Easter: Nigerians merely surviving, not living – Farah Dagogo

From Tony John, Port Harcourt

A former member of the National Assembly, Farah Dagogo, has called on the government to embrace the core lessons of Easter by taking deliberate steps to reduce the suffering of Nigerians as the citizens join Christians around the world to celebrate the Holy Season of Easter.

In his Easter message, Dagogo, who represented Degema/Bonny (Rivers State) Federal Constituency during the 9th House of Representatives, congratulated Christians and urged them to devote time to reflect on the role of Jesus Christ in their lives.

He, however, lamented that various government policies have had adverse effects on the majority of citizens, leaving many Nigerians struggling to survive rather than truly living and thriving. The former federal lawmaker noted that citizens of a nation as richly endowed as Nigeria should not be subjected to such hardship.

He called on both the government and the people to embody the enduring virtues exemplified by Jesus Christ such as sacrifice for the common good, harmonious coexistence, and the pursuit of collective prosperity.

According to him, embracing these values would promote unity and national development. Dagogo highlighted several pressing challenges facing Nigerians, including the removal of fuel subsidy, worsening insecurity, high inflation, increased electricity tariffs despite unreliable power supply, rising unemployment, and the escalating cost of living.

He stated that these issues have significantly heightened public frustration and hardship.

He urged governments at all levels to take advantage of the Easter season, which follows the solemn Lenten period, to reflect on the sacrifices of Jesus Christ and translate those lessons into people-oriented policies that alleviate suffering.

Furthermore, he encouraged Nigerians to use the Holy period to pray for God’s mercy and favour upon the nation, especially as the country approaches another election cycle.

Dagogo emphasised the need for leaders to be more responsive to the plight of citizens by implementing policies that improve living conditions and restore hope.