A Season of Reflection and Hope
As Christians across the globe celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, numerous political leaders in Nigeria have taken this opportunity to deliver messages emphasizing peace, unity, and moral renewal. These leaders include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Labour Party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi, and several state governors such as Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State, Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.
Their messages highlight the significance of Easter as a time for introspection, repentance, and spiritual renewal. They encourage citizens to reflect on the values of love, sacrifice, and forgiveness that are central to the Christian faith.
Embracing Sacrifice and Love
Atiku Abubakar, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), extended his warm wishes to all Nigerians and urged the government to fulfill its constitutional duty to ensure the security and well-being of every citizen. He described Easter as a season of solemn reflection, intense sacrifice, and divine love, encouraging Christians to use this period for deep introspection and renewal of hope.
He emphasized the importance of emulating the selflessness, forgiveness, and compassion of Jesus Christ in daily life. Atiku also highlighted that the essence of Easter lies in sacrifice and love, urging Nigerians to seize the opportunity to show genuine love and compassion to one another.
Commitment to Peace and Security
Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured Nigerians of the federal government’s commitment to ridding the country of terrorism, which has led to insecurity in various states. His Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, encouraged Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and mutual respect, regardless of faith or ethnicity.
Akpabio also urged all Christians to reflect on the values of love and peaceful coexistence as they celebrated the sacred feast of Easter. He acknowledged the challenges Nigeria faces, particularly insecurity, and appealed for understanding and commitment to national and security consciousness.
Hope for the Future
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential flagbearer in 2023, expressed hope for an Hallelujah Sunday after the Good Friday sorrow. In a message on X, he stated: “As you commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ amid severe hardships, I urge you to remain hopeful bearing in mind that ‘Good Friday must come before Easter Sunday.'”
Obi also shared the weight of the economic burden on families, encouraging Nigerians not to lose heart. He described current struggles as a temporary “cross” that must be borne before the nation experiences a political and economic rebirth.
Calls for Unity and Renewal
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State prayed for divine intervention to bring peace to the state and the country. His Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, described Easter as a solemn celebration and acknowledged its significance for Christians worldwide.
Similarly, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State called for prayers, peace, interfaith harmony, and collective actions as the nation worked towards renewal and progress. He urged Nigerians to remain united ahead of the 2027 election, adhering to democratic principles to preserve the country’s democracy and strengthen national cohesion.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State extended warm Easter greetings to Christians across Delta State and Nigeria. His Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, emphasized that Easter represents a season of hope, sacrifice, and renewal, reminding believers of the triumph of light over darkness and life over death through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
A Message of Redemption
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State called for unity, hope, and renewed faith among Christians in Edo State and Nigeria as they celebrated Easter. He described the season as a sacred period that embodies the virtues of sacrifice, love, hope, and redemption. He urged Christians to reflect deeply on the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life exemplified humility, selflessness, and strong faith.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State felicitated Christians on the occasion of this year’s Easter celebration. His Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, stated that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ remains the greatest sacrifice for the redemption of humanity, which should be cherished. He urged Christians to emulate Christ’s virtues of humility, love, perseverance, and compassion.
Promoting Peace and Unity
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State extended warm felicitations to Christians, calling on citizens to embrace peaceful coexistence and sustain the virtues imbibed during Lent. In his Easter message, he described the season as a profound reminder of the triumph of hope over despair, love over hate, and eternal life over death. He further enjoined Nigerians to foster unity and peaceful coexistence across religious, ethnic, and political divides.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State urged the people of the state to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice, reconciliation, and unity. In a goodwill message, he urged residents of the state to emulate Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary brought forgiveness and reconciliation to mankind. He described Easter as a sacred season in which Christians are expected to promote peace, unity, and love.
Combating Corruption
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, expressed strong hope that Nigeria would break the yoke of corruption, which is hindering the country’s development and progress. Olukoyede, who gave the assurance while congratulating Christians across the country on the celebration of Easter, stressed that the malaise of corruption would not be able to defeat the country because the people are not defined by it.
In his Easter message through the commission, Head, Media and Publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale, charged Nigerians to imbibe the lesson of Easter, which pertains to victory over trial, corruption, and death, stressing that the lesson is instructive for us as a nation.
