JPM urges Tanzanians to embrace unity, hard work

Dar es Salaam. President John Magufuli yesterday appealed to Tanzanians to embrace unity, hard work, diligence and mutual understanding and acceptance, which are some of the key messages conveyed during Christmas.

“As we mark the birthday of Jesus Christ, let’s do what he directed, particularly loving each other. We need to uphold our unity by letting God guide our lives,” he said. Dr Magufuli also called for prayers for his new government as it implements its duties in a bid to improve lives of Tanzanians to the desired level.

“Continue praying for us as we undertake our responsibilities in efforts to elevate the living standards of Tanzanians in general,” he implored.

He made the appeal at the St Peter’s Catholic Parish in the city where he attended Christmas service, which started at 6am. He used the platform to wish all Tanzanians a happy and peaceful Christmas.

He challenged Christians to model their lives on Jesus and become messengers of peace, saying being upright was the only way to continue what Jesus Christ had started. “We should live and implement good things here on earth as Jesus taught us,” he said. In the House of God, Dr Magufuli categorically moved to break status quo, telling the congregation that he had come to church as a normal Christian.

“I’m the same person. I have come here like a normal Christian,” said Dr Magufuli, who played his role as an active worshipper at the church he used to worship even before he became President. His statement was preceded by a brief message from His Eminence Polycarp Cardinal Pengo, Archbishop of Dar es Salaam, who wished all Tanzanians and Dr Magufuli a “merry Christmas.”

Before welcoming Dr Magufuli, Cardinal Pengo said for President Magufuli to participate at the service at St Peter’s Catholic Parish was like the whole country was there.