At ‘Easter Of War’ Pope Seeks Peace

Governors, Others Insists Nigeria Remains United

By Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja; Kolade Adeyemi, Jos; Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki; AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna; Sunny Nwankwo, Umuahia, Oyebola Owolabi and NewsTrack Nigeria

World leaders, statesmen, politician, top government officials, religious leaders and other organisations yesterday renewed the global call for peace and unity as Christians across the globe marked Easter.

Catholic Pontiff Pope Francis described this year’s celebration as “Easter of War”, alluding to the Russian-Ukrainian war, which has led to loss of lives and destruction of property.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, Governors Simon Lalong (Plateau), Darius Ishiaku (Taraba) and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), felicitated with Christians, urging them to contribute to peaceful co-existence.

It is ‘Easter of War’
Pope Francis called for peace in Ukraine during this “Easter of war” as he delivered the traditional Easter Sunday Urbi et Orbi address on St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.

“May there be peace for war-torn Ukraine, so sorely tried by the violence and destruction of the cruel and senseless war into which it was dragged,” the pontiff said.

“Our eyes, too, are incredulous on this Easter of war.”

“May the leaders of nations hear people’s plea for peace.”

“Let there be a decision for peace. May there be an end to the flexing of muscles while people are suffering.

“Our hearts, too, have been filled with fear and anguish, as so many of our brothers and sisters have had to lock themselves away in order to be safe from bombing,” the Pope said.

The pontiff pointed out that two years of the coronavirus pandemic had taken “a heavy toll.”

“It was time to come out of the tunnel together, hand in hand, pooling our strengths and resources. Instead, we are showing that we still have within us the spirit of Cain, who saw Abel, not as a brother, but as a rival, and thought about how to eliminate him,” he added.

Pope Francis sympathised with many Ukrainian victims, especially the millions of refugees and internally displaced persons, the divided families, the elderly left to themselves, the lives broken and the cities razed to the ground.

He said: “I see the faces of the orphaned children fleeing from the war. May the conflict in Europe also make us more concerned about other situations of conflict, suffering and sorrow, situations that affect all too many areas of our world, situations that we cannot overlook and do not want to forget.”

Nigeria’ll be peaceful again, says Osinbajo
Vice President Osinbajo said Nigeria will be peaceful again, assuringNigerians of more prosperous future for all, regardless of current challenges.

Osinbajo stated this in a chat with reporters, shortly after the Easter Sunday service at the State House Chapel, Aso Villa, Abuja.

He said: “My message is really a prayer. The resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is a defining moment for us Christians. And one of the most important things to bear in mind is the resuscitation of hope.

“Where there is despair, I pray that hope would be restored, where there is fear, I pray that there is courage and confidence. Where there is deprivation, I pray that there is prosperity, and there is abundance”, he said.

Gbajabiamila: unity is key
Gbajabiamila congratulated Christians, calling for unity and peace among Nigerians.

He made the call on Sunday in a statement by his media aide, Lanre Lasisi.

Gbajabiamila, who noted the period calls for sober reflection and dedication to nationhood, urged Christians to be their brothers’ keepers at all times.

The Speaker also asked all citizens to support the government in its efforts to tackle the insecurity in the country.

He called for concerted efforts to contain insecurity across the country, noting that as a nation, Nigeria is currently facing one of its most daunting challenges.

He stated that in the spirit of Easter, Nigerians should continue to live peacefully with one another, irrespective of any perceived differences.

Lalong: Nigeria has bright future
Lalong urged Nigerians to reflect on peace, love and hope for a better Nigeria.

Lalong in a message to mark the event said the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is at the centre of the Christian faith, guarantees victory because despite the agony Jesus passed through, his sufferings brought emancipation and redemption to mankind.

He urged Nigerians to embrace the lessons of Christ’s sacrifice and teachings which speak of resilience, love, patience and determination to overcome evil and provide better situation.

The governor said the current security situation and other challenges call for determination and collaboration among all Nigerians to work together to defeat the forces of evil who are bent on causing pain and agony to the innocent citizens.

Lalong said just like Jesus overcame death and liberated mankind, Nigeria will overcome the current phase of insecurity and destruction being perpetrated by criminals, who place little value on human life.

Lalong, in a statement by his spokesman, Dr. Makut Simon Macham, called on the people to be security conscious and report any suspicious movement of persons or activity to security agencies to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

Ishaku seeks citizens support on fight against insecurity
Ishaku called on residents to support government’s efforts at fighting insecurity.

The governor also called for extra vigilance on the part of the people to check the alarming spate of kidnappings, killings and other forms of crimes and criminality.

This is contained in the Easter message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Bala Dan-Abu, in Jalingo.

Ishaku advised the people to report suspicious persons visiting the state to security agencies for prompt action.

While felicitating Christians in Taraba, Nigeria and the world at large on the anniversary of the death and resurrection of Christ, Ishaku reminded Christians of Christ’s acts of compassion and forgiveness.

