country, added that the virtues are crucial to the developmental drive of the present administration and to ensure that the country takes her rightful place as a proud member of the international community.
He noted that the economic challenges facing the nation as a result of dwindling revenue inflow into the Federation Account is a passing phase, which will surely give way to a better future.
“Our President (Muhammadu Buhari) has just presented to the National Assembly the proposed estimates of 2016 Budget of Hope. We, in the National Assembly, have resolved to throw our weight behind the administration of President Buhari, and to collaborate with him in the execution of his policies of ‘change’ aimed at enhancing the living standard of our people and for a brighter prospect for our dear nation,” Saraki said.
He urged Nigerians to renew their faith in God, and remain dedicated to the course of national development in the true spirit of Christmas, which epitomises love, perseverance, patience, brotherly kindness and the spirit of sharing.
“This is another season of love, season of liberation, sacrifice and giving to the needy. The commemoration of the birth of (Jesus) Christ, and the whole essence of His life shows the reality of God’s love to mankind.
“Let us reflect on the message of Christmas by living peacefully and harmoniously, which is one of the cardinal tenets of both Christianity and Islam. Irrespective of our religious beliefs, we should open our hearts with love and prayers for the unity and progress of this great nation,” he stated.
Saraki, however, urged Nigerians, most especially motorists, traveling during the Yuletide to be cautious, and drive carefully on the highways.
He also prayed for all to have a memorable and colourful Christmas celebration.
In a related development, Ekweremadu noted that a nation that is divided against itself would never be able realise its full potentials.
[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
“As we celebrate Christmas, I call on Nigerians to emulate the forgiving spirit and selflessness of God, who sent His only begotten son to save mankind from eternal damnation. We must also imbibe the humble, peaceful and caring natures of Jesus Christ, and do away with the vices of recrimination, nepotism, ethno-religious intolerance and political inconsideration, which have held the country down over the years,” he said.
On the country’s current situation, he said that the present economic challenges are another bitter pill, arising from the dismantling of fiscal federalism, which he noted has promoted competitive development, industry, accountability and good governance in the golden era of the nation’s federalism.
“I hope that someday soon, we would all see the reason to rise above primordial sentiments and proclivity for free money, which promote corruption, indolence, and profligacy and revert to fiscal federalism, a cardinal pillar of the union bequeathed by our founding fathers for realising our full potentials and greatness,” he added.
He urged the Christian faithful to use the occasion of the Christmas to further commit the nation to God, and reach out to the less privileged in the society.