By John Ogunsemore
The Labour Party (LP) has urged Nigerians to show love to one another during Christmas as many homes cannot afford to join the celebration due to economic challenges.
National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure made the call in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh.
In his Christmas message to Nigerians and party faithful in particular, Abure urged them to always show compassion to millions of Nigerians living below the poverty level.
He said that Jesus Christ who was born in a lowly manger lived his entire life working to put smiles on the faces of the less privileged, the poor, oppressed, depressed and the sick.
“It will interest you to know that not many homes in Nigeria can afford to join in today’s celebration of Christmas because of the economic challenges Nigeria is facing today.
“But I am using this opportunity to task the society to show love to a neighbour who may be in one form of lack or the other,” he said.
Abure expressed gratitude to military personnel working to maintain Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“Also at this time, I think of all the men and women serving in the military to ensure our safety, who may not be privileged to be with their loved ones. Thank you for your service.
“As I speak, many of our gallant soldiers are in some trenches in many parts of the country ensuring that the terrorists and gunmen are kept at bay for the rest of us to celebrate the Christmas.
“I urge all Nigerians, particularly the clerics to put these patriots in their ceaseless prayers,” he said.
Abure harped on the need for forgiveness in this Christmas season.
“There is nothing that will bring more joy to humanity than to be ready and willing to forgive the trespasses of our neighbours against us.
“There is also nothing that will bring more condemnation to humanity than to harden our hearts and to be bitter and vindictive in our feelings towards those by whom we are surrounded.
“I therefore call on Nigerians to imbibe the teaching of Christ that says ‘forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses against us,” he said.
He maintained that God forgave humanity of their iniquities, adding that God so loved mankind that he had to sacrifice his only begotten son for the redemption of every soul.
“What a sacrifice. Today’s celebration can not be complete until we begin to allow the significance of the birth of Christ to manifest in our lives,” the party chairman added.