Easter: Akpabio preaches peace, tolerance amid insecurity

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, is preaching peace, tolerance, and mutual understanding among Nigerians as they mark Easter.

This came as the Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Senator Nenadi Usman, also urged forgiveness, advising Nigerians not to lose hope in their country amid the present hardships they face.

Akpabio said peace and tolerance were virtues set by Jesus Christ, the reason for the season.

In an Easter message released on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate President particularly called on Christians to reflect on the values of love and peaceful coexistence.

“On behalf of my family, my constituents, the Senate, and the National Assembly, I extend my warmest Easter greetings to all Christians in Nigeria and around the world.

“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 wrote.

Although he acknowledged the challenges being experienced by Nigerians, particularly insecurity, Akpabio appealed for understanding.

He added, “I want to assure Nigerians that we will overcome these difficulties through collective efforts, understanding and prayers. The president is not resting on his oars, and the Armed Forces and all security agencies have been working relentlessly to tame the tide.

“I sympathise with families affected by the mindless attacks by terrorists and bandits across the country, especially the recent killings in Jos. I pray that the Almighty God will have mercy on those who lost their lives, and console the bereaved families.

“May God bless Nigeria, acquaint us with the compass of His course, help us to defeat the enemies that have declared war on our people, and guide us towards a brighter future.”

On her part, Usman urged forgiveness, hope, and steadfast faith in the face of current difficulties, but challenged those in government “to intensify efforts toward alleviating the suffering of the Nigerian people.”

In an Easter message she personally signed, the former Minister of Finance appealed to citizens not to lose hope, comparing the current situation to how the disciples held firmly to the promise of Christ’s resurrection.

She stated, “At this pivotal moment in our national history, I call on all Nigerians to thoughtfully examine the condition of our country and the part each of us must play in shaping a more united and just society. Whether in positions of authority or as everyday citizens, we all bear a shared responsibility to make meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s advancement.

“While we rightly expect vision and direction from those in leadership, we must equally remain committed to our personal responsibilities of upholding the values of integrity, diligence, and patriotism in all that we do.

“On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish all Nigerian Christians a peaceful, reflective, and joyous Easter celebration.”