Keep Faith with Nigeria, Says PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on Nigerians to remain steadfast and resolute while keeping faith with the nation in the face of daunting challenges.

The party’s Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Baraji, said in Abuja in a goodwill message to Christians that the citizens needed to pray and work for peace, unity, growth and stability of the nation.

“The teachings and lessons of Christmas must register in the hearts of all Nigerians to make the country a haven of unparalleled growth and development.

“This unique period of Christmas calls for prayers, sober reflection and total faith of all Nigerians.”

The chairman called on lovers of peace to rise and preach peace and good conduct as well as exhibit fellowship to reflect the expectations of Christmas.

He thanked Nigerians for their understanding and support to the Federal Government in the ongoing actualisation of its transformation programmes.

Baraji described the 2012 budget as “an excellent roadmap in the transformation agenda” and appealed to the National Assembly to ensure its speedy passage in the interest of the overall wellbeing of the nation.

However, some residents of Kaduna State have decried the high rate of insecurity in the country, appealing to the government to find a lasting solution to the problem.

The residents who spoke to newsmen yesterday at recreation parks condemned the recent blasts in some parts of the country and appealed to the government to put an end to the threat to lives and property.

They said that their mood was low for fear of the unknown.

Mrs Shade Taiye said she had to be bold enough to be at the Gamji Park to celebrate the Christmas festivity with her children.

She, however, noted that the state government had provided sufficient security personnel in most of the parks.

Taiye said the security situation in the country was not encouraging, as she could not feel relaxed in the park or at other gatherings.

The Christmas Day bomb blasts at Madalla, near Suleja in Niger State, as well as Jos and some parts of Yobe had sent jitters and scared people from turning out in large numbers at recreation centres.

According to Mr Orita Peters, although everything was calm in Kaduna State, many residents are scared of leaving their homes for parks with their loved ones due to the fear of bomb explosions.

Some Christian faithfuls bemoaned the state of insecurity and the prevailing harsh economic condition which they said had dampened their Yuletide celebrations.

Another resident, Mrs Patricia Ogar, said the economic situation had affected most Christians as they battled to meet family demands and needs during the Yuletide.

Ogar said the proposed fuel subsidy removal had caused artificial inflation as the prices of goods and services in the markets had already increased.

She said the situation, coupled with the late or non-payment of workers’ salaries by many organisations, had reduced the glamour of the festivity in many parts of the state.