Teddy Oscar, Abuja
With less than 48 hours to the Christmas Day ccelebration, the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, has urged politicians to express love, forgiveness and tolerance towards one another.
Ihedioha, who noted that the season of Christmas is a period of peace, particularly urged Christians to cease the unique opportunity offered by the yuletide to extend love not only to their families, friends and neighbours, but to all Nigerians from all works of life.
In a message to mark the 2013 Christmas, the deputy speaker described tolerance as a fundamental ingredient of love.
He noted that the utterances and actions of leaders and those in authority at this time in the political life of the country can go a long way to either make or mar the destiny of the country.
He, therefore, called for restraint in the national interest, and urged all to eschew tendencies that promote intolerance of dissenting views and inclinations.
“The need for sober reflection, which the season of Christmas calls for is a timely opportunity for leaders and followers alike to reflect on the state of the nation,” he added.
He congratulated Christian faithful across the country, and enjoined them to share the joy of the season with all persons, irrespective of religious beliefs, adding that “the birth of Jesus Christ brought redemption to the world without discrimination against anybody or group of individuals.”
