December 25, 2015 – As Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson and his counterpart in Lagos , Mr, Akinwunmi Ambode have called on Bayelsans to imbibe the positive attributes of peace, love and forgiveness, which Christ propagated, lived and died for.
They both made the call in their Christmas message to residents, reminding them of the importance of peace, noting that, peace remains a major catalyst to any meaningful development, especially under a democratic dispensation.
While commending the people for being supportive to the policies and programmes of the government, Dickson enjoined them to pray ceaselessly for the security, peace and unity of the State and the Country, pointing out that, the nation was going through very difficult times that require the collective prayers of all and sundry.
In his message, Ambode said that it is only through peaceful co-existence and atmosphere that any positive change can materialise.
“The season of Christmas is one that exemplifies the virtues of love and peaceful co-existence. We must continue to extend a hand of love and live as one family irrespective of our creed or colour. We must also continue to respect each other’s right to live freely and peacefully”, the Governor said.
He said the security challenges which the country is facing now should not be used as an avenue to create division along ethnic and religious lines by some politicians who are blanketly engaging in name-calling of political opponent.
Ambode said Nigeria over the years has continued to draw strength from its diversity, saying that Nigerians must therefore stand together and resist any attempt by any individual or group of persons to highlight such ethnic differences to further their selfish ends or fan embers of disunity.
He urged residents to be safety and security conscious, especially during the festive period and refrain from habits that could endanger their lives including indulging in drinking and driving and other social vices.
He also encouraged residents not to hesitate to report all suspicious activities around them by using the Toll free lines 767 and 112, reminding that the business of securing lives and property could not be left to the security agencies alone.
“The period of Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ who is the symbol of Christianity and the harbinger of peace, love and good tidings and there is no better way to celebrate the season than by showing love and being our brother’s keeper”, the Governor said.
