MWUN PG preaches peace, charity, unity in Christmas message to Christians

Stanley Ihedigbo

President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, has felicitated Christians in Nigeria and across the globe on the occasion of the 2025 Christmas celebration, wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance.

In his Yuletide goodwill message, made available by Head of Media, MWUN, Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, Comrade Bunu called on Christians in every nook and cranny of the country to remain steadfast, patient, and tolerant, while staying committed to the principles of the Kingdom of God, irrespective of the trials, persecutions, and challenges confronting them because of their faith.

He reminded Christians of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, noting that while Christ went about doing good—healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and providing for the needy.

He was rejected, persecuted, and eventually sold into the hands of His captors, leading to His crucifixion on the cross of Calvary.

According to the MWUN President-General, the trials faced by Christians today should strengthen their faith rather than weaken it, as Christianity is rooted in perseverance, sacrifice, love, and forgiveness.

The fiery maritime labour leader urged Christians globally to emulate the exemplary life of Jesus Christ by embracing tolerance, forgiveness, and kindness towards one another, regardless of repeated offences or provocation.

He stressed that true Christianity is about being Christ-like in character and conduct.

“Without imbibing the Christ-like nature in our daily lives, we risk drifting away from the true principles of Christianity,” Comrade Bunu said, while offering prayers that believers would continually remain in the grace and favour of Almighty God, who remains the ultimate focus and goal in the Christian journey.

He further emphasised that Jesus Christ remains the sole reason for the Yuletide season, calling on Christians to demonstrate generosity through charity and almsgiving, especially to the needy, vulnerable, and less privileged in society.
Comrade Bunu noted that such acts of kindness should transcend religion, tribe, colour, and descent, adding that Christians must consistently exhibit love and compassion wherever they find themselves across the world.

The MWUN President-General also commended Christians for their resilience and tolerance during the current difficult period, particularly in the face of ongoing insecurity and religious persecution in parts of the country, especially in Northern Nigeria.

He expressed concern over the incessant killings, displacement of families, homelessness, and the growing number of children forced out of school, stating that God is not unaware of the suffering of both Christians and Muslims in the region.

Comrade Bunu expressed confidence that the Almighty God would expose and bring to justice the wicked elements responsible for violence and insecurity, stressing that love remains the foundation for peaceful coexistence.

“God is love, and for us to live in a sane society, we must give love a chance—both Christians and Muslims—so that peace can reign in Nigeria and across the world,” he said.

Speaking further, Comrade Bunu stated that the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, possesses the constitutional authority and capacity to address the nation’s security challenges decisively.

He expressed optimism that, in no distant time, peace would return to Nigeria, enabling the country to reclaim its rightful status as the “Giant of Africa.”

Comrade Bunu concluded by praying that, by the grace of God and the spirit of the Yuletide season, the collective prayers of Nigerians would be answered, ushering in peace, unity, and prosperity for the nation.

“As we celebrate Christmas, I wish every Nigerian at home and in the diaspora a prosperous New Year in advance,” he said.