Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on Christians to pray for the peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria as they celebrate Christmas.
Atiku said in a Christmas message released by his media office in Abuja that a season such as this offers opportunity for sober reflection on the part of both the leaders and the led on the
situation of our country and the lives we live as a community of people.
He decried the hardship visited on citizens by unscrupulous people who use the opportunity of festive periods to exploit Nigerians instead of giving back to them for their patronage, as is customary in other lands.
“The hardship we bring upon ourselves during religious festivities in Nigeria gives cause for concern to all well-meaning people. In other climes, Christmas periods and indeed, other religious seasons offer opportunities for rebates and bonanzas to make life easier for the people, while we exploit ourselves in Nigeria in contradiction to our cherished traditional values of being our brothers’ keepers,” Atiku said.
He called on citizens to be alive to their responsibilities to the nation and to one another.
According to him, Nigerians need to show more love, sacrifice and compassion to their fellow citizens in line with the teachings of the faith.