By Cross Udo and Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to ensuring religious freedom and to protecting all people of different faiths from violence.
Tinubu gave the assurance in his 2025 Christmas goodwill message to Nigerians, especially the Christian community.
He said, “As your President, I remain committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect all people of different faiths from violence.”
The President, in the message he personally signed, said: “As we mark this year’s Christmas, may the love of Christ and his message of grace, hope, peace, and goodwill to humanity abide with us all.
“Beyond the celebration and festivities of this season, Christmas reminds us to reflect on the significance of Jesus Christ’s birth and his message of salvation as the Prince of Peace.
“On this Holy Day, I wish all Christians in Nigeria and around the world a Merry Christmas. I thank God for the opportunity to serve as the leader of our great country, and I pray for peace in our land, especially among individuals of differing religious beliefs.”
Tinubu told Nigerians, while celebrating Christmas, which is the birth of Jesus, to also reflect on the many contributions that Christians in Nigeria, as followers of Christ, have made and continue to make toward the progress of our country.
“The love of Christ and the message of the Gospel have inspired many Christians to care for the vulnerable and less privileged in our society. We honour those who, following the example of Jesus, work tirelessly to promote peace, harmony, and tolerance in their communities.
“For those who bring hope and faith in the midst of despair, this season is a reminder that, despite daunting challenges, God is with us.”
He said that since he assumed office in 2023, he has continually reassured Nigerians of the unyielding commitment to safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of our nation.
“That commitment remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. All Nigerians have the right to live, worship, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity,” he added.
According to him, “No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith. The love for God and love for humanity are at the heart of all the great faiths. These shared values must continue to bind us together as one indivisible and resilient people of our blessed country.
“Throughout the year, I have had the privilege of engaging with prominent leaders from the two major faiths in the country, particularly amid concerns about religious intolerance and insecurity. We will build on these conversations to strengthen collaboration between government and religious institutions, prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.
“As many Nigerians travel to reunite with family and loved ones during this holiday period, I urge all citizens to exercise patience and maintain discipline on the roads.
“I wish all travellers a safe journey and a safe return to their destinations. With confidence in divine providence and our collective strength, we continue the work of building a greater Nigeria-one that future generations will be proud of. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year in advance.”
*Akpabio
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has called on Nigerians to use the Christmas season to deepen national unity, promote peace and love, and renew hope in the country’s future.
In his Christmas goodwill message to Nigerians, Akpabio urged citizens, irrespective of faith, to embrace the core values exemplified by the birth of Jesus Christ, particularly love, tolerance, generosity and peaceful coexistence.
The message, signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, emphasised that the yuletide period should serve as a moment of reflection and collective responsibility, especially towards the less privileged in society.
According to the Senate President, Christmas is not only a time for joy and celebration, but also an opportunity for Nigerians to show compassion by extending support to those in need and strengthening bonds of brotherhood across religious and ethnic divides.
“On behalf of my family, constituents, the Senate and the entire 10th National Assembly, I heartily rejoice with our Christian brothers and sisters on this joyful occasion of Christmas,” Akpabio said.
He also invited Nigerians of other faiths to share in the celebration, stressing that the message of Christmas transcends religion and speaks to universal values essential for national cohesion.
“To our brothers and sisters of other faiths, I invite you to join us in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. I urge all Nigerians to exude love during this period and beyond, tolerate one another and strive to be our brother’s keeper,” he added.
Akpabio further encouraged Nigerians to remain hopeful and resilient despite prevailing socio-economic challenges, noting that difficult moments often require unity of purpose and collective sacrifice.
*Wike
Also, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has extended warm Christmas greetings to residents of the FCT, urging them to embrace unity, peace and goodwill during the festive season.
In his 2025 Christmas message, Wike described Christmas as a season of joy, sharing and good neighbourliness, reminding residents that the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ carries universal values that strengthen communal bonds across religious and cultural lines.
He called on Christians in the Territory to use the period for sober reflection and to consciously promote harmony among all residents.
According to him, the spirit of Christmas should inspire love, tolerance, and unity, virtues essential to sustaining peace and prosperity in Nigeria’s capital city.
He stressed that only through collective goodwill can the FCT continue to thrive as a symbol of national cohesion.
The Minister also encouraged residents to use the season to pray for Nigeria and its leaders, expressing optimism that unity of purpose would translate into sustained peace and progress in the years ahead.
He appreciated the people of the FCT for their cooperation and support throughout 2025, noting that their collective commitment had been vital to the Administration’s successes.
Highlighting achievements over the past year, Wike noted that significant developments had occurred across key sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, and the judiciary.
He attributed these gains to the spirit of cooperation among residents. He acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu, partners, stakeholders and staff of the FCT Administration in advancing development across the area councils.
*Musa
Similarly, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa (APC – Niger East), has extended warm Christmas greetings to Christians in the state and across Nigeria, emphasising the importance of unity and religious tolerance.
This was contained in a statement issued to journalists on Wednesday.
Musa urged Christians to reflect on Jesus Christ’s teachings of love, sacrifice, peace, and compassion, and to renew their commitment to values that promote peaceful coexistence and national unity.
He stressed that unity among Nigerians, regardless of religious or ethnic differences, was critical to building a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.
Musa also called for sustained collaboration between Christians, Muslims, and people of other faiths, stating that religious tolerance and mutual respect were essential for development and progress.
He wished all Christians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, filled with peace, joy, and renewed hope to all Nigerians.
*Adamawa Gov, Fintiri, grants pardon to death-row inmate, Jackson, others
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has granted a pardon to one Sunday Jackson, who was sentenced to death, in commemoration of Christmas and New Year celebrations.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Humwashi Wonosikou, said Jackson, who is in Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, has been pardoned alongside Joseph Eugene from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Yola, and Maxwell Ibrahim serving at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kaduna.
The development was after a member of the US House of Representatives, Riley Moore, called on the Nigerian government to pardon the farmer, who was sentenced to death for killing an attacker while trying to defend himself.
Moore, speaking in the US House of Representatives hearing on President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), said the verdict convicting Jackson is unfair.
“I would urge the Nigerian government to take a look at pardoning Sunday Jackson, who is an individual who was fighting for his own life, defending his life against one of these Fulani militants,” Moore, a Republican, said during the hearing on Thursday.
“That Fulani militant lost his life in that struggle, and now that person, Sunday Jackson, is facing the death penalty. Where is the justice in that?”
Others pardoned include Joshua James Audo, Adamu Ibrahim, Mohammed Abubakar, Ibrahim Usman, and Saidu Abubakar, serving at the Medium Security Custodial Centres in Numan and Jada.
Fintiri said the inmates had demonstrated significant improvement in their behaviour and conduct.
“Therefore, in the exercise of my prerogative of mercy as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in line with the recommendations of the Adamawa State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
“I have granted pardon to three persons and directed the remission of the remainder of the sentences of five others who have served various jail terms and have significantly demonstrated good conduct over the years,” he said.
