Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on Nigerians to celebrate the essence of Christmas.
Atiku said in a Christmas message by his Media Office in Abuja that notwithstanding the challenges of the times, Nigerians should celebrate the reason for the season.
“The commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ calls for joy and felicitations among the people of God, and the Nigerian people should take time off the hassles of their daily lives and whatever challenges they may be facing to make merry and renew themselves in the light of peace and joy that Christmas brings,” the former Vice President said.
He recalled that Christians had joined Muslims for the recent Sallah feasts in huge numbers and expectedly many Muslim families will be joining their Christian compatriots in the Christmas meals.
According to him, “this is because, as much as the times are tough, we are one people, a strong, united people, propelled by an unbreakable bond of nationhood.”
The Turaki Adamawa urged Nigerians irrespective of their religious beliefs to open their hearts with love in relation to one another celebrate and pray for the unity of our country and the hope of a better tomorrow.
“This time calls for our prayers and the celebration of our oneness as a people and our faith in one God who rules in the affairs of men, including that of our nation.
“To every Christian, Christmas means liberation and salvation by the Almighty. Let us all work together for the liberation of fellow citizens from debilitating poverty, joblessness and insecurity militating against our people.
“Have a peaceful and merry Christmas,’’ Atiku said.
