- ‘Christmas a solemn season beyond celebration, festivities’
As Nigerians join the rest of the world in celebrating Christmas today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to the protection of all faiths in an atmosphere of religious tolerance and harmony.
He said his Administration would build on sustained engagements with leaders of major faiths to prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence, as part of broader efforts to strengthen national unity and stability.
President Tinubu acknowledged the contributions of the Christian leaders to national development and urged them to sustain the tempo.
In his Christmas message, the President said dialogue with Christian and Muslim leaders had remained central to his administration’s response to religious intolerance and insecurity, noting that such engagements would be expanded to reinforce harmony across the country.
Statesmen, politicians, traditional rulers and religious leaders, who also felicitated Christians, renewed their appeals for mutual understanding in the country.
It is the first Christmas since some religious leaders raised allegations of genocide against Christians, a claim that the Federal Government debunked, but which spurred United States President Donald Trump to classify Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.
President Tinubu, who noted the complaints about insecurity and intolerance, vowed to deepen engagements with religious bodies to promote tranquillity.
He said: “Throughout the year, I have had the privilege of engaging with prominent leaders from the two major faiths in the country, particularly amid concerns about religious intolerance and insecurity.
“We will build on these conversations to strengthen collaboration between government and religious institutions, prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.”
The President described Christmas as a solemn season that transcends celebrations and festivities, urging Nigerians to reflect on the deeper significance of the birth of Jesus Christ and his enduring message of peace, grace and goodwill to humanity.
He prayed that “the love of Christ and his message of grace, hope, peace, and goodwill to humanity abide with us.”
Thanking God for the opportunity to serve, the President reaffirmed his constitutional responsibility to the country.
He said his administration would entrench religious freedom and protect Nigerians of all faiths from violence and discrimination.
President Tinubu stressed: “As your President, I remain committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect all people of different faiths from violence.”
The president said that since assuming office in 2023, he has consistently reassured Nigerians of his resolve to guarantee security, unity and stability.
He said that pledge “remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
President Tinubu insisted that every Nigerian, regardless of ethnicity or belief, has the right to live, worship and pursue legitimate aspirations in safety and dignity.
He said that no citizen should be made to suffer for professing or practising his or her faith.
President Tinubu noted that love for God and humanity are shared values at the heart of all major religions, which must continue to bind Nigerians together as one indivisible people.
The President acknowledged the contributions of Christians to national development, noting that the teachings of Christ have inspired many to serve society selflessly.
He said the Gospel message has motivated countless Nigerians to care for the vulnerable and less privileged, while promoting peace, harmony and tolerance within their communities.
President Tinubu commended individuals and groups who continue to bring hope and faith in the midst of hardship, saying the Christmas season serves as a reminder that, despite daunting challenges, God remains with the nation.
On security, the President reiterated that peace and stability are critical priorities and prerequisites for sustainable development and national progress.
President Tinubu urged Nigerians to exercise patience and discipline on the roads as they reunite with family and loved ones.
He wished all travellers a safe journey and safe return to their destinations.
Expressing optimism about the country’s future, the President said that with confidence in divine providence and collective national strength, Nigeria would continue on the path of renewal.
He assured that his administration would remain focused on building a greater and more united country worthy of pride by future generations.
