As Nigerians celebrated Easter Sunday, faith and political leaders called on citizens to embrace hope, unity, and collective responsibility, stressing that the season of resurrection offers a path to overcoming insecurity, hardship, and division in the country.
Leading the calls, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, expressed belief that the Easter season would usher in peace and security for the nation.
Akpabio stated this in the Easter message delivered at Ikot Ekpene Field Major Convention of The Apostolic Church, Ikot Obong Edong, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
Easter marks the end of 40 days of Lent and is observed with church services celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion, symbolising victory over sin and death.
A statement by the Special Assistant to the President of the Senate on Media/Communication, Anietie Ekong, quoted Akpabio as saying that the government was aware that many families were passing through moments of grief and loss due to insecurity.
He, however, said, “Just as the resurrection revealed the complete triumph of Christ, I firmly believe that soon Nigeria’s story will also reach its full and victorious conclusion: ‘Nigeria defeats insecurity, evil and fear.
“That is the hope Easter places before us. It teaches us that darkness never has the final word. It reminds us that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Therefore, let us reject hatred and division and embrace unity, compassion, and solidarity as one people while we await our morning. Let us renew our faith in God and in the future of our country.”
He added, “Some have lost fathers, mothers, children and friends in their homes, places of worship, markets, farms, and work places as Nigeria continues to confront the painful challenge of insecurity.
“To such families, please know that the entire nation shares your pain. We mourn with you, pray for you, and honour the memory of those whose lives have been cut short. Their sacrifices can never be forgotten.”
The Christian Association of Nigeria also called on Nigerians to embrace hope, unity and collective action, declaring that the country can overcome its current challenges and “rise again.”
CAN, in an Easter message issued on Sunday and signed by its president, Daniel Okoh, explained that the season symbolises renewal and offers a timely message for a nation facing hardship.
“At Easter, as we mark the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we are reminded of a simple, enduring truth: no matter how hard life has been, rising again is always possible,” the statement read.
The association noted that many Nigerians are currently facing economic and security challenges, with widespread anxiety and declining hope among citizens.
Across the country, people are weary. Families are anxious. Many do not feel safe; others are struggling just to get by. For some, hope has grown faint. But Easter tells us this is not the end,” CAN stated.
The Christian body urged leaders at all levels to demonstrate responsibility and empathy, stressing that citizens expect tangible improvements in their lives.
“For those in leadership, this is a test of purpose. People must feel leadership, not just hear it. They are looking for action, for empathy, for visible efforts to improve their lives,” the statement added.
The association also rallied Nigerians on unity and resilience amid adversity, warning against fear and division.
“There may be those intent on keeping the rest of us in fear, but we must resist; not with panic or division, but with courage, solidarity, and a shared belief in one another,” the statement read.
Similarly, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, charged Nigerians to embrace peace, reject violence and act responsibly ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that insecurity, economic hardship and religious divisions continue to threaten national stability.
In his 2026 Easter message, Kaigama said the resurrection of Christ offered renewed hope for the country despite growing socio-economic and security challenges.
He noted that Easter, which symbolises victory over darkness and suffering, should inspire Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to building a more just and united nation.
The cleric expressed concern over worsening economic conditions, youth unemployment, insecurity and deepening ethnic and religious divisions, describing them as realities that continue to affect the dignity and well-being of citizens across the country.
He also condemned recent attacks in parts of Plateau, Kaduna and Taraba states, saying the killings of innocent citizens highlight the urgent need for decisive action to restore security and protect lives.
“As a church, we mourn with the bereaved, stand in solidarity with the afflicted, and call urgently for decisive and just action to protect lives and restore the sanctity of human life,” he said.
Kaigama called on Nigerians to demonstrate their faith through ethical conduct, compassion and peaceful coexistence, stressing the need to reject corruption and promote justice in all spheres of national life.
“I therefore urge all Nigerians to reject corruption in all its forms, to be agents of peace in our communities, resisting the temptation to respond to hatred with hatred,” he said.
Speaking on the 2027 elections, the archbishop advised citizens to make careful and morally guided decisions, warning against vote trading and divisive political messaging.
“Do not sell your conscience for temporary gain. Do not be swayed by empty promises or divisive rhetoric. Instead, seek and vote for leaders who demonstrate integrity, competence, and a genuine commitment to the common good,” he said.
He further reminded political officeholders that public leadership is a moral obligation that must prioritise service and accountability to the people.
“Leadership is a sacred trust, a service to God and humanity,” he said.
Kaigama also emphasised the importance of religious tolerance, noting that Christianity and Islam have coexisted in Nigeria for centuries and should not be allowed to become tools of division or conflict.
He warned that non-state actors and violent groups continue to exploit communal tensions to destabilise communities, adding that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from terrorism, banditry and communal violence in several parts of the country.
The cleric criticised what he described as weak responses to violent attacks, saying government interventions often come after significant damage has been done to affected communities.
Quoting Pope Leo XIV, Kaigama added, “God does not listen to the prayers of war mongers.”
The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, harped on the fact that the season is a profound reminder of sacrifice, love, redemption, and hope for humanity.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, the governor said, “The resurrection of Jesus Christ symbolises victory over adversity and offers renewed assurance of a better future for all.
“I, therefore, urged Christians and every Nigerian to reflect on the core values of Easter—selflessness, humility, forgiveness, and compassion—and to emulate these virtues in their daily lives.”
He emphasised that such values are essential for fostering peace, unity, and sustainable development in society.
Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, on his official Facebook page on Sunday, stressed that the season calls for deeper reflection on the virtues of sacrifice, resilience, unity, and love.
He noted that the season presents an opportunity for sober reflection on core values that promote peaceful coexistence and national development.
The governor also encouraged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, drawing inspiration from the message of hope and victory associated with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
0 Comments