Former vice president Atiku Abubakar, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, All Progressive Congress Chieftain, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Gbenga Daniel, a former Ogun governor, all sent out Christmas messages on Friday, urging Nigerians to emulate the teachings of Christ and celebrate in line with COVID-19 safety protocols. 

In his Christmas message, Mr. Atiku urged Nigerians to pray for peace and a more prosperous country as they celebrate. 

“Even as we celebrate with friends and family, we should also spend time to pray for a more peaceful and prosperous nation”, Mr. Atiku said. As a nation, we can achieve more if we stand united, extend hands of fellowship to one another and be law-abiding.”

Mr. Lawan, on his part reminded Nigerians of the need to comply with COVID-19 guidelines to prevent the second wave of the virus. 
“Given the fact of the second wave of the Coronavirus pandemic, we should keep our guard up and comply fully with the non-pharmaceutical guidelines that have been put in place by the authorities”, Mr. Lawan said. 

Mr. Tinubu urged Nigerians to imbibe the teachings of Christ. 
“We are thankful for Christmas Day for the spirit and teachings of Jesus Christ provide a precious gift unto us”, Mr. Tinubu said. “If we but use this gift wisely in our relationships with one another we shall emerge from this turbulent storm a better and more just nation, a more compassionate people with a more hopeful future.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila and former Senate President Bukola Saraki also sent out  Christmas messages, wishing Christians a merry Christmas. 

Mr. Daniel in his own Christmas message said notwithstanding the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, attendant economic hardships and the EndSARS protests, Nigerians have more than enough reasons to thank God for in the year 2020.

 “Against forecasts and projections the pandemic have been relatively managed in Nigeria as both fatalities and casualties that could have stretched out medical facilities beyond limits were greatly averted,” he said.

Earlier in the week, the federal government announced December 25, 28 and January 1 as public holidays for Christmas and New Year celebrations.

To curtail the second wave of COVID-19, Nigerian government had ordered the closure of night clubs, bars, schools for next five weeks and advise citizens to adhere to COVID-19 safety protocols.