President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday wished Nigerians a merry Christmas and promised that his administration would give security agencies the necessary support to ensure that the 2015 general elections are violence-free.
The President said the Independent National Electoral Commission would be given the necessary assistance to conduct free, fair and credible elections.
Jonathan said this in his Christmas message to Nigerians, copies of which was made available to journalists in Abuja.
To ensure peace before, during and after the elections, the President called on all politicians to ensure that they conduct issue-based campaigns ahead of the elections.
He said, “We are also celebrating this Christmas against the background of preparations for next year’s general elections.
“I seize this opportunity to reassure the nation that my administration will give the Independent National Electoral Commission all necessary support to ensure that it delivers very free, fair, credible and acceptable elections in 2015.
“National security agencies will also be given all necessary support to enhance their ability to ensure that the elections which should strengthen democracy in our country are peaceful and violence free.
“I urge our political class to be law- abiding and place the greater interests of our nation above all personal or sectional interests in the countdown to the elections.
“Let us all be more statesman-like, conduct issues-based campaigns, and eschew the promotion of falsehood, division and hatred of others as we seek the votes of our countrymen in what should be a peaceful competition among contending points of view for the progress and development of our dear nation.”
The President said all Nigerians should offer special prayers for a greater manifestation of divine peace in the country.
He also asked for prayers for all those who have suffered and continue to suffer hardship, deprivation and death at the hands of terrorists and insurgents.
His statement read further, “Let us also continue to pray for our gallant soldiers and security agents who remain at the forefront of the national effort to overcome terrorism and violent extremism, even as the rest of the nation celebrates Christmas and the coming New Year.
“In this season of goodwill, I urge all patriotic Nigerians to rededicate themselves to doing all within their powers to support the brave men and women of our armed forces in the ongoing war against terrorism, and also support the Federal Government’s efforts to provide more succour to the hapless victims of terrorist atrocities.
“The Victims’ Support Fund which we have established to raise additional funds to assist our compatriots who have been adversely affected by continuing insecurity in parts of our country remains active.
“I call on all individuals and corporate organisations who have not yet done so, to donate more generously to the Fund which is being efficaciously deployed to ease the sufferings of victims of terrorist violence in the country.”
The President urged Christians and non-Christians alike to reflect deeply on the virtues and ideals which Jesus Christ espoused during his earthly mission.
He said the internalisation of the virtues of love for fellowmen, tolerance, Godliness, honesty, fairness to others, selflessness, and peaceful co-existence with others by all adult Nigerians, and the inculcation of the same in youths, would help the country to overcome most of its present challenges.
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