Christmas is a period for reflection and show of love for one another, Obi and Diri, observe
By Emma Ogbuehi
The Vice-Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in 2019 elections, Peter Obi, and Bayelsa state governor, Senator Douye Diri, have called on Christians to show more brotherly love and imbibe the spirit of giving their best for the good of others and for the development of society.
In their separate goodwill messages, the two leaders called for unity, harmony and reconciliation among Christians andother Nigerians.
Obi made this call through his 2021 Christmas Message to Nigerians. He explained that the celebration of the birth of Christ should be a constant reminder of how God gave His only begotten son for the salvation of humanity. “We, as humans, should, therefore, endeavour to make sacrifice, even when it is painful, for the good of others and for our society,” Obi said.
He urged Nigerians to go beyond the festivities and glamour associated with the Christmas season and strive to live out the true essence of the celebration. He stated that fraternal love and giving to the poor are the hallmarks of Christmas celebration, and enjoined all to lend helping hands to one another.
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Obi argued that “many societal ills plaguing Nigeria today, particularly rising insecurity, poverty, unemployment and drug abuse are mainly because we the leaders lack love and the spirit of sacrifice for the people.”
“We need capable, visionary, caring leaders who are passionate about the wellbeing of the poor. Christmas celebration presents us an opportunity for sober reflection on our lives as individuals and as a nation,” Obi said
He further encouraged Nigerians not to allow the challenging times over the years and the prevailing hardship in the country to affect their spirit of love, and peaceful co-existence, saying that the country will progress on all fronts if the people unite in love, and continue to contribute as one, to the growth and development of the nation.
“I urge Nigerians to remain strong and optimistic through these difficult moments of our journey as a nation. With hope, patriotism, unity and the right crop of leaders, we will achieve the much desired national development,” Obi enthused.
While wishing all believers a merry Christmas, Governor Diri said his administration would continue to work for the people and foster love and unity based on its shared vision for the prosperity of all.
“Without argument, unity and love are at the core of Christmas just as they are also at the core of being a Bayelsan. So, this Yuletide, as we are again reminded of God’s love and mercy, let us also commit to live in harmony with our neighbours, family and friends.”
Diri urged followers of Christ to rededicate themselves to God and be faithful to the fundamental values of Christianity, which are faith, love, charity and reconciliation.
“In the spirit of the season, be mindful that as we show love and compassion to our brothers and sisters, God will equally show us kindness. As we celebrate Christmas, with its glad tidings of great joy, let us remind ourselves that it is the will of our heavenly father that we prosper and be in health.
“This administration has set for itself the noble vision of sustainable prosperity for all and I again call on every Bayelsan to support this vision”, he said.