Rivers State governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, has called on Christians to imbibe the spirit of oneness and political tolerance as they celebrate this year's Christmas.

In a statement in Port Harcourt on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. David Iyofor, the governor charged Christian faithful to be fervent in praying for Nigeria so that the country would achieve the desired change in 2015.

Amaechi appealed to Christians across the country to emulate the virtues of Christ, maintaining that with peace, strength and unity, Nigeria would be the envy of other African nations.

He said, "As we celebrate the birth of Christ, I want to call on all Nigerians, particularly my fellow Christians and Rivers people, to be peaceful and show love to everyone irrespective of their religious or political background.

"The reason for this season is nothing other than to show love to our neighbours and live in unity."

Also, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, called on the indigenes of the state and Nigerians in general to promote unity, friendship, love and peaceful coexistence for the nation to attain development.

In a Christmas message, Wike urged Nigerians to share love and friendship during the festive season.

He explained that building of friendship across all divides would place the country on the right pedestal for the much needed development.‎