Festivity: At Easter, Tinubu, Governors, Rejoice with Christians, Call For Unity, Compassion

*Assure citizens Nigeria will overcome its challenges

*Emulate Christ, Defence chief urges armed forces, others

*IG orders CPs in 36 States, FCT to ensure round-the-clock security, deploy personnel

Deji Elumoye in Abuja, Hammed Shittu in Ilorin and Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

President Bola Tinubu and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) led by Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, have joined the Christian faithful to commemorate Easter, a significant moment and a glorious celebration of the triumph of life over death, which is being marked tomorrow.Equally, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa and the Inspector-General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday, urged the citizens and members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to emulate the virtues and the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ whose death on the cross underscored the importance of sacrifice for the greater good of mankind.

The President, in a statement issued yesterday by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, rejoiced with Christians in Nigeria and around the world on this occasion, emphasising love, sacrifice, and compassion as the patent themes of this solemn season.Tinubu noted that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity was an emphatic lesson for leaders and all Nigerians to yield to selflessness and compassion, and be steadfast in the pursuit of a united, peaceful, and prosperous nation.The President commended Nigerians for the sacrifices they have made in the past few months for the nation to be steered to the path of recovery and sustainable growth, assuring them that the seeds of patience which they have sown are beginning to sprout and will in no time bring forth an abundance of good fruits.

As Christians celebrate the victory of life over death as exemplified by the resurrection of Christ, President Tinubu assured all citizens that Nigeria will triumph over its challenges as his administration remains firmly committed to this end.Also, AbdulRazaq, yesterday, urged Christians in the country to use the celebration of Easter to evoke the time-tested themes of love, sacrifice, compassion, unity, and triumph of good over evil at different times.A statement issued in Ilorin yesterday, by his spokesman, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye, sent hearty felicitations to the Christian community in the state and across Nigeria on the Easter celebration.

The governor said Easter evokes the time-tested themes of love, sacrifice, compassion, unity, and triumph of good over evil at different times.He added, “The sacrifice of Jesus Christ to guide the flock and the enduring legacy he left for humanity call for deeper reflection at this time and always”.He urged citizens to seize the moment to renew their faith in God, unite for national and collective growth, and to help one another to uphold goodness and justice in the world.

The governor wished the Christian community a happy Easter celebration.Also, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in a statement yesterday, celebrated with Christians.“I urge everyone to, in the spirit of the season, reflect on the significance of this day by imbibing the virtues of sacrifice, love, tolerance and selflessness. There is no better time to show this than now when we are faced with dire economic conditions which have put many in distress.“As we celebrate this year’s Good Friday, we must remember to be our brothers’ keeper and look out for each other at this difficult time, while remaining resolute in our love for God and our nation,” he added.

The Chairman of Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, extended heartfelt felicitations to Christians in Gombe State and worldwide as they celebrate this year’s Easter festivities.

In a goodwill message, Yahaya advocated for prayers for sustained peace and stability in Gombe State, Northern Region and Nigeria as a whole, emphasising the significance of unity, brotherhood, and service to God and humanity during and beyond the Easter period.The governor, who highlighted the essence of Easter, which symbolises love, sacrifice, and the triumph of good over evil, urged Christians to reflect on these core principles and integrate them into their daily lives.

Meanwhile, Musa and Egbetokun, yesterday, urged the citizenry and members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to emulate the virtues and the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ.

This came as the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered Commissioners of Police (CPs) and their supervising Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) to deploy police personnel and operational assets to areas of likely security threats within their respective areas of responsibility.

He reassured Nigerians of the commitment of the police to ensure the safety and security of all citizens and visitors during the Easter celebrations.

“In line with this commitment, the IGP has ordered round-the-clock security and protection of public spaces across the country”.

Also, the Department of State Security (DSS) urged the citizenry to use the event which illustrates sacrifice and forgiveness to refocus love for one another, the nation and humanity at large.

“On this note, citizens are encouraged to adopt self-control, discipline and compassion in their dealings and conducts. The Service enjoins them to eschew bitterness, disloyalty, fake news, hate speech and violence”, it said.

In a statement issued by Defence Headquarters, Musa stated that “in the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), sacrifice and courage are at the core of our professional calling.

“We willingly lay down our lives in service to our nation, especially during challenging times when collective support is crucial in tackling security challenges.

“As we gather once again to celebrate Easter, I am filled with profound gratitude to Almighty God for granting us the opportunity to come together in reflection and joy.

“Easter serves as a poignant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ. His selfless act underscores the importance of sacrifice, both individually and collectively. It is a time for us to acknowledge the immense love and care bestowed upon us by God year after year”, he said.

He said “in the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), sacrifice and courage are at the core of our professional calling. We willingly lay down our lives in service to our nation, especially during challenging times when collective support is crucial in tackling security challenges.

“Despite the challenges we face as a nation, the message of Easter brings hope. Just as darkness gives way to light, we must remain steadfast in our resolve to overcome obstacles and strive for a brighter future.

“I urge all members of the AFN to embody this message of hope, courage, and resilience. Your dedication and unwavering commitment to securing our nation are commendable and deeply appreciated.”

For his part, Egbetokun, ordered CPs and their supervising Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) to deploy police personnel and operational assets to areas of likely security threats within their respective areas of responsibility.

He said intensive and proactive visibility patrols would be conducted at all worship centres, train stations, highways, motor parks, airports, waterways, recreation centres, banks, and other financial institutions, as well as other critical infrastructures and public spaces.