By Sanni Onogu, Abuja; Chris Njoku, Owerri; Victor Gai, Jalingo; Simon Utebor, Yenagoa; Linus Oota, Lafia; AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna, Yinka Adeniran, Ibadan and Frank Ikpefan, Abuja
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, state governors and other eminent Nigerians have called on Christians to imbibe the lessons of Easter by appreciating the central theme of sacrifice, death on the cross and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Omo-Agege, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, in Abuja, said the lessons illustrated by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ should be a model for human existence.
The Delta Central lawmaker therefore urged Christians to rededicate themselves to the values of love, peace, sacrifice and tolerance.
“Easter celebrates Christians’ belief in the divine power of Jesus and the hope that loss leads to something new.
“Jesus’ death was a sacrifice for the sins of others, but his resurrection represents something even more powerful: the potential for rebirth, salvation, restoration, rejuvenation and renewal of faith.
“The important message of Easter is love for humanity and this Christ-like virtue must be converted into a citizen’s will towards national integration and harmony between the various religious and ethnic sections of the country,” he said.
The lawmaker who recently declared his intention to contest the governorship election in Delta State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), thanked Deltans for their massive show of love and support by gracing the event in their large numbers.
He stressed that his plan to build a new Delta State is hinged on “Employment & Empowerment, Development, Good Governance and Enduring Security (EDGE).
He explained: “Like I noted in my declaration, Delta Central is my comfort zone, if l want to run for re-election over and over again, l am confident that my people will return me, but l have decided to step out of my comfort zone and bring the same benefits to the whole of Delta State.
“I want an opportunity to also bring the same dividends of democracy to Delta South and Delta North because what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. We can’t continue to allow Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and PDP to continue to marginalize us.”
On his part, Ekweremadu in a statement by his Media Adviser, Uche Anichukwu, in Abuja, said only peace built on justice and love could guarantee the much-needed development and lasting security in the nation.
Ekweremadu said: “Easter is a thought-provoking moment as it commemorates the triumph of love, forgiveness, and self-sacrifice over hate and evil.
“Unfortunately, Nigeria has not lived up to the promises she held at independence due partly to systemic injustice as well as ethno-religious and sectional discriminations and recriminations that have combined to slow down the nation’s match to greatness.
“It pains in particular to watch as our nation is daily demystified by the mounting insecurity, poverty, and multi-sectorial regression.
“But we can still and should indeed resurrect the giant in Nigeria by pulling together, promoting and imbibing the virtues of justice, forgiveness, and love needed to build a peaceful, united, secure, and prosperous nation”.
Ngige also felicitated Christians on the occasion of the remembrance of the death and resurrection of Christ.
A statement from his Media Office in Abuja on Saturday, the minister appealed to Christians to see Easter as another great opportunity to re-awaken the dying fervor of personal and collective sacrifice, calling on Nigerians not to despair in the face of threatening national challenges.
Ngige said that just like Christ suffered death for the redemption of mankind, no sacrifice is too much towards nation building.
He said: “By death on the cross and resurrection, Christ has left an undying lesson that obedient , absolute faith in God, perseverance and sacrifice make the ultimate path to victory. What else does the world want? What else does Nigeria need than these virtues at this crushing moment of national history.”
He therefore charged the nation to “unite in collective sacrifice against the common enemies of insecurity, corruption , lukewarm patriotism and every other vice, eating out and ebbing away the progress of Nigeria.”
He further used the opportunity to once more appeal to university lectures to consider the efforts which the Federal Government has committed towards the revitalisation of the university system as well as the openness it has shown in the upliftment of their welfare as contained in the 2020 Memorandum of Action and return to the classroom.
Over 90% of sponsors of insecurity in Imo are Christians – Uzodimma
Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma has said that over 90 per cent of both actors and sponsors of insecurity in the state and all over Igboland claim to be Christians.
Uzodimma who made the observation while addressing the citizens and residents of the state in a state broadcast to mark the Easter celebration on Saturday, urged the perpetrators of insecurity to use the Easter celebration to purge themselves of those acts that make them hypocrites and worst enemies of Christ.
