President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Christian brothers and sisters as Nigerians celebrate this year’s Easter today (Sunday) , which is the most significant event/festival in the Christian calendar.
According to Buhari, this year’s celebration is very unique for adherents of the two great faiths in Nigeria.
He added that the celebration is unique on the grounds that it culminates the 40-day season of Lent for Christians, where the faithful is expected to fast, pray, assist the poor, abhor injustice and strife, give alms, penitently engage in self-examination and repentance of sins.
Buhari added that similar values apply to the Muslim faithful, currently about half-way into the holy month of Ramadan.
Buhari said, “For us as a nation, the message of Easter, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ after crucifixion and burial, reminds us of the power of divine love, faith and redemption.
“Easter also evokes in us the resilience of the human spirit not to give up in the face of seemingly daunting challenges of life. This period emboldens us to believe that the current spate of uncertainty and insecurity will soon unfold a season of triumph of good over evil; hope over despair, and light over darkness.
“I urge us to increase our love for one another rather than hate, and show more patriotism, as this is the only country we have.
“I enjoin us therefore, to live out the eternal words of Jesus Christ on the cross: ‘‘Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing.
“Let us remember that the scriptural emphasis of love has so much relevance for us today as a nation more than ever before, and thus contribute towards its peace and development.
“As we approach another season of electioneering, let the security and unity of the nation guide our actions and utterances.
I wish all Nigerians a joyful and blessed Easter,” Buhari added.
Senate President preaches love, hope for Nigeria
Meanwhile, the Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan, has praised Nigerians, particularly the Christians, as they join their brethren across the world in celebrating Easter, the season of the remembrance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Lawan also stated that as Nigerians celebrate the unique occasion, it is important keep in mind the significance of the season, which is the perfect demonstration of sacrificial love to others.
He said, “As it ended in triumph, the season should also rekindle our hope of victory over personal and communal challenges.
“Therefore, the triumph of Christ should encourage all people of faith to be hopeful of victory against trials and challenges, whether as individuals or as a nation.
“This occasion powerfully reminds us that no challenge is insurmountable.
“I assure us that the Government will continue to work for the realisation of the dreams of Nigerians of enduring national peace, unity and progress.
“The National Assembly will also continue to provide the necessary Legislative interventions to support every effort made to take Nigeria out of the current insecurity and economic challenges.
“The Ninth National Assembly is pursuing its Legislative Agenda, which we designed to galvanise national efforts against our challenges.
“May the lessons and joy of Easter endure in the lives of the faithful,” Lawan added.
Gov Sanwo-Olu preaches peace, harmony
In a related development, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has congratulated Lagosians, especially Christians in the State on the commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, urging them to emulate his virtues of humility, perseverance and compassion.
The Governor also urged the Christian faithful in the State to continue to live in peace and harmony with believers in other faiths, noting that good neighbourliness, selflessness and patience were among the several lessons taught and exemplified by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in his Easter Message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, implored Nigerians, especially Christians to use the occasion to seek the face of God for continuous peace in Lagos State and end to insurgency and other insecurity challenges in Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu said, “I wish all Lagosians and Christians across the country and other parts of the world, Happy Easter as we celebrate God’s greatest sacrifice to mankind. Events leading to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ were epochal in the annals of Christianity and humanity. They remind us of his virtues of sacrifice, love, harmony and peaceful coexistence among humanity.
“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 insecurity challenges in Nigeria.”
