As Christians in Nigeria join the rest of the world to celebrate Christmas, Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has enjoined Nigerians to embrace the virtues of love and peaceful coexistence that the season symbolises, just as he urged them to refrain from activities that could trigger unrest and disunity.
The Governor, in his Christmas goodwill message to residents of the State, said that as the nation continues to anticipate the change promised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) governments at the Centre and state levels, it is only through peaceful co-existence and atmosphere that any positive change can materialise.
“The season of Christmas is one that exemplifies the virtues of love and peaceful co-existence. We must continue to extend a hand of love and live as one family irrespective of our creed or colour.
“We must also continue to respect each other’s right to live freely and peacefully”, the Governor said in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna.
He said the security challenges which the country is facing now should not be used as an avenue to create division along ethnic and religious lines by some politicians who are blanketly engaging in name-calling of political opponents.
Governor Ambode said Nigeria over the years has continued to draw strength from its diversity, saying that Nigerians must therefore stand together and resist any attempt by any individual or group of persons to highlight such ethnic differences to further their selfish ends or fan embers of disunity.
He urged residents to be safety and security conscious, especially during the festive period and refrain from habits that could endanger their lives including indulging in drinking and driving and other social vices.
He also encouraged residents not to hesitate to report all suspicious activities around them by using the Toll free lines 767 and 112, reminding that the business of securing lives and property could not be left to the security agencies alone.
“The period of Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ who is the symbol of Christianity and the harbinger of peace, love and good tidings and there is no better way to celebrate the season than by showing love and being our brother’s keeper”, the Governor said.
While wishing all Lagosians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance, the Governor also called on Lagosians to “resolve to emphasize only those things that unite us and de-emphasize all those things that separate us”.
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