PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari is urging patience by losers in the just concluded elections in the country as they seek redress in the courts.
Buhari, in his Easter message to the nation, said litigants should patiently wait and allow the legal system run its course.
Easter messages also came from Senate President Ahmad Lawan, state governors and other political actors.
Buhari charged Nigerians to, in the spirit of the renewed hope the season represents, continue to be confident of the country, believing in the promise of better seasons ahead.
Describing the Easter season as one that gives the human race the assurance that God is able to turn unpleasant situations round for good, he said: “I join Christians in Nigeria and around the world to celebrate Easter, which commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, signposting his victory over death.
“It is a season that reminds us that the Almighty can turn an unpleasant situation round for good.
“Recognising that Easter is about renewed hope and a glorious future, I urge all Nigerians to continue to be confident and believe strongly in our country for better seasons ahead.
“As a nation, we have gone through an election that has produced the next set of leaders at the federal and state levels.
“I commend Nigerians for believing in the process. While I congratulate those that have been elected, I acknowledge that it is the right of those who feel dissatisfied with the outcome to seek redress. I expect them to wait patiently and allow our legal system run its course.”
Buhari, who acknowledged the support so far given him in the last almost eight years by Nigerians, described the opportunity to have served the country as President for two terms, a rare privilege.
According to him, successes recorded in various sectors of Nigeria’s nationhood had been as a result of the support Nigerians had given him.
“It has been a rare privilege for me to serve as your President since you gave me the first mandate in 2015 and renewed it in 2019.
“Day after day, I have been guided by the vows I took to keep Nigeria united, prosperous and secure.
“Our successes on security, economy, infrastructure, new oil frontier basins, landmark legal reforms as well as food sufficiency, among others, were possible because of the support of Nigerians.
“As we celebrate this season with our families, neighbours and communities, let us do so in love, compassion, kindness, resilience and forgiveness.”
Christians should imbibe spirit of love, humility, says FEC
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) urged Christians to use the period of Easter to imitate Jesus Christ.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Mr. Boss Mustapha, who conveyed the message on behalf of FEC in a statement yesterday in Abuja said Jesus submitted to the will of God by willingly offering himself as a sacrifice to redeem mankind to God.
The SGF noted that the two great events in the Christian calendar, Good Friday and Easter, symbolised the triumph of good over evil, and prayed that the season awakened in Christians, the spirit of dedication to public good and selfless service to the nation.
Mustapha further urged Christians to use the opportunity offered by the events to reconcile with God by imbibing the spirit of love, self-sacrifice, forgiveness, humility, as well as the love for the country.
He prayed that the supreme sacrifice instil in Christians the commitment to nation-building, while the resurrection of Christ on Easter, a rejuvenation of faith and triumph over challenges in nation-building, peaceful co-existence and a successful transition programme.
“The period should herald a rebirth and healing of the country, emphasising the need to use the period to pray for the success of the incoming administration.”
Lawan: Easter should bolster our hope in Nigeria’s triumph
Senate President Ahmad Lawan said the occasion should bolster Nigerians’ hope of their nation’s triumph over the current challenges of nation building and the imminence of better days.
He also urged all Nigerians, and particularly religious leaders and clerics, to pray for a peaceful political transition in Nigeria.
Lawan asked for prayers for God’s blessings and guidance for the incoming governments at the national and state levels, including for the soon to be inaugurated 10th National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly.
Sanwo-Olu preaches unity, peace love
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu enjoined Nigerians, particularly Christians, to emulate Jesus Christ’s virtues of humility, perseverance and compassion, which made Him die on the cross for the atonement of our sins and reconciling us with God.
Christians, he said, should continue to live in peace, love and harmony with believers in other faiths, noting that good neighbourliness, selflessness, patience, and love were among the several lessons taught and exemplified by our Lord Jesus Christ.
The governor also implored Nigerians, particularly, Christians to use the occasion to seek the face of God for continuous peace in Lagos State and Nigeria, especially as the country begins the transition from President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to the President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said: “I wish all Lagosians and Christians across the country and other parts of the world, a Happy Easter as we remember the sacrifice and love of Jesus towards mankind. The message of Easter is that of sacrifice, tolerance, harmony, perseverance, and undying love.
“As we commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, I want Lagosians and Nigerians in general to make togetherness and unity of the country the central goal of our nationalities.
“Let us remember to be Christ-like in our love for fellow citizens and our country. As Christians, this period offers us an opportunity to rethink our relationships as individuals, as communities, and as a nation.”
Adeleke felicitates Christians
Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, urged Christian faithful to let the valuable lessons of Jesus’ sacrifice reflect on them all the time.
Adeleke also charged them to hold to the message of love and compassion, which are the basis of the Easter celebration.
He said that with love, “we will not only enjoy a peaceful society, but also make the right progress.
“Easter is a classic example of the power of love.
“Jesus Christ, as we are made to know, gave up Himself to save mankind from the consequences of their transgressions.
“Beyond the celebration that comes with the moment, it is also a reminder of how love can save, and why we must imbibe the culture of selfless service to humanity as exemplified by Jesus Christ.
