By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor, Demola Akinyemi & Charles Kumolu

EMINENT Nigerians, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and clerics were unanimous in their call on Nigerians to put national interest above parochial considerations in 2014, so that the division that had held the country down would be a thing of the past.

This was the call in various new year messages across the country yesterday.

PDP warned critics of the Federal Government to mind their language in the new year, warning them not to pollute good plans with unwarranted attacks.

The party cautioned Nigerians to be wary of the critics as it affirmed that 2014 presents a new opportunity for all to eschew the divisions and discord that held it back in the past.

*Fire works explode at Bar Beach, Ahmadu Bello Way Victoria Island, Lagos to celebrate New Year. At the Croos Over Night Of Lagos Count Down 2013. PHOTO; AKEEM SALAU

The message issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh said: “While the nation faced serious challenges last year, the new year presents a new opportunity for Nigerians to eschew all divisions and work together to fully entrench these values in the nation’s body polity.

“It is clear that Nigerians look forward to a prosperous and peaceful 2014. In this regard, we caution in strong terms, those behind the political frictions, violence and divisions to have a rethink and understand that such is sinful before God and man.”

The party also charged all those in authority in all sectors to be honest and understand that Nigerians expect them to live above board in all their dealings.

“In this regard, PDP not only wishes, but shall work hard to ensure a prosperous 2014 for Nigerians.”

Kwara Speaker, Anglican Primate

Speaker, Kwara House of Assembly, Mr. Rasaq Atunwa, in his new year message, said no meaningful development could be achieved in an atmosphere of rancour, hatred and acrimony.

He urged Nigerians, regardless of religion or background, to see themselves as indivisible entity in 2014.

Atunwa advised politicians to eschew politics of bitterness and shun acts capable of derailing the democratic structures.

He similarly urged leaders to always be sincere to their followers, to restore confidence.

Also, the Primate of Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, advised Nigerians to tread the path of peace and shun all acts of violence, especially as the nation prepares for general election in 2015.

Okoh gave the advice in Abuja at a special New Year service at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Life Camp.

Okoh noted that there were a lot of unpleasant comments going round and were against the progress of the country, and said that Nigerians should have confidence in God.

He said: “We know that as we go towards 2015 tension will continue to rise, but in the end no evil will befall Nigeria. Nigeria will not only continue, but it will be strong and grow better and powerful.

“We want our people to relax and not cooperate with people who have evil intentions, because in most cases such people have nothing but selfish ambitions.

“Nigerians should look forward with confidence because God is in charge.”

On job creation

On governance in 2014, the primate said: “My advice to the government in the new year is for it to provide more opportunities for e-employment. We want our young people to be more fruitful in 2014.

“The young people should have the opportunity to contribute to the development of our country. The improvement I want to see cuts across the different sectors because we need progress in virtually every sector of our economy.”

He said that successes that would be recorded in 2014 would depend on the choices made by both the leaders and the followers.

Gov Orji

On his part, Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State assured the people of the state of brighter days in 2014 with more socio-economic development.

Orji said: “I expect 2014 and beyond to yield greater achievements and value expectations for the state.

“I am certain that we have brought Abia to the right path of irreversible development.”

He said he was optimistic that the state would not go back to the dark days of insecurity, strife and impunity.

Orji said that his administration achieved great success in 2013 in the areas of infrastructure development and job creation.

He said: “We have greater expectations that the trend will accelerate in 2014,” noting that the projects executed in 2013 would begin to bear fruits.

He said a new Abia International Industrial City, located within 300 hectares of land at Osisioma near Aba, was being developed by the government through public/private partnership initiative.

Imam preaches religious tolerance

Also, a Muslim cleric in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Alhaji Haroon Daya-Biu, urged Muslims and Christians to embrace peace and live in unity in 2014.

Daya-Biu, who is the Head of Ratibi Imam in Epe, gave the advice yesterday at a special prayer, tagged Tahajjud Night, to mark the end of 2013.

He called on Muslims and Christians to collectively observe one day fasting and prayer for peace and unity of the country.

He urged Muslims to use the season to pray to Allah for forgiveness of sins and to stay away from vices that are against the teachings of Prophet Mohammed (SAW).

Christian clerics, too

Similarly, in a New Year sermon, Pastor Sola Ojedokun of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Tabernacle Parish, Bariga, called for love and peace among Nigerians.

He said: “As we reflect on the true meaning of the New Year and God’s abiding love to mankind, may the joy of the season and God’s loving kindness be with us in 2014 and beyond.

“As followers of Christ, let us, therefore, show love, be kind to one another and work for  peaceful and harmonious co-existence in our communities.”

Some religious leaders in Omu-Aran, Kwara, yesterday, urged Nigerians to reflect on the significance of the new year celebration and collectively proffer solutions to the nation’s challenges.

The Bishop of The Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Omu-Aran, Rt. Rev. Phillip Adeyemo, urged Nigerians to embrace love, peace and unity in the new year.

He appealed to citizens to check their shortcomings in the previous year and re-dedicate themselves to God.

He said: “We need to reciprocate God’s faithfulness by returning to Him in righteousness while we repent from our sins and allow Christ to reign in our lives.”

Adeyemo urged politicians and civil servants to shun corrupt practices, ungodliness and other acts capable of retarding the growth of the nation.

CAN Women Wing

Prophetess Bosede Adimabua, President of the Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria, WOWICAN, Kwara Chapter, urged wealthy Nigerians to extend their assistance to the poor and those with disabilities.

She said: “Nigerians need to emulate the life of Jesus Christ so that the country can change for the better; those endowed with wealth should reach out to others.

“This will enable the less privileged in the society to also live a meaningful and comfortable life.’’

Pastor Alex Adefikayo of the 2nd ECWA Church, Agamo, Omu-Aran, urged Nigerians to be transparent in all their dea-lings and business transactions.

He also urged those responsible for acts of violence and other vices in 2013 to have a change of heart “so as not to incur the wrath of God.

“It is by so doing that we can put behind us the sad and ugly events of the previous year and steer the ship of the country to peace, love and development.”