By Our Reporters

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara; political parties and umbrella platforms for churches, yesterday, urged Nigerians not to despair in the face of challenges in the New Year but work towards surmounting the multifaceted problems bedeviling the nation.

They also urged Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security agencies to avoid any act capable of derailing the general election, scheduled to commence next month.

Dogara urged Nigerians to embrace the future with optimism and absolute faith in God, adding: “The year 2019 presents a unique opportunity for us to take full control of our nation and our destiny.

Speaker Dogara

“It is also time for us to take responsibility for our own lives, rekindle the spirit of community and strive towards making Nigeria work again in all ramifications.”

Also, Diocese on the Niger and Diocese of Mbamili, Anglican, called on Christians and Nigerians, in general, to put their trust in God and pray for peace ahead of the 2019 general election.

They also called on INEC and the security agencies  to save Nigeria from disintegration.

Delivering their new year messages through their Bishops, Rt. Rev. Owen Nwokolo, Rt. Rev. Henry Okeke and Rt. Rev. Livinus Onuagha, respectively, the Dioceses called on Nigerians to ensure that they elect the people that will move  the country forward.

https://newlive.vanguardngr.com/2018/12/new-year-pdp-assures-nigerians-of-brighter-future/

On its part, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential Campaign Organisation, PPCO,  urged Nigerians to step into 2019 with unwavering optimism, faith, and hope of a new era of peace, national cohesion and economic prosperity.

In a statement issued by Director of Media and Publicity of PPCO, Mr. Kola, Ologbondiyan, the party admonished Nigerians to have faith in Atiku and his blueprint for the overhaul of the nation’s economy.

Former Lagos governor and All Progressives Congress, APC, national stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has asked Nigerians to select the path of forward progress in 2019 as opposed to going backwards to the past that has not helped the nation.

In the New Year message he personally signed, the APC leader said Nigerians must enter 2019 and see it as a new day for the country.

He said: “The nation is on the verge of an election to determine our collective fate.  We can either chose to continue forward or return to the old ways that held us back for so long. Just as 2018 must turn into 2019, we must also continue to move forward. As time cannot proceed backward. Nor should we.”

On his part, President of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Rev Samson Ayokunle, called on Nigerians irrespective of status, ethnicity, creed, and inclinations to do their best towards ensuring that the 2019 general election is credible.

He said: “We should all distance ourselves from electoral manipulation in whatever form. I urge politicians not to be too desperate to be voted into power. Vote buying is evil, all stakeholders should shun it.”

Also, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State enjoined Nigerians to have a renewed mindset as they enter 2019.

The governor in his New Year message signed by the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson expressed optimism of a prosperous 2019.