From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has urged Nigerians, irrespective of their faith or background to embrace the spirit of togetherness and mutual respect for national cohesion.
Ganduje, in his Christmas greetings, noted that the festive season serves as a reminder of the values of love, peace and unity as exemplified by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, the former Kano State governor claimed that the season was a time for reflection, thanksgiving, and fostering bonds of harmony that strengthen the collective resolve to build a prosperous and united nation.
Ganduje equally enjoined Nigerians to be patient with the administration of President Bola Tinubu for the bold economic reforms he has embarked upon, which have brought discomfort to many. He noted that results of the reforms were beginning to manifest.
Part of the statement read: “On behalf of the APC family and its leadership, the National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, warmly congratulates Christians across Nigeria on the joyous occasion of Christmas.
“The festive season serves as a reminder of the values of love, peace, and unity, as exemplified by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It is a time for reflection, thanksgiving, and fostering bonds of harmony that strengthen our collective resolve to build a prosperous and united nation.
“Ganduje calls on all Nigerians, irrespective of faith or background, to embrace the spirit of togetherness and mutual respect, which are essential for national cohesion. He emphasised the need for selflessness, generosity and care for the less privileged, especially during this season of giving.”
He assured that by next year’s Christmas, the economy would have stabilised and better, stressing that the government’s effort in securing the country was yielding results as cases of banditry and kidnapping had significantly reduced.
He added: “As the nation navigates its developmental challenges, the APC leadership remains committed to promoting policies and programmes that will bring about sustainable growth, security, and improved welfare for all citizens.”
Meanwhile, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) rejoiced with Nigerians, especially Christians, on the joyous occasion of Christmas.
The statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, read: “Christmas, a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, symbolises the fulfilment of age-old divine prophecy and God’s boundless love for us.
“Christmas exemplifies compassion, patience, unity, mercy, and wholesome sacrifice, virtues that beckon on us to imbibe as Christian faithful. Christmas teaches God’s infinite capacity to accomplish the seeming impossibility, and brings hope and light to even the most difficult situations.
“We urge Nigerians to seize the occasion of Christmas to pray for peace, unity and progress in our land in the year ahead, while extending love and kindness to neighbours and needy citizens during and beyond this joyous celebration.”
