President Goodluck Jonathan has asked Nigerian Christians to pray fervently in the Lenten period for peaceful, violence-free and successful general elections.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, President Jonathan also called on all political leaders to rededicate themselves to the commitment they had made to peaceful, non-violent campaigns and elections.

He asked them to do their best to ensure that their supporters across the nation upheld that commitment.

“In the spirit of that commitment, all those seeking political office in the coming elections should eschew hate speech, incitement to violence, divisiveness and the malicious denigration of opponents,” the statement read.

President Jonathan urged all political parties to join the Federal Government in giving the fullest possible support and cooperation to the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that it delivered free, fair and credible elections.

As the Christians begin the the Lent, President Jonathan urged them to reflect more on all the ideals of human existence taught by Jesus Christ during his ministry on earth.

“Make those ideals, including piety, love for others, tolerance, humility, selfless service to others, honesty, fairness, justice and equity more manifest in your daily lives.”

President Jonathan further prayed that God Almighty would answer the prayers of all Nigerians and bless the country with successful elections, continued unity and further progress.

The Lent is a 40-day period set aside for fasting, prayer, penitence and self-denial by Christians, which begins on an Ash Wednesday lasting till the Easter Sunday.