2015: We Cherish Peace, First Lady Tells Nigerians as Jonathan pledges free, fair elections

The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has urged Nigerians to emulate the virtues of love, peace and tolerance, which are the attributes of Jesus Christ.

In her Christmas message, she asked Nigerians to seek the face of the Lord as government tackles the current challenges facing the nation, asking them not to relent in their prayers for peace especially before, during and after the elections.

Mrs. Jonathan noted that the nation needs the support and understanding of all Nigerians at this critical moment in its history, urging them to support the leadership with prayers and inter-cessions in order for the Lord to favour the country.

She called on Nigerians to use the yuletide to ask God to grant the leaders, wisdom for peace, progress and prosperity.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday assured Nigerians that his administration will give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) all the necessary support to ensure it delivers very free, fair, credible and acceptable elec­tions in 2015.

This is even as he has also assured that the security agencies will also be empowered to enhance their ability to ensure that the elections which would strengthen democracy in the country, are peaceful and violence free. He spoke during the Christmas message delivered in Abuja.

The President has also urged the political class to be law-abiding and place the greater interests of the nation above all personal or sectional interests in the countdown to the elections.

He urged everybody to be more statesman-like, conduct issues-based campaigns, and eschew the promotion of falsehood, division and hatred of others as they seek votes.

President Jonathan, while urging Nigerians to pray for the country, said, “the greater internalization of the virtues of love for our fellowmen, tolerance, Godliness, honesty, fairness to others, selflessness, and peaceful co-existence with others, by all adult Nigerians, and the inculcation of the same in our youth, will definitely help our dear nation to overcome most of its present challenges”.