“Let’s be concerned about the good of each other and show tolerance irrespective of our differences.”
Let’s continue to live in harmony — Bala Mohammed
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State called for continued peace and harmony in the state regardless of religious, political and ethnic differences.
The governor enjoined Christian communities in the state to imbibe the virtues of Jesus Christ and put them into practice.
He admonished everyone in the state not to allow themselves to be divided along religious or ethnic segregations.
“We must allow peace to reign in order to make progress,” he said.
“I appeal to you all to imbibe the spirit of love for one another, forgiveness and mutual respect.
“We must regard ourselves as one and the same people irrespective of our ethnic and religious differences.
“There is also the need for continued prayers to God for the current relative peace in the state to be sustained.”
Governor Inuwa urges prayers for leaders, nation
Gombe State governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, asked Christians in the state to use the Easter to pray for the newly elected leaders from the just concluded general elections, and for the peace, progress and healing of the nation.
Easter, according to him, provides an opportunity for strengthening of unity of purpose, reinforcement of bond of brotherhood and dedication in service to God and humanity as exemplified by Jesus Christ.
“Easter symbolises love, sacrifice, service to God and country as well as triumph of good over evil. We should always reflect on the lessons and significance of the season and demonstrate the same in our lives,” he said.
He asked Christians in the state and the world over to continue to demonstrate love, promote peace and show good neighbourliness and to pray for the newly elected leaders at all levels for God to bless them with wisdom, understanding, discernment, and knowledge as they prepare to take the mantle of leadership next month.
“We are indeed in need of prayers as leaders and as a country, especially at this crucial moment. I am optimistic that with collective commitment, sacrifice and by turning to God through prayers we shall overcome all our challenges and emerge stronger,” the governor said.
Do not divide Nigerians along ethnic, religious lines, Obaseki admonishes politicians
Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, admonished politicians across the country to work fervently to unite Nigeria and not make utterances or take actions that are capable of dividing the country along ethnic and religious lines.
The governor spoke when he broke the Ramadan fast with the Otaru of Auchi, Alhaji Aliru Momoh Ikelebe III, in his palace in Auchi, Etsako West Local Governments Area of the State.
Obaseki was accompanied on the visit by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha; Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Afishetu Braimoh and the People Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy National Youths Leader, Timothy Osadolor, among others.
The governor maintained that the role of leaders is to overcome challenges and give hope to the people.
He said: “our presence here tonight shows that we do not see any religious divide. We are Christians and are here to fellowship with Muslim leaders. Religion can’t and should not be a basis to divide us as a people. We should understand that those playing the religious card are doing so for very selfish reasons.
“People of different faiths live in this country as one and interact as one. We do our businesses together as we don’t ask for religion or ethnicity when we do our businesses in the market places but rather trade and transact to get a fair deal out of that.”
He queried, “Why is it that when it comes to politics, we want to begin to emphasise our differences and divisions which are unreal?”
Omo-Agege to Deltans: Be hopeful
Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Delta governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) urged Deltans to celebrate the festival in an atmosphere of calm and positive expectations.
He said: “As Christendom celebrates the most important event in the salvation of mankind – the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ – we are reminded of the route taken to secure our salvation.
“When our Saviour was on His earthly assignment, Christ’s traducers sought to scuttle His mission not knowing that by their actions, they had become part of the divine road map. At the end of it all, the best efforts of the Redeemer’s traducers fitted into the divine plan to make the salvation of the world not only accomplished but also wholesome.
“There are a lot of lessons to be drawn from this given the disappointment that followed the March 18, 2023 gubernatorial election in Delta State. As you celebrate Easter, I urge everyone to remain calm and positive. Your well-being and the future of your children that you invested by voting for me will surely be realised.
“As the Resurrection completed the divine work of salvation, my prayer is that the Almighty who has unquestionable control over our lives will continue to guide, protect and uphold you in all your endeavours.”
Olubadan preaches love at Easter, greets Christians
The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, described Easter as celebration of the exemplary life of love lived by Jesus Christ, stressing that it is only when the followers of Jesus Christ take after Him in their love for their fellow beings that the essence of the celebration could be meaningful.
His words: “This is a sacred moment in the life of Christians, a period of remembrance of uncommon love displayed by their leader/master- Jesus Christ who laid down His life for the remission of their sins. Before His crucifixion on the cross, the totality of all His earthly activities were centered on love for God and fellow beings.
“It is this love for all that I now beseech all to show to one another. As a country, we need it to engender growth and development. Let our leaders show love to the citizens by ensuring that whatever policy they make is well thought out to be harmless or not injurious to the well-being of the people. The citizens on the other hand owe it a duty to obey the leaders, show understanding and pray for them to do well in office.
“At our individual level, let’s relate with one another without any form of discrimination just like Jesus Christ was doing during His earthly ministry up to the point of His death on the Cross when He still prayed for His adversaries. If we love one another genuinely without any form of barrier or sentiment, there would be less tension in our environment. This is what the Lord Jesus Christ is expecting from true believers.”
<<The Nation>>