By Olasunkanmi Akoni

LAGOS—As Christians in the country join the rest of the world today to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, at Christmas, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and Senator Gbenga Ashafa have enjoined Nigerians to embrace the virtues of peaceful coexistence and refrain from fanning the embers of disunity.

Fashola, in his Christmas goodwill message to residents, maintained that as the 2015 general elections approached, it was only through peaceful co-existence that Nigeria could make the desired progress.

He said: “I urge you to continue in this vein, for it is only by living in peaceful and harmonious co-existence, by respecting each other’s right to live freely and peacefully and by being our brothers’ keepers that we are truly celebrating the essence of Christmas.”

While appealing for vigilance from the people during the 2015 elections, Fashola said the people must be assertive in ensuring that irrespective of the frustrations that they might be going through, they must exercise their civic rights and vote rightly.

He said the security challenges which the country was facing now should not be used as an avenue to create division along ethnic and religious lines.

Senator Ashafa

Also, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, enjoined all Christians and Nigerians in general to emulate the life of Christ.

In his goodwill message, Ashafa said, “In this Christmas season which draws 2014 to an end, it is important to keep in mind that so long as the gifts and parties are going on to celebrate this season, the central theme of the season should not be watered down.

“The birth of Christ, which the story of Christmas revolves around, epitomizes love, kindness, sacrifice, forbearance and humanity.