On April 24, 2011 · ·
By Sam Eyoboka, Ben Agande, Henry Umoru, Daniel Idonor,Samuel Oyadongha & Olayinka Latona
AS Nigerian Christians troop to the churches today, to mark Easter, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President, Senator David Mark, ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Governor Godswill Akpabio and several eminent Christian leaders have again stressed the need for the faithful to be more prayerful to avert a looming danger to the nation’s democracy.
Apparently alluding to the recent politically-motivated violence in parts of the North where several innocent persons were killed and worship centres burnt, President Jonathan, Mark, Atiku, the governors and the religious leaders urged Christians to imbibe the lessons of the love shown by Jesus Christ who made Himself ransom for mankind by hanging on the Cross at Calvary for the salvation of man and learn how to live in peace with one another even in the face of provocation.
Among Christian leaders who spoke were the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor; Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Sunday Makinde; Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Okogie; his Anglican counterpart, Most Rev. Ephraim Ademowo; Rev Chris Okotie; District Superintendent of The Apostolic Faith (West and Central Africa Region), Rev. Bayo Adeniran; Anglican Bishop of Lagos Mainland, Very Rev. Adebayo Akinde and Senator Florence Ita-Giwa.
President calls for unity in his Easter message to the nation, Jonathan urged all Nigerians to renounce violence and unite in the interest of peace and development of the country.
He also expressed warm felicitations to the nation, and Christians in particular, at Easter.
Jonathan observed that the major significance of Easter is its promise of renewal and redemption for mankind, as well as in its lessons of peace, love, selflessness and sacrifice for the common good.
Noting that this year’s Easter comes in the midst of historic elections that will further consolidate progressive democratic governance in the country, the President urged Nigerians, Christians and non-Christians alike, to seize the opportunity of the season to reflect on its lessons, forsake hate and violence, and embrace peace and unity for the successful conclusion of the elections.
He used the opportunity to urge Christian and Muslim preachers to utilise their pulpits to preach peace and harmony, so that children of both faiths will grow up as brothers, sisters and friends.
Jonathan thanked Nigerians once again for turning out in their millions to give him a resounding mandate in the presidential election.
Oritsejafor tasks politicians
In a message, Oritsejafor tasked Nigerians to appreciate the supreme sacrifice of Jesus Christ for mankind by ensuring peace at this critical period in the nation’s history.
Oritsejafor, who noted that Easter is the celebration of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus
Christ, asked Nigerians to ensure harmonious co-existence with their fellow country men and women. He said this was a time to celebrate God’s mercies, love and peace for our nation and not a time to embark on wanton destruction of lives and property by those protesting perceived electoral irregularities.
“For once, we are able to conduct free, fair and peaceful elections several years after the unfortunate incident of June 12, 1993 Presidential Election. We should be celebrating this feat while also working to perfect the process.
The entire process cannot be perfected in a day; therefore, those who have issues with the elections should head for the tribunals or the courts of law to seek redress rather than allowing misinformed irate youths to unleash violence on innocent citizens,”he said.
Put nation first – Mark
David Mark asked Nigerians across political divide not to allow partisan politics and other considerations to undermine the sanctity of the unity and cohesiveness of the nation. The Senate President noted that no individual or group interest should supersede the overall national interest.
“In all we do, no matter the short or long term interest, we must put Nigeria first and should not do anything to undermine the corporate existence of the country,” Mark stated.
He implored Christians to pray for the nation, especially against negative tendencies which are likely to affect the peace and unity of the nation.
Atiku, in his message, urged Christians to embody the virtues of sacrifice, tolerance and love in their relationship with fellow Nigerians.
The former vice president advised Nigerians to keep faith as the nation will collectively overcome whatever adversaries that it is currently facing. Akpabio, who thanked the people for joining hands with other Nigerian in electing Jonathan, warned the people of the state against the resurrection of politics of Biblical Barnabas during the elections.
Akpabio noted, “One of the most intriguing lessons of Easter is that faced with the option of asking for the freedom of Barnabas, a felon, and Christ, the messiah, the Jews opted for the freedom of Barnabas.
It is worrisome that such a grave error in judgment was made by people who were God’s own people, in spite of the fact that God’s mighty hand was upon them. That this mistake was made at all by the Jews of all peoples means that we must consciously guard against the choices we make on a daily basis.”.
Ita-Giwa preaches peace
Florence Ita-Giwa, a former presidential adviser on National Assembly matters in the Obasanjo and Yar’A dua administrations, extended felicitations to the people of Lagos during these Easter celebrations.
In a statement from Calabar where she is participating in the campaigns for the State House of Assembly in Cross River State, billed for Tuesday, she noted the peaceful conduct of the National Assembly and presidential elections in Lagos State, and while expressing her inability to be available for the State House of Assembly and governorship elections in Lagos, she however expressed her desire for the process to be equally peaceful, free and fair.
