Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has extended Christmas greetings to Nigerians, urging them to embrace love, peace, humility, and sacrifice.
In his 2023 Christmas message shared via ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) on Monday, the former president emphasized the significance of the season in fostering unity and rebuilding the nation.
Jonathan encouraged citizens to uphold moral principles, exhibit faith, and contribute to the progress of the country through acts of love and kindness.
Viewed as an icon of democracy, former President Jonathan served as Nigeria’s vice president (2007 – 2010) and head of state from 2010 to 2015.
It will be recalled that he was the first incumbent president in Nigerian history to concede defeat in an election, having lost the 2015 presidential election to the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari.
2023 Christmas Message
Compliments of the Season, fellow Nigerians and friends around the world.
On behalf of my family, I bring you greetings as we celebrate this year’s Christmas.
The Christmas story is an inspiring one, full of messages of peace, hope, and joy to the…
— Goodluck E. Jonathan (@GEJonathan) December 25, 2023
“The Christmas story is an inspiring one, full of messages of peace, hope, and joy to the whole world. It is rooted in God’s love for humanity and His infinite mercy manifested through the birth of Jesus Christ.
The birth of Jesus Christ marks a new beginning and a new destiny for all believers. It is the fulfillment of many prophecies about the coming of the Saviour who will save us from sin and other difficulties.
This celebration invites us to be true witnesses to our faith as followers of Christ and to manifest the virtues of peace, love, humility and sacrifice,” his message partly read.
The one-time president urged Nigerians to see the Christmas celebration as an occasion to reawaken their faith in God and the country.
He assured Nigerians that despite the challenges, “we can surmount them through our shared acts of love and faith”.
He encouraged citizens to make the most of this season to rebuild the country by showing love to their neighbours.
“… upholding moral principles that will deepen the thread that binds Nigerians together as a people.
“Let us utilize this opportunity to provide hope to those in need and take steps that will contribute to advancing our nation’s progress.
Let us observe this season in the spirit of love, peace, and unity.
Merry Christmas to Nigerians and the rest of humanity! -GEJ,” the former president wrote.
