Tinubu, Govs, Others Preach Unity, Love At Christmas… 

Despite the economic hardships, the Nigerian leaders are asking citizens to be optimistic.

Love, unity, peace, and tolerance were some of the common themes in the messages by Nigerian leaders across all levels as the country joins others for the Christmas celebrations amid a stuttering economy.

President Bola Tinubu, who came to power at the helm of Africa’s largest economy in May, launched an ambitious reform agenda to attract investment and address a cost-of-living crisis. He ended a costly fuel subsidy and lifted restrictions on the naira currency.

Despite these, Tinubu in his message told Nigerians he is aware of the situation. But he is promising better days ahead.

“This year has been a time of transformation and relentless change in our country. And I am aware that the necessary reforms we are implementing to achieve a more prosperous, peaceful nation for all have imposed unique sacrifices,” he said Sunday.

“My administration will continue to implement palliative measures to ease the burden on the most vulnerable,  address current hardships and alleviate the suffering of all our nation’s people.”

He called on Nigerians in the Spirit of Christmas to “extend the warm embrace of kindness to those around us who need it and let the multiple acts of kindness serve as a light that guides us into a happy and wonderful new year”.

Away from the president, governors across the country also shared similar messages with Alex Otti of Abia State calling for the “sharing of the joy and the blessings of the season”.

His Lagos State counterpart Babajide Sanwo-Olu also called on residents not to lose hope but continue living in peace.

According to Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, Nigerians should promote peace and good neighborliness.

“Guided by the fact that our Saviour Jesus Christ addressed a plethora of human needs while on earth, we are very intentional in our intervention programs by ensuring that peace, love, and empathy continue to guide our actions as a government,” Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State said.

For Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, residents of the state should “renew our love for our state, our nation, and for humanity, for the sake of God.

“As you celebrate, I urge you not only to merry but also, to continue to pray for our dear country Nigeria and our leaders. Show love to one another and continue to reflect on the life of Jesus Christ, especially his humility, sacrifice, love for neighbour and loyalty to God and constituted authority. Our today’s pain will surely produce joyful gains in a very short time,” the Senate President Godswill Akpabio told Nigerians.