Leaders Urge Unity and Prayer Amid National Challenges
As Nigeria grapples with ongoing insecurity and economic pressures, top political leaders across the country have issued Easter messages emphasizing the importance of unity, prayer, and peaceful coexistence. These leaders include the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and several state governors, who collectively urged citizens to reflect on the values of sacrifice, love, and hope embodied in the Christian celebration of Easter.
Embracing the Message of Easter
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, called for greater tolerance and mutual respect among Nigerians, regardless of ethnic or religious differences. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio congratulated Christians worldwide and encouraged them to embrace the core values of Easter.
“As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, let us reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that His message embodies. Let us work together to build a nation where everyone can live together in peace, harmony, and prosperity,” he said.
Akpabio acknowledged the security and socio-economic challenges facing the country but expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome them through collective efforts and sustained prayers. He also sympathized with victims of recent attacks, particularly those in Plateau State, praying for comfort for bereaved families.
Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, urged Christians to pray for Nigeria’s peace and progress. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Abbas described Jesus Christ as a perfect role model and called on Nigerians to emulate His virtues.
“Easter symbolises sacrifice, selflessness, obedience, and love. Nigerians must imbibe these virtues to foster peace and stability across the country,” Abbas said.
Calls for Peace and Development at the Subnational Level
At the subnational level, governors across the federation echoed similar sentiments, urging citizens to remain hopeful and committed to national development despite prevailing difficulties.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, called on residents to embrace love, unity, and sacrifice, noting that the lessons of the Lenten season should reflect in daily life.
“As we come to the end of the Lenten season, I hope that all the lessons we have learnt during this period of fasting, denial, and reflection will manifest in our daily lives,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu also commended President Tinubu for ongoing reforms, stating that despite challenges, there are signs of economic progress. “We have seen strength in our financial institutions, growth in the capital market, and a reduction in inflation over the past months. These are indicators that the country is on a path to recovery,” he added.
In Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji urged Christians to emulate Christ’s virtues of humility, love, and perseverance, describing Easter as a reminder of the greatest sacrifice for humanity.
“This period offers us an opportunity to rethink our relationships as individuals, communities, and as a nation. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ typify love, affection, and tolerance,” Oyebanji said.
He also called for prayers ahead of the June 20 governorship election in the state, urging political actors to conduct themselves peacefully and prioritize the state’s interest above personal ambitions.
Promoting Hope and Inclusivity
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, in his message, emphasized the importance of unity and selflessness, describing Easter as a symbol of hope and renewal.
“Easter is a profound reminder of the triumph of life over death and light over darkness. Its essence lies in selflessness and faith in a better future,” Adeleke said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusiveness and religious harmony, urging citizens to embrace peace and reject divisive tendencies.
Similarly, Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, called on Nigerians to draw strength from the season’s message of hope and resilience.
“Easter symbolises love, sacrifice, and the triumph of good over evil. I urge all Nigerians to uphold compassion, selflessness, and service to humanity,” he said.
Yahaya expressed optimism that the lessons of Easter would inspire renewed faith and strengthen national unity.
Addressing Regional Concerns
In Kebbi State, Governor Nasir Idris highlighted the importance of peaceful coexistence, praising the harmony among different religious and ethnic groups in the state. He assured residents of his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, equitable distribution of resources, and sustained development initiatives.
“Christians should use this period to reflect on the significance of Easter and continue to promote unity and peace,” Idris said.
In Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang also joined Christians across the world in celebrating the Easter season. In his Easter message, Governor Mutfwang described the occasion as the very foundation of the Christian faith, centered on the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the redemption and salvation of humanity.
“The significance of Easter lies in the hope, salvation, and spiritual renewal it offers to all,” the Governor stated.
Governor Mutfwang commended the resilience and devotion of Christians who observed the Lenten season, encouraging them to continue upholding the virtues of self-denial, spiritual growth, and deeper communion with God.
He called on citizens to pray fervently for peace in Plateau State, especially for the families affected by the Angwan Rukuba tragic incident that claimed innocent lives.
Encouraging Faith and Unity
In Edo State, the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, admonished Christians to embrace the core values of love, sacrifice, and unity as they mark the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He stated this in his Easter message to Christians in the state and across Nigeria through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo.
Idahosa called on residents of the state to reflect on the significance of the season by promoting peace, unity, and compassion in their communities.
“Easter offers us a moment to renew our faith in God and in one another. It is a time to demonstrate selflessness, extend love to our neighbours, and recommit ourselves to the ideals of peace and unity,” he stated.
The Deputy Governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Edo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, to deliver on its developmental agenda. He also encouraged citizens to continue supporting the government’s SHINE Agenda while maintaining law and order during the festive period.
Fighting Corruption and Ensuring Stability
Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, while felicitating with Christians across the country on the celebration of Easter, expressed optimism that Nigeria will overcome corruption and emerge stronger.
Olukoyede, in his Easter message to the nation, urged Nigerians to draw lessons from the significance of the season. He noted that Easter symbolizes victory over trials, corruption, and death, stressing that the message remains instructive for Nigeria in its fight against graft.
“The lesson of Easter is all about undeniable victory over trial, corruption, and death. This lesson is instructive for us as a nation. We will surely overcome the trial and trauma of corruption. We are not defined by corruption; we cannot be defeated by it,” he said.
The EFCC boss also charged Nigerians to keep hope alive and sustain their faith in the commission’s efforts, assuring that the anti-graft agency remains committed to its relentless war against economic and financial crimes. He called for continued public support and cooperation, noting that collective resolve is essential to defeating corruption and entrenching accountability in the country.
Alleviating Suffering and Ending Insecurity
The Niger State Christian Association of Nigeria has called on the Federal and Niger State governments to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians and put an end to insecurity. The chairman of the State CAN, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Yohanna, made the call in his Easter Message on Saturday, where he urged Christian faithful to use the Easter celebration to express love to the less privileged in society by sharing gifts with the needy, widows, orphans, and all those who are in dire need.
“We urge the Federal and State Governments to do all they can to alleviate the sufferings of the people; to tackle and put an end to the insecurity challenges that have ravaged and bedevilled our land, claimed innocent lives, disrupted farming and even rendered our people homeless,” he said.
