President Muhammadu Buhari reflects on his last year as president of Nigeria.
“I heartily rejoice with our Christian brothers and sisters on the occasion of this year’s Christmas.”
“Many of us look forward to this festive season as a time to travel, share gifts, spend quality time with family and friends, attend special carols and events, and generally relive the good moments of the year. In whatever circumstances we find ourselves, Christmas is a period when we come together to rejoice and set aside our differences.”
He continued, “For me and my family, this year’s celebration is unique. It is my last as your elected President. Twenty-two weeks from now, this administration will hand over to another.”
President Buhari also spoke about the past seven years, the privileges of receiving the members of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) community on Christmas homage, except the year the COVID-19 pandemic happened.
He stated that he must remember the FCT community as his closest neighbours as there is no better way to celebrate Christmas as a people than showing genuine love, care, compassion and empathy for one another.
“We must never lose sight of the symbiotic relationship between Christmas and hope; Jesus Christ and humility, Christianity and grace.”
President Buhari also indulged that in this season of love, joy and peace, we should not fail to remember those who wish to celebrate but are constrained in one way or the other by reaching out to them.
Prayers to make this celebration spectacular was made as renewing the pledge and common resolve to work for the unity and prosperity of our dear country, Nigeria
He also promised that until his last day in office, he will continue to provide political and material support to sub-national governments, the Armed Forces, institutions and individuals working wholeheartedly for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and progress.
He stated, “The advances we have made so far on the economic front, especially in infrastructure; food security, anti-corruption, security, energy sufficiency, among others, will need to be built on.”
He urged that as the season coincides with the campaign period that ushers in another administration, Nigerians be circumspect and vote for those that will maintain the momentum created for the country’s greater good. President Buhari further encouraged that peace and joy that pervade this period should continue into the new year up to the elections in February and beyond.
“I want to assure Nigerians that those who violently seek to disrupt the peace of our nation have lost the battle.
Our country is blessed with a wealth of human and material resources. Let’s celebrate our blessings this season with the trust that a better dawn awaits Nigeria.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas.”
