ICC Note:
Nigeria's government leaders took time to remember the lesson of Christmas this year. Peace, humility and giving were remembered by figures like president Goodluck Jonathan and other political leaders. In the midst of attacks by Boko Haram, Christians will especially need to remember these lessons. Please pray for the Christians of Nigeria today.
12/25/2012 Nigeria (AllAfrica) - President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President David Mark and other political leaders yesterday enjoined Nigerians not to let the lesson inherent in the celebration of Christmas to be lost on them.
Jonathan, Mark as well as Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal, as well as his deputy Emeka Ihedioha, Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, and his predecessor, Senator Bola Tinubu, in their separate seasonal messages, admonished Nigerians to let the virtues of peace and humility, among others, that defined the persona of Jesus Christ reflect in the way they live their lives.
The president reminded Nigerians that irrespective of their religious beliefs, the lessons from the life and times of Jesus cover all mankind and should be seen as a signpost for spiritual rebirth and national progress.
He said the humility, selflessness and other noble virtues that were exhibited by Jesus during his life were worthy of emulation by Nigerians in order to move the country forward.
He said: "Christmas and the lessons of Jesus Christ's mission on earth have great significance for us as a people and there can be no doubt that we all, irrespective of our religious beliefs, can draw immense strength and inspiration from the Messiah's enduring personification of selflessness, dedication to duty, and commitment to the well-being of others.
"The virtues and ideals of peace, tolerance, faithfulness, honesty, justice, fairness, true wisdom, knowledge and understanding which He taught and exemplified also remain very relevant to us in Nigeria as we continue to grapple with the challenges of development and nation-building."
Pledging that his administration would continue to do its best to give effective leadership to the country in order to surmount its present challenges, the president prayed that all Nigerians would celebrate the yuletide merrily and encounter prosperity in the New Year.
Mark and Ekweremadu, on their part, urged Nigerians to continue to live peacefully in love and harmony.
In separate statements by their media aides, Mr. Kola Ologbodiyan for Mark, and Mr. Uche Anichukwu for Ekweremadu, the duo urged the people to always imbibe the teaching of Christ which preaches peace, cheerful-giving and above all love for one another.
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Tags: Africa, Boko Haram, Nigeria
