AS Christians celebrate Easter, Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has called for mutual respect among adherents of various faiths in the country, as this is the only guarantee for peaceful coexistence among different religions in the country.

In his Easter message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki urged all Nigerians to unite in confronting the challenges facing the nation and urged Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the service of God, the nation and humanity.

“I implore Nigerians to use the Easter period to renew their faith in God and strengthen the bond of friendship and brotherhood that has held the country united since the amalgamation in 1914.

“Among the essence of Easter is sacrifice, love for humanity and total submission to the will of God. These virtues should not be lost on us as Nigerians. Let’s continue to pray for a peaceful Nigeria that will be a pride to us and the future generation,” he added.

Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on Friday, called on Nigerians, especially Christians to imbibe the spirit of love, perseverance and sacrifice which the Lord Jesus Christ exhibited in ensuring the salvation of humanity.

In his Easter message, signed by his Special Assistant, Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, a copy of which was made available to Saturday Tribune in Abuja, Dr Fayemi congratulated them for the successful completion of the Lenten season, a period of 40 days of fasting and prayer that culminated in the Easter celebration.

The minister further felicitated with them for witnessing another Easter season, saying the period offered Christians opportunity for sober reflection, even while celebrating with friends and families.

He then admonished them to imbibe and reflect on the lessons associated with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, urging them to use the opportunity to pray for God’s intervention in the affairs of the country, especially in bringing lasting solution to its economic challenges and making it a better nation.

Fayemi said Easter symbolises sacrifice and service to God and humanity and urged Nigerians to emulate the life of Jesus Christ who laid down his life for mankind.

In the same vein, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, on Friday, appealed to Nigerians to continue to be their brothers’ keepers, irrespective of their religious belief.

Malam Bello made this appeal in his congratulatory message to Christians, as the world celebrates Easter, which marks the crucifixion and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

He, therefore, enjoined the residents of FCT to continue to supplicate to God for the wellbeing, peace and prosperity of the country as well as its leadership; President Muhammadu Buhari, pointing out that the best in the sight of God is the most pious.

This was contained in a statement by the Deputy Director/Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the minister, Muhammad Hazat Sule, a copy of which was made available to Saturday Tribune in Abuja.

Also, eminent businessman and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu has felicitated with the Nigerian Christian community on this year’s Easter celebration.

According to the ex-governor, in spite of the challenges facing the country, Nigerians should appreciate God for keeping the nation indivisible.

In his Easter message signed by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu said: “It is yet another Easter celebration, we bless God for the gift of life. Let me use this opportunity to call on Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious and political differences to continue to live in peace and harmony. It is only in an atmosphere of tranquillity that development can thrive.

“It is no longer news that the country is currently faced with economic challenges but we must remain prayerful, strong, focused and optimistic in order to get out of the economic hardship. The problems facing the country must be collectively solved by the government and the governed.

“People at the helm of affairs must demonstrate sincerity of purpose in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities and the governed must also be patriotic in their pursuits. In the spirit of Easter, we must appraise ourselves as individuals and as a people. For us to build a decent society, we must embrace the teaching of the holy book embraced in our lives.”

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has felicitated with Christians on the celebration of Easter, urging them to emulate Jesus Christ by making sacrifices that will advance the course of development.

In his Easter Message, Governor Wike said that Easter exemplifies the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ to save mankind, noting that as individuals, Christians must take into consideration the welfare of others.

He called on the people of Rivers State to re-dedicate themselves to the service of the state as they reflect on the ideals of Good Friday and Easter Celebration.

Governor Wike assured the good people of Rivers State that he will continue to make sacrifices for the state, defend her interests and ensure that the people always enjoy good governance.

He said Easter is a period of fresh beginning, forgiveness, love and friendship. The governor urged the privileged to reach out to the less privileged as everyone works to deepen the culture of true Christianity.

While wishing the people of the state a Happy Easter celebration, Governor Wike assured them of adequate security before, during and after the celebrations.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Felix Obuah has urged Christians in the State to use the Easter period to pray for the continuous success of the administration of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

Obuah in his special Easter message said such prayers would go a long way to engender good governance and uplift the well being of the people.

According to the PDP Chairman, Easter is an opportunity for Rivers people to cultivate a spirit that defines who they are as Christians and urged them to make sacrifices through prayer and fasting, adding that the Governor needs their prayers for God’s favour and mercies to meet the socio-economic needs of the people.

Tribune

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