AbdulRazaq preaches reunion
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq called on Nigerians to seek God’s favour for the country.

The governor made the appeal in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.

He urged Nigerians to reunite against all forces of evil seeking to terrorise people and tear the country apart with violence and economic sabotage.

AbdulRazaq described Easter as the season of reunion, self-discipline, sacrifice, forgiveness and commitment to God.

He said: “Let us come together to fight all forces of evil that work against peace and development this Easter and beyond.

“I wish everyone greater strides and glad tidings as we recommit ourselves to a better Nigeria and stronger ties as a community of people, bound by common destiny.”

Sanwo-Olu preaches harmony
Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians to emulate Christ’s virtues of humility, perseverance and compassion.

The governor also urged Christians to continue to live in peace and harmony with people of other faiths, noting that good neighbourliness, selflessness and patience were among the lessons taught and exemplified by our Lord Jesus Christ.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, implored Nigerians, especially Christians, to seek the face of God for continuous peace in Lagos State, an end to insurgency and other insecurity challenges in the country.

He said: “As Christians, this period offers us an opportunity to rethink our relationships as individuals, as communities and as a nation. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ typifies love, affection and tolerance. It also marked the end of evil and the beginning of good deeds. I want to urge us to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ by positively impacting the lives of friends, colleagues, associates, neighbours and family members.

“As we celebrate this year’s Easter, I want to urge Christian faithful in the state to continue to pray for continuous peace in our dear State, Lagos and end to insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, insurgency and other insecurities.”

Fayemi: emulate Jesus
Fayemi congratulated Christiansvfor witnessing another Easter season.

The Governor, in his Easter message by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, urged Christians to emulate the sacrificial lifestyle of Jesus Christ, who gave his life to save mankind.

Fayemi, who felicitated Christians for the successful completion of the Lenten season, urged them to continue to intercede for the state and the country.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) noted that the Easter season is a period of sober reflection, which lessons should be imbibed and reflected on at all times.

He said such fundamental values would go a long way in promoting and strengthening the foundation of love, peace, harmony and progress in the country, adding that the season should serve as a reminder to the selflessness, love, sacrifice and tolerance of Jesus Christ throughout His earthly sojourn, death and resurrection.

He said: “We must see this period as a time that presents us the viable opportunity to reflect on how we can help to steer our nation back on the road to peace, stability and prosperity, by living peacefully with fellow citizens.”

Kaigama: avoid immorality
The Metropolitan Catholic Archbishop, Rev. Ignatius Kaigama described Christ’s resurrection as victory of life over death, hope over despair and love over hatred.

Kaigama said this in his homily at the Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral in Abuja.

Kaigama advised Christians to shun sad, fake and bad news.

He also warned against following the world invaded by the virus of immorality and acts causing hopelessness and needless pains.

Rev. Kaigama said: “Amidst the religious and political voices of hatred and violence, Muslims and Christians, whose Ramadan and Easter coincide this year again, should go beyond mutual courteous felicitations to be instruments of fostering social harmony and peaceful co-existence.

“Nigerians should rather speak and act against corruption, injustice and greed; doing everything to overcome ethno-religious and socio-political hostilities.

“The brutal killings, kidnappings, immoral and anti-social activities in different parts of Nigeria are brought about by the cumulative effect of sins in the nation.

“We implore the Risen Lord to have mercy on us, to liberate us and the whole world from insecurity and agonies caused by man’s inhumanity to man.

“May Jesus transform our situations, satisfy our hungers, quench our thirsts, heal our sick world.

“May God wipe away our tears, and restore our buried hopes and aspirations, and above all, give us the peace that only God can give,” he said.

Presbyterian Church calls for dialogue with agitators
The Prelate of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Most Rev Nzie Nsi Eke, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to objectively look into the various ethnic agitations and douse the tension through sincere dialogue and positive engagement.

Rev Eke, who made the call in his Easter Message, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to also ensure a smooth political transition next year through fair, credible and transparent elections that are devoid of violence and rancor.

He also urged Mr. Buhari to end the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike to safeguard the future of the youths.

He lamented the state of insecurity in the country, pointing out that Nigerians are no longer safe anywhere.

According to him, no matter how far the situation has degraded or deteriorated, there is still hope for the nation.

He said: “For some years now, the nation has been praying and hoping for better days but this hope keep turning out to be an illusion. Instead of getting better, the Nigerian social and political situations are getting worse by the day.

“I wonder how Nigerians are surviving the prevailing high cost of living. All the basic goods and services which people have taken for granted as being parts of life are almost out of reach because of their unaffordable costs.

“Nigerians are lamenting because they can no longer afford the cost of petrol, kerosene, diesel, domestic gas, rice, beans, yam, garri, meat, fish, house rent, school fees, transportation, vehicles, clothing, electrical appliances, etc. “Added to this state of pain is the deteriorating security situation in the country. T o say the least, Nigerians are no longer safe anywhere within the nation due to the seemingly intractable activities of bandits who operate as terrorists, hoodlums, kidnappers, armed robbers, militant agitators and religious extremists.

