Bauchi State Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar has appealed to Christians in the state to use the teachings and ideals of Jesus Christ and the lessons of Christmas to preach for the peaceful conduct of next year’s general elections just as he urged them to start with strengthening existing friendship and establishing new ones.
The Governor in a Christmas message made available to newsmen through his Press Secretary, Abubakar Al-Sadique, stated that the Christmas period provides the opportunity for all the people to spend quality time with their family members, friends and exchange visits and gifts with the less privileged.
Mohammed Abubakar also stated that “the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ which is a yearly event provides us with the opportunity to express our gratitude to God through prayers and show love to one another as well as foster unity among ourselves.”
The Governor further urged Christians to celebrate the event with meditation and happiness, reflect seriously on their routine and spiritual deeds in the last one year and pray to God for better and more prosperous years ahead.
He also reiterated the call for mutual respect and peaceful coexistence as the people understand their differences to live together with happiness and joy and learn to live with one another harmoniously irrespective of political, cultural and religious differences.
The Governor also stated that “our administration is adequately prepared and well-disposed to continue executing its mandate,” and called on Christians in particular to “exchange visits among themselves and adherents of other faiths during the Christmas period, which will among other things, foster unity and understanding badly needed for nation-building”.
“The primary objective of a responsible Government is to ensure the security of lives and property of its citizens. We would, therefore, continue to do everything possible to address the security and economic challenges our time,” the Governor added.
Mohammed Abubakar added that “It is gratifying to note that this is the safest state in the northeast region and one of the safest in the country. We will continue to intensify efforts to ensure the maintenance of this status and indeed strive to improve. People can go about their daily businesses without any distress. I will, however, use this medium to appeal to all and sundry to support and cooperate with the Government by giving useful information about criminals and their hideouts.”
The Governor then assured that his administration “is committed to the providing the right environment for all to interact peacefully,” assuring that the administration will do everything it takes to create conducive atmosphere for all to participate stating, “we will certainly deal with any attempt to disrupt our peaceful disposition by anybody or group of individuals.”
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