According to her, as a long time resident of Lagos, she considers Lagos her home and cherishes the friendships and relationships she has nurtured with Lagosians over the years.
The senator, whose presence in Calabar is to consolidate the gains of her party the P.D.P. in the State House of Assembly elections after contributing in no small measure to President Jonathan’s impressive electoral victory in Lagos state, promised to return to Lagos reinvigorated after the State House of Assembly and Gubernatorial elections to contribute her quota to the sustenance of democracy and good governance in Lagos State.
Okogie tasks president
Okogie, in his message, said the most viable way to make the nation’s democracy to be worthwhile is for the president to display true and patriotic leadership and immediately proffer solutions to our social amenities.“This is why his aides must be the right men and women who are knowledgeable in the respective fields they are placed and not political stooges, tongue-twisters and sycophants.”
Makinde said: “I must thank specially, Christians and the generality of Nigerians, for recognising the importance of the Lenten season and availing themselves of it by fasting and praying for a successful and a peaceful election. And, despite the few skirmishes, we can largely all agree that God, indeed, revealed Himself and showed His love for this country which is a testimony that our prayers were answered.”
Ademowo, who believed that life is sacred and sacrosanct, said the maiming, destruction and blood letting are not justified, arguing that blood is life and it belongs to God. “It is time for our leaders to demonstrate the fear of God and consult Him on the affairs of the nation,” he stated.
Rev. Adeniran said the message of Easter is that of hope. He said we should sacrifice those things that are infectious so that we can have what is better. ‘’Nigeria is moving through election, let us as a nation sacrifice those things that do not please the Lord and do away with them.’‘
For Bishop Akinde, Easter was a period of reflection where mankind ought to reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. ‘’It is a time when Christians remember the sacrificial love that God have for mankind and all Nigerians, especially Christians must endeavour to seek for the well-being of others because Christ died for all mankind notwithstanding tribe, race or colour.
The Fresh Party presidential candidate and founder of Household of God Church, Rev. Okotie, appealed to Nigerians to eschew violence and stop the killings of innocent citizens in some parts of the North following the declaration of Jonathan as the winner of the presidential election.
He said violence would not resolve any dispute.
vanguardngr.com/2011/04/easter-jonathan-mark-atiku-ita-giwa-govs-christian-leaders-urge-prayers-for-nation%e2%80%99s-unity/
AS Nigerian Christians troop to the churches today, to mark Easter, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President, Senator David Mark, ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Governor Godswill Akpabio and several eminent Christian leaders have again stressed the need for the faithful to be more prayerful to avert a looming danger to the nation’s democracy.
Apparently alluding to the recent politically-motivated violence in parts of the North where several innocent persons were killed and worship centres burnt, President Jonathan, Mark, Atiku, the governors and the religious leaders urged Christians to imbibe the lessons of the love shown by Jesus Christ who made Himself ransom for mankind by hanging on the Cross at Calvary for the salvation of man and learn how to live in peace with one another even in the face of provocation.
Among Christian leaders who spoke were the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor; Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Sunday Makinde; Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Okogie; his Anglican counterpart, Most Rev. Ephraim Ademowo; Rev Chris Okotie; District Superintendent of The Apostolic Faith (West and Central Africa Region), Rev. Bayo Adeniran; Anglican Bishop of Lagos Mainland, Very Rev. Adebayo Akinde and Senator Florence Ita-Giwa.
President calls for unity in his Easter message to the nation, Jonathan urged all Nigerians to renounce violence and unite in the interest of peace and development of the country.
He also expressed warm felicitations to the nation, and Christians in particular, at Easter.
Jonathan observed that the major significance of Easter is its promise of renewal and redemption for mankind, as well as in its lessons of peace, love, selflessness and sacrifice for the common good.
Noting that this year’s Easter comes in the midst of historic elections that will further consolidate progressive democratic governance in the country, the President urged Nigerians, Christians and non-Christians alike, to seize the opportunity of the season to reflect on its lessons, forsake hate and violence, and embrace peace and unity for the successful conclusion of the elections.
He used the opportunity to urge Christian and Muslim preachers to utilise their pulpits to preach peace and harmony, so that children of both faiths will grow up as brothers, sisters and friends.
Jonathan thanked Nigerians once again for turning out in their millions to give him a resounding mandate in the presidential election.
Oritsejafor tasks politicians
In a message, Oritsejafor tasked Nigerians to appreciate the supreme sacrifice of Jesus Christ for mankind by ensuring peace at this critical period in the nation’s history.
