Easter: Akpabio, Abbas, govs, urge peace, prayers as Nigeria battles insecurity

Senate President Godswill Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio

From Ndubuisi Orji, Adesuwa Tsan (Abuja), Jude Owuamanam (Jos), Tony John (Port Harcour), Tony Osauzo (Benin).

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has called on Nigerians to embrace peace, tolerance and sustained prayers for the nation and its leadership as Christians mark the 2026 Easter celebration.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate President emphasised unity, sacrifice and collective responsibility as critical to overcoming Nigeria’s current security and economic challenges.

Akpabio urged Nigerians to imbibe peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, irrespective of religious or

Striking the same note, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, urged Christians to emulate  Jesus Christ as a “perfect role model for all.”

Abbas, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, enjoined Christians to continue to pray for the country and the administration of President Bola Tinubu, even after the Lent period, noting that prayers have indeed attracted divine intervention to socio-economic, political, and religious issues that have torn other nations apart.

He noted that Easter signifies sacrifice, selflessness, obedience, and love, stressing that these are virtues that Nigerians should imbibe for the peace and stability of the country.

Abbas, while calling for mutual respect among people of all faiths and tribes, described the coincidence of the 2026 Ramadan and Lent as “a divine arrangement to foster unity of purpose among Muslims and Christians in Nigeria and beyond.”

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, while acknowledging that Easter represents renewal, and the triumph of hope over despair, implored  citizens to reflect deeply on the enduring values symbolized by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

He urged all Nigerians to continue praying for the country tol overcome its socio-economic challenges.

Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, in his Easter message, signed by Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, noted that Easter is more than a spiritual event, and called on citizens to pray fervently for peace in Plateau State, especially for the families affected by the Angwan Rukuba tragic incident that claimed innocent lives. He also urged prayers for leaders, affected communities, and the nation at large, seeking divine intervention, healing, renewal, peace, progress, and prosperity.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in his Easter message commended the resilience of the Christian community and reiterated his unwavering commitment to delivering good governance to the entire people of Rivers State.

He also encouraged the  people to continue to support his administration as well as  President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasising  that progress can only be achieved through collective

On his part, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, reassured Edo residents of his administration’s commitment to delivering good governance, fostering economic growth, and improving the overall well-being of the people, emphasizing that the collective efforts of all citizens are essential in building a prosperous and secure Edo State.

“Let this Easter season inspire us to renew our faith in God and in one another, as we work together

The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, extended warm felicitations to Christians in Enugu State and across Nigeria on the occasion of Easter, calling on citizens to embrace peaceful coexistence and sustain the virtues imbibed during Lent.

In his Easter message, Mbah described the season as a profound reminder of the triumph of hope over despair, love over hate, and eternal life over death, noting that the resurrection of Christ underscored the enduring values of sacrifice, redemption, and renewal.

Governor Mbah further enjoined Nigerians to foster unity and peaceful coexistence across religious, ethnic, and political divides, stressing that the nation’s strength lies in its diversity and shared aspirations.

“At this critical time, we must reject division and embrace tolerance, mutual respect, and understanding. Our collective progress depends on our ability to live together in peace and harmony,” he added.

The governor noted that given its symbolism as a period of spiritual reinvigoration, Easter is a call to recommit to higher ideals.

He also urged Nigerians to reflect deeply on the solemn journey of Lent, and to ensure that the virtues of self-denial and sacrifice remain a constant guide in their daily lives beyond the Easter celebration.

“The piety that characterised the Lenten season should not end with Easter. Rather, it should continue to shape our conduct, inspire selfless service, and strengthen our commitment to the common good,” the governor stated.

Nigerians, Mbah emphasized, should see the sacred feast as a time to renew their commitment to excellence, integrity, and diligence

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