Christmas: Full text of Buhari’s message to Nigerians
celebrating Christmas.
Buhari, in a statement he personally signed on Monday, felicitated
with all Nigerians on the occasion.
He said, "I felicitate with all Nigerians, particularly our Christian
brothers and sisters, on the joyous occasion of this year's Christmas,
which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.
"Like I have done in the last three Christmas messages to my fellow
compatriots as a serving President, I believe this season is another
opportunity to reflect on the imagery of the humble, symbolic and
divine birth of a young child thousands of years ago in Bethlehem,
Judea, and the message of hope, compassion, salvation, reconciliation,
forgiveness and peace that Jesus Christ embodies and conveys.
"In 2018, Nigerians have had mixed blessings, typical of human beings.
"On the pleasant side, our economy has made significant progress since
coming out from recession and our faithful implementation of the
Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.
"Agricultural revolution has seen a vastly improved local production
to the detriment of importation, while we have achieved surplus in our
trade balance. Similarly, infrastructural deficit has been greatly
reduced with significant improvements in roads, railways, aviation and
power.
"In addition, we have not relented in the fight against corruption
while the business environment has been improved through institutional
reforms.
"On the downside, we have seen so many unnecessary deaths caused by
violent clashes between neighbours, who ordinarily should complement
and support one another.
"We cannot bring back the lives lost to floods, unfortunate fire
disasters, road accidents, farmers/herders clashes and insurgency.
"But we can put back smiles on the faces of the grieving, the
displaced and the troubled, if we show a little love and recommit
ourselves to building relationships with those outside our ethnic,
religious and socio-political divides.
"As we celebrate Christmas, exchange gifts, pray and visit loved ones,
let us remember many others who cannot be with their families this
time.
"Our brave Armed Forces, and other security men and women who make
incredible sacrifices to keep us safe, the aged, the sick, physically
challenged persons, all deserve our goodwill in this season of love
and sharing.
"Together we can show generosity to our neighbours and demonstrate the
diversity that makes Nigeria unique – a land with a beautiful climate
and vegetation, beaming with an energetic and creative youth
population.
"We must not also forget that what lies ahead of us as a nation is
better than whatever we must have experienced in the past.
"With general elections around the corner and heightened political
activities across the country, I have charged our security and law
enforcement agencies to secure the sanctity of the ballot box and
ensure that the outcome of the polls reflects the will of the Nigerian
people.
"My avowed commitment to free, fair, credible and violence-free polls
is not a ruse or yet another vain political promise. My word is my
bond.
"It is a sworn declaration on the advancement of Nigeria, the future
and safety of our young and unborn generations.
"Let us tell the world that, indeed, ''something good'' can come out
from Nigeria. And it will happen, as we all team up to make it happen.
"Merry Christmas!"
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