By Jimitota Onoyume & Samuel Oyadongha

As Christians the world over celebrate Christmas, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayesla State, has enjoined Nigerians to show solidarity and love for one another regardless of their ethnic and religious differences.

Similarly, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, has called on Christians in the state to use the occasion of the birth of Christ to renew their prayers for peace in the country.

The governor, who spoke through his media aide, Mr. Dave Iyofor, said that they should also promote the values of unity and political tolerance.

On his part,  governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State, Mr. Nyesom Wike, urged Christians to share love and cultivate friendship in the spirit of Christmas.

He said: “The birth of Christ signifies the beginning of new things in every community. It signifies love, friendship, peace and development.  I urge the people of Rivers State in particular and the rest of Nigeria to celebrate Christmas bearing in mind that they have to extend love, peace and friendship to their neighbours.

“In Rivers State, this Christmas season is a prelude to the enthronement of New Rivers Vision 2015, for the purpose of galvanizing development all over the state. The New Rivers Vision will usher in bridges of friendship, peace, love and development all over Rivers State to the joy of the people,” Wike said.

Merry Xmas. Photo:NAN

Amaechi, meanwhile, urged Christians across the country to emulate the virtues of Christ, noting that in peace, strength and unity, Nigeria would be the envy of other African nations.

He said: “As we celebrate the birth of Christ, I want to call on all Nigerians, particularly my fellow Christians and Rivers people, to be peaceful and show love to everyone irrespective of their religious or political background. The reason for this season is none other than to show love to our neighbours and live in unity.

“We must also as a nation go to God in prayers for our political progress, to give us good leaders that will pilot the affairs of this country to greater heights.”
Dickson,  in his Christmas message, also called for concerted prayers for national peace, stability and unity in view of the trying times facing the country.

He noted that the current economic and security challenges facing the country were not peculiar to the nation, stressing that, what was required of every Nigerian was a high sense of patriotism to move the country forward.

Delivering the message at a Christmas Carol service at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, in Yenagoa, the governor reminded Nigerians that they do not have any other country  besides Nigeria.