He said:”It is truly ironic and disheartening that over ninety percent of both the actors and sponsors of insecurity in Imo State, and indeed all over Igboland, claim to be Christians. Are these Christians the true followers of Christ? Do they even remember the 5th commandment which says; “Thou shalt not kill?
“Let us, therefore, use the occasion of this Easter celebration to purge ourselves of those acts that at best make us hypocrites and at worst, enemies of Christ.
“In several fora, I have literally gone on my knees to appeal to the sponsors and perpetrators of these senseless killings to sheath their swords and embrace peace and reconciliation irrespective of whatever grudges they may have. I have also asked for forgiveness from anyone who feels offended by any of the policies or actions of the government of Imo State which I lead currently.
“In the spirit of the Easter season, I would like to repeat this appeal for forgiveness, peace and reconciliation in our state. Heaven will bear me witness that I have always placed the welfare of the people of Imo State above other considerations while taking decisions as Governor of Imo State. It is also on record that I have gone to very great lengths to provide succour to many citizens of the state who were aggrieved by some of the actions of my predecessors.
“As peace-loving people, I appeal to you to follow the proper channels to lay down any complaints you may have. As I have done before, I promise to look into these complaints and make all efforts to resolve them to the best of my ability. I am using the period of Easter which symbolises peace, brotherliness, forgiveness, reconciliation, love and sacrifice to appeal to everyone to embrace peace for the sake of our children and their unborn children.”
Ugwuanyi enjoins Christians to renew faith in God
As Christians celebrate Easter today, Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has called on the people of the state and indeed all Nigerians to take advantage of the historic event to advance peace, intensify prayers and commit themselves to God.
In his Easter message, Ugwuanyi applauded Christians for the successful conclusion of the forty-day long lenten season.
He therefore enjoined Nigerians to appreciate deeply this great reason for the celebration, come closer to God, and dedicate themselves to virtues that would promote peace, love, unity and progress of the country.
While wishing all Nigerians a spiritually rewarding Easter celebration, Gov. Ugwuanyi urged them to remain prayerful and committed to God, reassuring the good people of Enugu State of his resolve to continue to serve them with the fear of God, and to work assiduously towards the advancement of peace and good governance in the state, for the wellbeing of the people.
It’s time to renew hope in Nigeria – Diri
Bayelsa State governor, Douye Diri, said the season of Easter affords yet another opportunity for Christians all over the world to reflect on the purpose of the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.
He said importantly, His resurrection and defeat of death rekindled hope for everyone that believed in Him.
In a statement on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, the governor said as Nigerians reflected on the essence of the significant season, he urged all Christians, and, indeed, the people of Bayelsa State to rededicate themselves to the lessons of Jesus’ resurrection.
He admonished that Christians’ action should manifest in love towards fellow man, peaceful co-habitation and ensuring the unity of Nigerians as a people is preserved.
Diri said: “Our country is going through challenging times at the moment. Easter is therefore a time not to despair but a season to renew hope of a better future for Nigeria and Bayelsa in particular.”
Make Christ’s virtues your everyday template, Ayade admonishes Christians
Cross River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade, has urged Christians to imbibe the virtues of Jesus Christ and adopt them as a template for everyday living.
In an Easter message signed by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Christian Ita, the governor stressed that Christ’s death on the cross for the redemption of mankind and His resurrection after three days signify unwavering love, compassion, sacrifice, selflessness and triumph over despair.
Ayade maintained that it was only through show of love and compassion for one another and for Nigeria and sacrifice and selflessness that Nigerians can navigate through the present difficult times.
“As the Lenten season draws to a close to herald Easter, I charge Nigerians, particularly Christians, to imbibe Christ’s virtues and make them the template for everyday living.
“Of course, Christ’s death for the redemption of mankind and His resurrection represent unwavering love, monumental sacrifice, unparalleled compassion, wholesome selflessness and definite triumph over despair.
