The Catholic Bishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan and former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, have called for peace and forgiveness among Nigerians as they celebrate Christmas.
This is contained in a statement signed by Paul Mumeh, Media Assistant to Mark and made available to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja.
The statement quoted Onaiyekan and Mark, as giving the admonition at the 2015 Christmas Carol at St. Mulumba Catholic Chaplaincy, Apo.
They contended that peace and forgiveness were needed for “good neighbourliness’’ in Nigeria.
The statement said that Onaiyekan called for an end to terrorism ravaging the North-East.
The Catholic priest urged all those aggrieved or offended by the activities of the insurgents, to have the heart to forgive, saying “there is no proper peace without forgiveness.’’
“We don’t need these wars. We need peace and unity among us.
“ No matter the amount of grievances, we should follow proper channels to resolve and reconcile with each other.
“We should forgive each other and look up to the future with great hope and optimism,’’ Onaiyekan said.
The statement also quoted Mark as urging Nigerians to imbibe the teachings of Christ which harps on peace, love, reconciliation, mercy and forgiveness.
He described the lesson of Christmas as very unique, as it dwells on love, peace and forgiveness.
“No matter how much we are wronged or offended, we must strive to forgive even our enemies completely,’’ he said.
On the forthcoming re-run election for Benue South Senatorial zone, Mark called for prayer and God’s guidance for a successful exercise. [NAN]
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