By Mumini AbdulKareem and Bukola Adama
The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has called on Christians and Nigerians across the nation to work towards emulating the virtues of Jesus Christ as epitomised by his passion, persecution, death and resurrection during Easter.
In a message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, Saraki also stated that Nigerians must remain constant in their efforts to promote unity across all lines.
He noted that it was imperative for all Nigerians to come together in order to build a country that both present and future generations can take pride in just like the work of Christ which has endured for over 2000 years and has continued to inspire generations.
Saraki stated: “This weekend, we join our Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria and across the world to celebrate the Easter festivities. This commemoration is a time for deep reflection as it marks the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and his victory over death. It is a time to reach out to our brothers and sisters in need.
“It is also a time for all of us — regardless of faith, or ethnicity — to come together to pray for the peace of our nation. We must all remain constant in our efforts to promote unity — across all lines — because united, our nation remains stronger and we thrive as a people.
“As we do this, we must all collectively work towards playing our part in the development of our nation and its economy,” Saraki stated.
Similarly, Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulFatah Ahmed has called on Christians to imbibe the spirit of perseverance and endurance as epitomised by Christ.
The Governor, in a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, urged all Christians to be agents of tolerance and peaceful co-existence for progress and sustainable development of the country.
While commending Christian community in the state for supporting efforts of the state government towards ensuring religious harmony and peaceful coexistence, Gov Ahmed urged them to be more dedicated and committed to the service of God and humanity.
“Everyone must strive harder in showing love, affection, care and sympathy to all and sundry irrespective of religious and cultural differences”, the governor charged.
Also, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly,Dr. Ali Ahmad has enjoined them Christians to internalise the lessons learnt during the Lent period by ensuring it impacted on their daily lives.
The Speaker in his Easter message issued yesterday by his Special Assistant on Media, Shuaib AbdulKadir further challenged Christians to use the season to offer prayers for sustenance of peace and harmonious relationship between the various religious and ethnic groups in the country.
Ahmad who noted that the fasting period has not only purified their bodies and souls but also improved them mentally and spiritually encouraged them to do away with activities that could further draw them back to sin against God.
He said that it is imperative they imbibe the teachings by striving to always emulate the virtues as well as various qualities with which Jesus Christ stood for.
