FORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, on the occasion of Easter, has called on Nigerians to emulate the virtues of love and sacrifice which characterised the life of Jesus Christ.
But National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, in his own message to mark the occasion called on Nigeria to pray to save the nation from its present stress.
In a message released by his media office in Abuja on a Friday, the Waziri Adamawa described those two qualities as essential to the unity that Nigeria so desperately needs at this time when vested and provincial interests threaten to tear our nation apart.
He also encouraged Nigeria’s leaders to use the opportunity of the Christian celebration of Easter to reflect on their stewardship to their people and to the nation.
He said: “Our leaders at all levels should follow the virtues that define this season – sacrifice, love, and charity – and come together to help all Nigerians resolve the differences that divide us.
“We must not allow those who seek to divide us to pretend as if our problems are as a result of another ethnic or religious group.”
On his part, the party boss regretted the situation of the country and called for prayers especially for the survival of our democracy.
According to a statement issued by Ike Abonyi, his media adviser in Abuja on Friday, “The nation’s democracy more than ever before since 1999 is under heavy stress that needs all hands to be on deck for its survival.
“Indicators are apparent that the country is under siege and Nigerians should use this solemn period of Easter to pray for God to intervene and raise good leaders for the country.”
Secondus praised former Nigerian leaders including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Gen Ibrahim Babangida as well as Theophilus Danjuma, a former minister of defence; for “saying the truth” about the state of the country.
He advised Christians to see the Easter festivity which also marks the end of the 40 days special fasting and prayers as an ample period for a positive attitude to one another.
“The new PDP that would emerge after reformation is going to take the country to the next level having been equipped with the requisite experience,” he added.
Secondus advised the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration to shun all undemocratic tendencies that could heighten tension in the country.
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