State governors, in their Christmas messages yesterday, called for prayers for peaceful conduct of the 2019 general elelctions in the country.
They also preached love, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State called on citizens to embrace peace, harmony and tolerance as they celebrate Christmas in their respective vicinities.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, the governor said: “In 2019, our country will conduct elections to choose leaders at various levels of government. The choices we make during the elections will determine how we fare as a country and state in the following years. It is therefore important that we make the right decisions at the polls.
“I urge political parties and their supporters to conduct peaceful and issue-based campaigns to avoid acrimonious engagements which will heat up the polity. Let’s remember that we must have a state and its people for us to be called leaders. We must therefore promote decorum and harmony in our campaign speeches and activities, knowing full well that power belongs to God and He gives it to whomever He wills.”
Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki enjoined the people and residents of the state to emulate Jesus Christ in their celebration of Christmas.
Obaseki said Christmas season is an occasion to show love and reflect on the life of Jesus Christ.
He said: “On behalf of the government of Edo State, I rejoice with all Edo people, at home and in the diaspora as well as residents, as we celebrate Christmas.
Bayelsa State Governor Henry Seriake Dickson yesterday called on Christians in Nigeria to be more prayerful as the country moves towards another round of general elections in 2019.
Dickson, in a Christmas message signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said only prayers can avert any negative plan by enemies towards the country.
He said Nigeria must continue to remain united even after the elections, stressing that the outcome of the polls should not throw the country into chaos.
Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong urged Christians to emulate the teachings of Jesus Christ as they celebrate this year’s Christmas.
Lalong, in a felicitation message to Christians, advised all political parties and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and engage in issue-based campaigns to avoid overheating the polity as well as pray fervently for the successful conduct of the 2019 general elections.
Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi appealed to Nigerians to offer special prayers for peaceful, credible and violence-free general elections in the country.
Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi said it is only through a practical demonstration of love, peaceful co -existence with one another that Nigerians can unite and forge ahead in the crucial task of nation building.
Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola asked Nigerians to keep the peace and be orderly as candidates canvassed for votes ahead of the 2019 general elections.
