*Cautions them against demoralising citizens
*As Governors of Kwara, Bayelsa, Enugu, others salute Christians at Christmas
By OUR REPORTER
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has tasked political leaders to pursue policies that offer hope and happiness to the people, rather than those that demoralise and eviscerate them.
This was contained in a Christmas message issued yesterday by the NLC national, president, Comrade Joe Ajaero in Abuja where he asked Nigerian leaders specifically to emulate the example of Jesus Christ in serving the people selflessly.
Ajaero said that Nigerians are suffering from the heavy burden of poverty, insecurity, and corruption, and expect the government to take creative measures to address these challenges.
He said that Nigerians deserve to win in life, as taught by Christ, and that the essence of leadership is to enable the people to unleash their potential for wealth creation.
He urged Nigerians to remember that there is hope in their collective action, and to aspire to come together across the regional, ethnic, and religious divides.
The message reads in part, “In a year marked by challenges and uncertainties, we find solace and strength in the enduring spirit of hope, love, and the teachings of Jesus Christ.
“We urge those in government to also allow the spirit of Christmas to lead them in all their policies and actions. Jesus served his followers selflessly and we hope that our leaders at all levels will emulate this and serve Nigerians selflessly.
“Instead of heaping heavy burden on the people, it is important that they seek creative measures that will lift the present humongous suffering from our shoulders. Instead of handouts, Nigerians expect concrete actions with solid results”.
Kwara
Meanwhile, governors in Nigeria have called for continued unity even as Nigerians join the rest of the whole in celebrating Christmas.
Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, congratulated Christians in the state on the occasion of Christmas.
In a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Rafiu Ajakaiye,, the governor said the birth of Christ heralded hope and urged people of faith to act in accordance with the message of truth, love and peace that the Christ preached.
“On this joyous occasion of the anniversary of the birth of Christ, the Governor wishes everyone a happy celebration and the best of the season,” he said.
Niger
On his part, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago called on Christians to show genuine love to all as they celebrate Christmas.
The governor in a message signed by his chief press secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, said forgiveness, humility, and genuine love to all are the hallmarks of the Christmas celebration.
Bayelsa
In his own message, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri implored people of the state to foster peace, joy and brotherliness as they celebrate Christmas.
Governor Diri, during the state-organised carol programme christened “Festival of Nine Lessons” at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa, stated that his government would continue to build on the legacies of peace and love that it has been preaching.
Enugu
In his goodwill message to the people of Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah urged Nigerians to live in love, peace, and togetherness in order to advance the country.
He reaffirmed his dedication to create a new Enugu State, stressing that his goals included leading an Enugu State where love, peace, and unity are paramount, in addition to eradicating poverty and growing the state’s economy sevenfold to $30 billion.
Nasarawa
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule called on Christian faithful to always imbibe the spirit of love, brotherhood and forgiveness as symbolised by Jesus Christ.
In a Christmas message signed by Governor Sule and issued through his special adviser on media and publicity, Dr. Nawani Aboki and made available to newsmen in Lafia, the governor felicitated with the Christian community in the state on the commemoration of this year’s Christmas celebration.
He tasked Christians to use the period to practice the good virtues of Jesus Christ by sharing love with faith and remaining prayerful, and showing respect for leaders to enable them overcome the difficulties of the present time.
Bauchi
The governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed has called on the people of the state to imbibe the life of Christ.
According to the governor, throughout his lifetime, Jesus Christ preached peace, honesty, love for one another and above all the fear of God.
“I therefore enjoin you all to, irrespective of your religious belief, imbibe and put these virtues into practice. While we observe Christmas with merriment, we should also reflect on our routine and spiritual deeds in the last year and pray to God for better and prosperous years ahead. “