“As we remember and try to empathize with the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are constrained to admit that Nigeria is in pains and reproach at this time. The people are hurting.

‘Our children in higher institutions are at home, with their future being mortgaged, because of perennial industrial actions by their lecturers. The ethnic tension in the country is still pervading with some parts of the Southeast being shut down frequently with people forced to stay at home or go out for their legitimate businesses at the risk of their live and properties”.

He charged Nigerians to keep to keep praying, trust God and support all the good efforts of governments.

Rev. Eke added: “We also must not be afraid to speak out against injustice, bad government and the evils of the society. The nation must come back to righteousness and the ways of God.”

El-Rufai: good will triumph over evil
Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the face of the challenges confronting the country.

He said that good will triumph over evil.

El-Rufai said: “In these difficult times, the example set by Jesus Christ, the pain, the sacrifice, the triumph and the message of hope echo with timeless resonance.”

According to the statement he personally signed, El-Rufai said: “As people of faith, let us continue to practice in our daily lives the lessons of sacrifice, care for the poor, deep spiritual reflection and love for all humankind, irrespective of tribe or religion, observed during the fasting.

“Easter symbolises the triumph of hope over despair and an affirmation that darkness cannot trump the plans and wishes of Almighty God. Jesus Christ set an example of sacrifice that has moved men and women through the ages.

“As we celebrate the triumph of Christ, let us embrace all the lessons of Easter, never losing faith in the will of Almighty God, and the triumph of good over evil. Let us uphold each other in our common humanity and pray for peace in our land. Let us do our best to promote harmony in our communities and reject strife in our land. Let hope never depart from our hearts.

“I call on everyone who calls Kaduna State home to work together to uphold our state, its hardworking people and their accomplishments from those who seek to menace and destroy.”

Ikpeazu to politicians: thread with caution
Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu urged the political class to thread with caution ahead of next year’s elections.

Ikpeazu in a goodwill Easter message assured Abians that a better and more prosperous tomorrow was assured, judging by the available positive macroeconomic indices.

Governor Ikpeazu assured Abians that he remains irrevocably committed to their welfare, even as the State grapples with scare resources.

The governor said: “We have, by the kindness of God, kept our state peaceful and safe, when compared to our neighbors.

“I therefore, appeal to our politicians to be mindful of these as they plan to go into full scale politicking.

“Any acts capable of plunging our dear state into avoidable chaos must be avoided. The peace and security of our people must remain the most paramount consideration.”

Yero: be optimistic
Former Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Yero called on Nigerians to remain optimistic about tomorrow, inspite of the present challenges.

Yero in his Easter message personally signed by him in Kaduna said: “As we celebrate this year’s Easter and reminisce on the sacrifice and love that the season embodies, I felicitate with all the Christian faithful in Kaduna and beyond.

“I urge us all to continue to remain optimistic about the potential of our state and Country, let us also continue to pray for peace and oneness among us. Let our humanity defines and bind us together before the considerations.

He said, It is oneness and love for each other that would continue to create the peaceful environment needed for our growth and development.

“A happy Easter Celebration to us all and May God bless our state and country.”

Madumere Salutes Christians, Preaches Sacrifice, Forgiveness, Peace

Imo State former Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere has admonished Christians to learn and imbibe the spirit of sacrifice from the Saviour, Jesus Christ.

The former Deputy Governor made the call on Friday as Christians mark good Friday in commemoration of the death of Our Lord Jesus Christ Heralding his resurrection.

He said Forgiveness, selflessness, sacrifices and love of the Lord Jesus Christ should serve as a lesson to all and sundry, saying that “if we want to live, we must first lose our lives for others”.

The statement issued by his Adviser, Media & Publicity, Uche Onwuchekwa reads; “Today, we commemorate the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ paid on the cross of Calvary for us all to be reconciled unto the Father that we may have life and have it in abundance.

“We require leaders who are ready to make sacrifices like our Lord Jesus Christ to move our state and the country forward. We need followers as well who can also make sacrifices to shun money politics and elect leaders who are God fearing and have the interest of the people at home.

“For this season of forgiveness, I urge us to forgive one another, eschew bitterness and embrace one another for peace to reign.

“Imo State and other parts of the country are bleeding as our land has become a Golgotha where no one is safe, including innocent women and children.

“We must come to terms with the reality of understanding the fact that there must be cause of frustration, disenchantment and preparedness to go go suicide mission by our people. We must find a way to resolve them.

“I also admonish our people who may have been angered to the point of taking up arms against our people to remember that God has brought us together for a reason and we must always be ready to let go for peace and tranquility otherwise, progress and development will elude us. Human Life is sacred and must not wasted like that of rats and other lower animals.

“He called on the well-to-do in the state and Nigeria to reach out to the poor during the celebration in expression of care and love of our Jesus Christ.