Oritsejafor, who noted that Easter is the celebration of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus
Christ, asked Nigerians to ensure harmonious co-existence with their fellow country men and women. He said this was a time to celebrate God’s mercies, love and peace for our nation and not a time to embark on wanton destruction of lives and property by those protesting perceived electoral irregularities.
“For once, we are able to conduct free, fair and peaceful elections several years after the unfortunate incident of June 12, 1993 Presidential Election. We should be celebrating this feat while also working to perfect the process.
The entire process cannot be perfected in a day; therefore, those who have issues with the elections should head for the tribunals or the courts of law to seek redress rather than allowing misinformed irate youths to unleash violence on innocent citizens,”he said.
Put nation first – Mark
David Mark asked Nigerians across political divide not to allow partisan politics and other considerations to undermine the sanctity of the unity and cohesiveness of the nation. The Senate President noted that no individual or group interest should supersede the overall national interest.
“In all we do, no matter the short or long term interest, we must put Nigeria first and should not do anything to undermine the corporate existence of the country,” Mark stated.
He implored Christians to pray for the nation, especially against negative tendencies which are likely to affect the peace and unity of the nation.
Atiku, in his message, urged Christians to embody the virtues of sacrifice, tolerance and love in their relationship with fellow Nigerians.
The former vice president advised Nigerians to keep faith as the nation will collectively overcome whatever adversaries that it is currently facing. Akpabio, who thanked the people for joining hands with other Nigerian in electing Jonathan, warned the people of the state against the resurrection of politics of Biblical Barnabas during the elections.
Akpabio noted, “One of the most intriguing lessons of Easter is that faced with the option of asking for the freedom of Barnabas, a felon, and Christ, the messiah, the Jews opted for the freedom of Barnabas.
It is worrisome that such a grave error in judgment was made by people who were God’s own people, in spite of the fact that God’s mighty hand was upon them. That this mistake was made at all by the Jews of all peoples means that we must consciously guard against the choices we make on a daily basis.”.
Ita-Giwa preaches peace
Florence Ita-Giwa, a former presidential adviser on National Assembly matters in the Obasanjo and Yar’A dua administrations, extended felicitations to the people of Lagos during these Easter celebrations.
In a statement from Calabar where she is participating in the campaigns for the State House of Assembly in Cross River State, billed for Tuesday, she noted the peaceful conduct of the National Assembly and presidential elections in Lagos State, and while expressing her inability to be available for the State House of Assembly and governorship elections in Lagos, she however expressed her desire for the process to be equally peaceful, free and fair.
According to her, as a long time resident of Lagos, she considers Lagos her home and cherishes the friendships and relationships she has nurtured with Lagosians over the years.
The senator, whose presence in Calabar is to consolidate the gains of her party the P.D.P. in the State House of Assembly elections after contributing in no small measure to President Jonathan’s impressive electoral victory in Lagos state, promised to return to Lagos reinvigorated after the State House of Assembly and Gubernatorial elections to contribute her quota to the sustenance of democracy and good governance in Lagos State.
Okogie tasks president
Okogie, in his message, said the most viable way to make the nation’s democracy to be worthwhile is for the president to display true and patriotic leadership and immediately proffer solutions to our social amenities.“This is why his aides must be the right men and women who are knowledgeable in the respective fields they are placed and not political stooges, tongue-twisters and sycophants.”
Makinde said: “I must thank specially, Christians and the generality of Nigerians, for recognising the importance of the Lenten season and availing themselves of it by fasting and praying for a successful and a peaceful election. And, despite the few skirmishes, we can largely all agree that God, indeed, revealed Himself and showed His love for this country which is a testimony that our prayers were answered.”
Ademowo, who believed that life is sacred and sacrosanct, said the maiming, destruction and blood letting are not justified, arguing that blood is life and it belongs to God. “It is time for our leaders to demonstrate the fear of God and consult Him on the affairs of the nation,” he stated.
Rev. Adeniran said the message of Easter is that of hope. He said we should sacrifice those things that are infectious so that we can have what is better. ‘’Nigeria is moving through election, let us as a nation sacrifice those things that do not please the Lord and do away with them.’‘
For Bishop Akinde, Easter was a period of reflection where mankind ought to reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. ‘’It is a time when Christians remember the sacrificial love that God have for mankind and all Nigerians, especially Christians must endeavour to seek for the well-being of others because Christ died for all mankind notwithstanding tribe, race or colour.
The Fresh Party presidential candidate and founder of Household of God Church, Rev. Okotie, appealed to Nigerians to eschew violence and stop the killings of innocent citizens in some parts of the North following the declaration of Jonathan as the winner of the presidential election.
He said violence would not resolve any dispute.
vanguardngr.com/2011/04/easter-jonathan-mark-atiku-ita-giwa-govs-christian-leaders-urge-prayers-for-nation%e2%80%99s-unity/
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