Keep Faith In Nigeria
- Government, Clergy Advise
Nigerians
have been enjoined not to lose faith in the country but to work
for its peace and unity to usher in development and prosperity.
In Christmas exhortations and messages by the Nigerian
government, eminent clergymen and senior state officials,
Nigerians were advised to imbibe the spirits of humility, love
and peace which the season signifies.
Vice President Goodluck Jonathan urged the citizenry to eschew
vainglory, but continue to delight in the indomitable Nigerian
spirit and be agents of positive change.
He specifically called on Christians to ponder on the
significance of the birth of Jesus Christ, embrace spiritual
rebirth and pray for the peace and stability of the nation.
In his words, ’’This Christmas, I urge all Christians to
continue to reflect deeply on the life and times of Christ, and
rededicate themselves to the peace he lived and died for.’’
The Vice President also urged Nigerians to renew their faith in
the nation, saying that Nigeria aspires to become one of the
greatest countries in the world.
“It is achievable; it is possible if we believe and continue
to have faith in the oneness and unity of this nation. It is
achievable if we continue to live in peace and harmony. Let us
all find strength rather than weakness in our diversity,” he
said.
The Lagos state governor, Dr. Babatunde Raji Fasola appealed to
residents of the state to continue to live in peace in spite of
ethnic and religious differences.
Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria President, Pastor Ayo
Oritsejafor and the Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria,
Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde, called on the people to seize the
opportunity of the yuletide season to rededicate themselves to
the service of God and the country.
Oritsejafor asked all Christians to pray for the speedy recovery
of the nation from the economic and political turbulence it is
currently undergoing.
Prelate Makinde admonished Christians and political office
holders to emulate the humility and sobriety of Christ, which he
said, was completely lacking in many lives today.
In his words: ’’This manner of humility and sobriety is an
important part of the human value system, which has completely
been eroded and traded for praise singing and self-adulation,
which has continued to promote and engender corruption and evil
practices around the world.’’
NAN/with additional reports from Newspaper/Qasim/Yinka
