A former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, has commended the Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Jimi Ajagbe, and the immediate past Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, for ending their political dispute.

Ogunlewe said this in his Christmas message on Thursday.

Ogunlewe said the reconciliation of the two factions within the Lagos PDP on Christmas Eve was not coincidental, adding that it was an evidence that God is behind the party.

He, therefore, argued that after 16 years of failing to take over Lagos, the PDP would finally win the state next year.

He said, "I want to commend President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice-President Namadi Sambo for intervening in the conflict in the Lagos PDP. I also want to commend Jimi Agbaje and Musiliu Obanikoro for acting maturely and deciding to work together.

"Indeed, the future of this state belongs to the younger ones and we, the elders in the PDP, are happy with the progress made so far. Without peace there cannot be progress. Finally, we can now forge ahead and concentrate on the task at hand.

"The people of Lagos should also show love to one another in this period in the spirit of Christmas."

In a separate statement, Agbaje said Nigerians should seize the opportunity of Christmas to reflect on the values of peaceful coexistence.

In a statement by his Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Felix Oboagwina, Agbaje said it was significant that the holiday was being used to celebrate Jesus Christ, a man who lived for peace.

"Ours is a nation in the throes of terrorism and insurgency. And we should use this period to reflect on everything we can contribute to achieving peace," Agbaje said.

He also advised Nigerians to spare a thought for Nigerian military personnel constantly paying the supreme price to make Nigeria peaceful and conducive for living.