President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan felicitates with all Christians
in the country as they begin the observance of Lent for the year 2015.
As they undergo the rites of the 40-day Lenten season which runs from
today, Ash Wednesday, to Easter Sunday, with constant prayers,
penitence, fasting and self-denial, President Jonathan urges Christians
in Nigeria to pray fervently for peaceful, violence-free and successful
general elections in the country on March 28 and April 11, 2015.
The President also seizes the opportunity of the commencement of Lent
to call on all political leaders in the country, Christians and
non-Christians alike, to rededicate themselves to the commitment they
have made to peaceful, non-violent campaigns and elections, and do their
utmost best to ensure that their supporters across the country uphold
that commitment.
In the spirit of that commitment, President Jonathan further urges
all those seeking political office in the coming elections to eschew
hate speech, incitement to violence, divisiveness and the malicious
denigration of opponents.
He urges all political parties in the country to join the federal
government in giving the fullest possible support and cooperation to
INEC to ensure that it delivers free, fair and credible elections.
As they observe Lent, President Jonathan urges the Christian
community to reflect more on all the ideals of human existence taught by
Jesus Christ during his ministry on earth.
He calls on Christians to make those ideals, including piety, love
for others, tolerance, humility, selfless service to others, honesty,
fairness, justice and equity more manifest in their daily lives.
President Jonathan prays that God Almighty will answer the prayers of
all Nigerians and bless the country with successful elections,
continued unity and further progress.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media& Publicity)
