As Nigerians at home and abroad celebrate the Yuletide season, a former Minister of Special Duties and Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), has called for Nigerians to find a common identity in 2023.
In a press statement released by his Media Office in Abuja, Turaki emphasized that Nigerians must rise above all myopic considerations and key into a united and nationalistic vision in order to tackle issues such as poverty, insecurity, inflation, and disunity.
He said:
“We can no longer continue to perpetuate the tradition of division and destruction of the spirit of mutual unity. Now is the time to come together. What better period do we have to admit that we are all interconnected and interdependent on each other than the Christmas season? We are made and meant to live together, prosper together, and be great together as one nation.
“As the 2023 polls beckon, we must understand that no matter what, we are defined as a people by our common identity as Nigerians. Our peace, our loyalties, our progress, and our rights must become nationalistic rather than sectional. We as a people must rise above the myopic click baits of malicious political sharks that seek to make these coming elections and the future of our nation about the tribe, religion, and social class. We must embrace a nationalistic perspective and focus on all the issues that affect us all and come together to solve them so that we can move forward stronger and more prosperous.
“No man is an island, no single perspective, tribe or religion can fix this our great nation in isolation, and as long as we try, the more we will discover how easy peace and development is,” Turaki said.
The former Minister further called on all Christians to emulate the virtues of Christ Jesus, while also wishing them a Merry Christmas.
“For all my Christian brothers and sisters, the Christmas season signifies the birth of Christ the Savior, His love, sacrifice, and selfless service for the good of all mankind.
“Therefore, as we celebrate the birth of Christ and the New Year, we should all reflect and be true to what He represents, embrace ourselves as one big family, and strive hard to contribute our quota of love, peace, selfless service and sacrifice to the mutual progress and development of our communities and great nation. On behalf of myself and my beautiful family, I wish you all happy Christmas and New Year celebrations!” Turaki stated.
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