“I do not doubt that as Nigerians, these virtues if we inculcate them in our daily life, will help us navigate the present difficulties”, Ayade said.
While urging politicians to put God first and embrace politics with ethics as political activities leading to the 2023 general elections hot up, the Cross River state governor opine that Easter is the veritable season for deep introspection and soul-searching.”
Makinde calls for prayer, felicitates Christians
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, felicitated Christians across the state and Nigeria on the occasion of this year’s Easter, urging them to imbibe the lessons of love, sacrificial living and peaceful co-existence.
According to him, those were the values Jesus Christ taught the world through his death and resurrection.
The governor, in an Easter message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, charged Christians to use the important period to pray for the continued progress of Oyo State and for peace and security across the state and Nigeria as a nation.
The governor stated that prayers of God’s people remained an important ingredient to sustaining the peace and prosperity being witnessed in the state.
He said: “I felicitate our brethren in Christ across Oyo State and all over Nigeria on the important occasion marking the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“Easter season has always been a moment for sober reflections; a period for Christians to re-evaluate their stand in the Lord and a moment to relive the lessons inherent in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ”.
Sule harps on neighbourliness
Nasarawa State Governor, Engr Abdullahi Sule, has felicitated with the clergy and all Christian faithful in commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In a statement he personally signed, Governor Sule said: “As we are aware, the events leading to the resurrection of Christ were significant milestones in the history of Christianity.
“The death and rise of Jesus Christ, therefore, symbolises sacrifice and the divinity of God, this, Jesus Christ personifies selflessness, humility, sacrifice, patience and perseverance.”
Let’s unite against forces of evil- Abdulrazaq
Kwara State governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has called on Nigerians to take advantage of this Easter celebrations to seek God’s favour for the country.
He also urged countrymen and women to reunite against all forces of evil who seek to tear the country apart and terrorise its people with violence and economic sabotage.
Abdulrazaq hailed the Christian community for the Easter festivities, calling it a period of reunion, self-discipline, sacrifice, forgiveness, and commitment to God.
The governor in a statement said “that this Easter period coincides with the Muslims’ month of Ramadan – in which self-discipline and increased virtues are seriously encouraged — is in fact a signal to the faith communities to unite, speak, act and pray in one accord for a greater Nigeria. Let us come together to fight all forces of evil that work against peace and development.
Ishaku calls for vigilance over insecurity
Taraba State governor, Darius Ishaku, has called on the people to be extra vigilant considering “the alarming spate of kidnappings, killings and other forms of crimes and criminality going on in the country, particularly in neighbouring states and communities.” He also advised the people to report suspicious persons visiting the state to security agencies for prompt action.
The governor in his Easter message signed by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Bala Dan Abu, felicitated Christians in Taraba State, Nigeria and the entire world on Easter.
He called on Christian to “ponder over the lessons and the significance of this great act of humility and sacrifice demonstrated by Jesus Christ during his trial and crucifixion.”
PDP urges Nigerians to rekindle hope for brighter future
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged Nigerians to use the occasion of Easter, which marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, to rekindle their hope for a brighter future and a national rebirth.
The party made the call in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Debo Ologunagba, in Abuja on Saturday.
The statement said that Easter, the celebration of the victory of life over death, “offers us the opportunity to further strengthen Nigerians resolve to rescue the nation from forces against it.”
It went on to advise Nigerians not to resign to despondency in the face of life-discounting experiences, but reinforce their determination to unite and use their votes to give the nation a new lease of life, come 2023.
Sani urges Nigerians to pray for victims in terrorists’ captivity
In a message to Nigerian Christians as they celebrate this year’s Easter, Senator Uba Sani representing the Kaduna Central District has called for prayers for the safe return of all the people currently in captivity of criminal gangs across the country.
While wishing Christian community in Nigeria and across the world happy Easter celebrations, Sani, a forerunner for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Kaduna State, urged them to spare some thoughts for fellow brothers and sisters still in captivity.