PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI’S 2015 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE TO NIGERIANS

I felicitate with all Nigerians,

especially our Christian brothers and sisters, on the joyous occasion of

this year’s Christmas.

On this occasion of the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, let

us all rededicate ourselves to the virtues of peace, love, honesty, justice,

equity, piety, humility and service to others which he taught.

There can be no doubt that a greater manifestation of these virtues and

ideals in our lives will immensely help us to become a more united,

peaceful, secure and progressive nation.

Let us also reach out in love and compassion to fellow Nigerians who are

in distress at this period of our nation’s history.

I particularly urge you all to remember victims of terrorism and insurgency

in the country, especially Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

The Federal Government will continue to collaborate with state

governments and other stakeholders to ease the harsh conditions in IDP

camps, while the ultimate objective remains to quickly put an end to

insurgency and return the IDPs to their homes.

We must never again allow any group to hold the nation to ransom under

whatever guise.

Let us also not allow current socio-economic and security challenges to

dampen our expectations for a better Nigeria.

This administration has taken a number of measures to restore hope to

our people. The 2016 Budget defines our commitment to giving Nigeria a

new lease of life.

Our change slogan is not a campaign gimmick but a promise that must

be kept. We are determined to bring about tangible changes in the lives

of our people.

In this regard, efforts will be intensified to recover stolen funds, block

revenue leakages and enthrone due process, transparency and

accountability.

Public office is a public trust that must be held to the highest ethical

standards.

I wish all Nigerians a Merry Christmas.

Please drive carefully.

MUHAMMADU BUHARI