Governors Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom and Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa have urged residents to celebrate Christmas with love, peace and unity toward one another and eschew tendencies that seek to divide the people.

Mr Eno said in his 2023 Christmas message to the Akwa Ibom people on Monday in Uyo that the season should bring people together as one.

“This is a season of joy and goodwill. I call on our people to continue to live in peace and unity and eschew tendencies that seek to divide us.

“As I have been saying, politics is long gone. It’s now time for governance.

“We should bury and throw into the trash can the cards of hatred, of whipping non-existence schisms and of demonising our leaders and symbols of authority,” Mr Eno said.

Mr Eno assured the people that his administration would continue to do everything possible to improve the welfare of citizens.

He said that as part of measures to put smiles on workers’ faces during this period, the government had paid the 13th-month salary to all workers.

“Let me use this opportunity to thank all those who have expressed such heart-warming and wonderful sentiments to us,” he said.

Similarly, Mr Fintiri, in a message by his chief press secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, reminded Christians of the boundless compassion and selfless love God bestowed upon humanity.

“In the spirit of this festive season, let us come together as one united family, transcending religious and cultural differences to celebrate the values of peace, harmony, and goodwill towards all,” the governor said.

He congratulated the Christian community in the state and the nation for witnessing another Christmas.

Mr Fintiri advised residents to reflect the true spirit of Christmas by reaching out to the less fortunate, offering to help hands and share the blessings received.

“May this season be an opportunity for us to deepen our bonds of friendship and understanding, fostering unity and tolerance within our diverse society,” he prayed.

(NAN)