Gov. Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has called on Christians in the state to use the festive season to promote peaceful coexistence.
In a message issued by his Press Secretary, Malam Abubakar Bawa, on Wednesday in Sokoto, the governor felicitated with Christians as they celebrate Christmas.
“Sokoto is known for its peace and harmony for a long time, and it is important that we maintain this hard-earned reputation.
“The best way to achieve that is by contributing individually and collectively to peace building. It is a responsibility we all share,” Aliyu said.
The governor encouraged Christians to continue living peacefully with their host communities, contributing to the overall development of the state.
Aliyu described Sokoto as a home to all, regardless of tribal or religious differences, citing free education as an example “as it is being provided to all residents, including those in Christian-dominated areas.”
He highlighted several developmental projects carried out in those areas and urged all citizens to sustain the prevailing harmonious coexistence.
The governor further called on Christians to support his administration’s efforts to make Sokoto state better, while wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Similarly, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah, urged Christians to use the festive season to reflect on their faith and uphold the teachings of Christ.
“The message of Jesus to the world is peace, joy, love, justice, and reconciliation.
“Christmas offers us a chance to pause and ask what we have done with the light of Christ received at baptism,” Kukah said.
Taking his text from Matthew 5:14, Kukah emphasised the importance of keeping the light of faith shining by following in Christ’s footsteps.
“When we fail to act in the footsteps of Christ, we are keeping our light under the table,” he said.
The Cleric identified ethnicity, nepotism, and greed as some of the major challenges working against the growth of Nigeria.
“It has been a known fact that ethnicity and religion outweigh common citizenship in terms of access to opportunities.
“Feelings of exclusion drive citizens toward violence and frustration. We must embrace the ideals of our national anthem: ‘Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand,” he said.
Kuka encouraged Nigerians to view diversity as a gift from God, using it to strengthen national cohesion and mobilisation.
“Christians must not allow the structural weaknesses and failures of the Nigerian state to excuse wrongdoing.
“We cannot keep blaming the constitution, judiciary, police, or public servants for corruption in our society,” he advised.
Kukah prayed for blessings and peace in the New Year and called on Christians to renew their commitment to the ideals for which Jesus came into the world.
