Senator Tokunbo Abiru (APC-Lagos) representing Lagos East Senatorial District, yesterday called for unity, tolerance and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians as Christians celebrated Easter.
He also advised Christians to peacefully co-exist.
Abiru, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industries, made the call in a statement signed by his media aide, Mr Enitan Olukotun.
He admonished Christians to be steadfast in their prayers for Nigeria and also emulate Jesus Christ in all their dealings.
According to him, divisive rhetoric and narratives that stoke religious tension and schism should be shunned.
“On behalf of my family, and the good people of the Lagos East Senatorial District, I celebrate with our Christian brothers and sisters on the commemoration of Easter.
“This solemn commemoration of the Lord Jesus Christ’s death and his glorious resurrection remains a key foundation of the Christian faith and a seal of hope for believers.
“I urge us all to emulate Jesus Christ in all our affairs with our neighbours and foster unity and peaceful co-existence,” he said.
In his Easter message, the Catholic Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso has said that Nigeria is more divided than ever before, and needs national reconciliation.
The Archbishop, who stated this on Saturday during his Easter message in Kaduna said: “Many Nigerians have not only lost hope but a sense of purpose and direction because of the situation in the country. The assurance is that all is not lost. The risen Lord is able to pull us back from the edge of the precipice that we now stand on and give us a new sense of purpose and direction.
“We all need new attitudes and mentalities to become authentic agents of reconciliation and peace that are needed in our state and the country at large because of the tensions and divisions among Nigerians. This reconciliation is not weakness or cowardice, it demands courage and sometimes, even heroism.
“Given the prevailing situation in the country of insecurity, cash crunch, and fuel scarcity that have brought the about high cost of living, it is hoped that incoming leaders of governments at all levels in our country will feel challenged and compelled to muster political courage and will to tackle these monsters starring us in the face by taking courageous steps to save Nigeria from chaos and total collapse.”
“The central Easter message of transformation from death to life, from sin to wholeness, from slavery to freedom needs to be felt in our country through us who believe in the Risen Lord, he said.”
Archbishop Ndagoso urged Nigerians not to lose hope, saying that Nigeria will emerge a great country someday.
On his part, a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Sir Marc Inyanagbo Wabara has felicitated Nigerians, particularly Christians, for the privilege of witnessing another Easter celebration.
Wabara urged the Christian faithful to embrace peace and unity during the Easter celebration and beyond.
In a statement at the weekend, he said the blood of Jesus Christ shed at the Calvary and His resurrection justify and increase the faith of humankind, stressing that with God, through Christ, all things are possible.
Wabara, a member of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, also called on Nigerians to continue to follow the path of peace as it would guarantee the much-needed unity and development of the country.
He enjoined Christians and Nigerians at large to use the Easter period for sober reflection on the urgent need to make sacrifices in order to build a greater and more prosperous Nigeria.
“As Christ conquered death and overcame the devil, so will Nigeria surmount its challenges, and progress into a country of reference among the comity of Nations,” he said.
On its part, Digital solutions provider, Globacom has enjoined Nigerians to spread peace and love as the world celebrates Easter in commemoration of the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The company noted in a goodwill message released in Lagos at the weekend that Easter reinforced the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross of Calvary and His resurrection which symbolises the victory over sin. It also congratulated Christians on the successful conclusion of the Lenten season.
“Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself for the sins of the world. His life, teachings, and love for humankind and obedience to God exemplify the essence of creation. He lived a life of peace and brought salvation to humankind. Christians should, therefore, emulate his virtues and live in peace and love,” it said.
It assured its subscribers of uninterrupted voice, data and Short Messaging Service (SMS) services during and after the Easter celebrations, even as it encouraged them to avail themselves of the various data and voice offerings on the network to keep in touch with family members, friends and loved ones.