As the Christians all over the world celebrate Christmas, Nigeria‘s President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and Delta state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan have enjoined Nigerians to strengthen their resolve to remain united for the well-being of the country.

In a Christmas message issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the president urged Nigerians to forge a binding national consensus to put the progress and wellbeing of the country above all other considerations, so that no height of human accomplishment will be beyond the nation.

President Goodluck Jonathan urged Christians all over the country to take advantage of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ to promote peaceful coexistence with other sections of the country.

“Dear compatriots, I greet and felicitate with you all as we celebrate Christmas once again.

“I join our Christian compatriots and all other Nigerians in giving thanks to God Almighty, whose Grace and benevolence has helped our nation to overcome the many challenges it has had since we celebrated Christmas last year.

“The annual commemoration of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ is a most auspicious time for us, as individuals and as a nation, to rededicate ourselves to the virtues and ideals which the Messiah preached and exemplified during his earthly ministry.

“Let us all therefore resolve this Christmas to make the ideals of peace, harmony, tolerance, love and goodwill to all even more manifest in our interactions with others.

“It remains my sincere belief that no height of human accomplishment is beyond us as a nation, if we can overcome our differences, such as they are, and forge a binding national consensus to put the progress and wellbeing of the country above all other considerations”.

He promised that his administration will do all within its powers and abilities to ensure that when representatives of the people assemble for the forthcoming national conference next year, they will have every opportunity and encouragement to make very significant contributions towards forging the required consensus for sustained national peace, unity and progress.

“It is also my expectation that the national conference will contribute in no small measure towards the urgent resolution of contentious issues which currently hinder our progress as a nation.

“With God Almighty as our Guide, Strength and Enabler, My Administration will continue to implement its Agenda for National Transformation in furtherance of its avowed commitment to improving the living conditions of all Nigerians.

“We will continue to count on the prayers, support and cooperation of all patriotic Nigerians in the coming year as we consolidate and build on our achievements in several sectors including national security, power supply, communications, transportation, health and education.

“As we commemorate the birth of the Prince of Peace, let us all strive to honour Him more by living our lives as He taught; by making personal sacrifices for the good of others, by showing greater love for others, by being fairer and more honest in our dealings with others, by being ever-willing to forgive those who offend us and by always extending goodwill towards others.

On behalf of myself, my family and the Federal Government, I wish you all very joyful Christmas celebrations, and a peaceful and prosperous 2014”.

In his own goodwill message to mark the birth of Jesus Christ and 2014 New Year celebrations, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State said Christmas signifies peace and as such, Nigerians and Deltans in particular should resolve to live in peace.

“Christmas, signifies hope and salvation brought to the world in need of redemption. The world would be a better place if the values and virtues reflected by the holy birth of Christ, especially love for one another were practiced faithfully”, he stated.

Dr Uduaghan urged Deltans to support and co-operate with the government to enable those in authority and the governed contribute to the development of the State.

“This administration remains committed to finishing strong by pursuing more people-oriented policies and programmes that have direct bearing on their lives. We pray and hope with faith that the coming year would usher in more peace, progress, prosperity and fulfillment for all across the State”, he added.

Besides the Governor noted that 2013 has been a challenging year for Nigeria, particularly in the area of security and called on all Nigerians to emulate the life of Jesus Christ by imbibing the qualities of peace, love and unity, including peaceful co-existence as a people.

In a related development, Governor Uduaghan at an inter-denominational festival of nine lessons and carols in Warri, said when people live in peace, a lot of developmental programmes take place.

“The birth of Jesus Christ signifies peace, this is the season of peace and in the next few days, we will enter another year, we must decide that we must live in peace … Together we get more, divided we shall lose a lot”, he stated.

The Governor also said that President Goodluck Jonathan deserve commendation for approving the establishment of the largest gas facility in Africa in Delta State and urged Deltans to ensure that the project was successful.R