What Ex-President Jonathan, Peter Obi, Tinubu Tell Nigerians In Separate Christmas Messages

It is Christmas season and politicians are not left behind in grabbing the opportunity to reach out to members of the public both within and outside their domains.

In seperate messages, former president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan and aspiring presidents among who are Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Dr. Peter Obi have sent their Christmas wishes to Nigerians as they mark the festive season.

The elites prayed for peace, love and unity as they express hope for a better Nigeria even as 2023 approaches.

Jonathan who was the immediate past president called for love, unity and peace among Christians and others around the world.

Jonathan made the call in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Ikechukwu Eze, dated Friday, December 23, in Abuja to mark the 2022 Christmas celebration.

Jonathan acknowledged that Nigerians have suffered a series of tragedies in the last few months, he, however, urged the citizens to approach the season of Christmas with optimism and renewed faith in themselves and the country.

He said: “At Christmas, we celebrate love, hope and joy, which the birth of Jesus heralds to the world.

“As individuals and as a nation, we face different challenges. But we should not allow that to weaken our faith in God and our country, as well as imperil our shared promise of greatness and prosperity.

“Let us exhibit love, tolerance, a sense of unity and peace towards our neighbours and all around us during this season and beyond.”

On his part, the Labour Party presidential candidate admonished Nigerians to remain hopeful for a better nation especially as they prepare for the 2023 general elections.

Obi made this call in his 2022 Christmas Message to Nigerians yesterday in Awka, Anambra State where he was a former governor.

In a statement by his media aide, Dr Valentine Obienyem, the former governor preached love as he reiterated the reason for the season, noting that the celebration of Christmas birthed hope in the world.

Obi charged Nigerians to be hopeful for a better and more productive nation. He restated that Christmas remained a season of love and that the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ should be a constant reminder of how God gave His only begotten son for the salvation of humanity.

The presidential hopeful said, “We, as humans should, therefore, endeavour to make sacrifices, even when it is painful, for the good of others and for our society.”

He encouraged Nigerians to go beyond the festivities and glamour associated with the Christmas season and strive to live out the true essence of the celebration.

Meanwhile, the former Governor of Lagos State and APC standard flag bearer for the 2023 presidential election has said that despite political differences, Nigeria must move forward even in the face of its challenges.

Tinubu felicitated with his opponents as Christians mark this year’s Christmas. In a statement made available to newsmen, Tinubu said, “No matter our political differences, we are all Nigerians and we must move this nation forward.

“Thus, let the hope symbolised by this season of celebration also herald our renewed hope in the Nigeria of our dreams. May the joy and great gift of this Christmas be the renewed hope that we can and will forge a better Nigeria with the help and guidance of Almighty God above.”