Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has called for mutual respect among adherents of various faiths, saying this is the only guarantee for peaceful coexistence among different religions in the country.
In his Easter message issued in Abuja and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal urged all Nigerians to unite in confronting security threats and other development challenges facing the nation.
He also urged the people 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. We should continue to pray for a peaceful Nigeria that will be a pride to us and the future generation,” he added.
While congratulating Nigerians, especially adherents of the Christian religion for witnessing this year’s Easter, the Speaker said the National Assembly is at all times committed to do all it can to ensure that the present security challenges confronting the nation becomes a thing of the past.
Equally,Abia state governor, Chief Theodore Orji has felicitated with the Christendom as they mark the Easter season. Chief Orji in a statement by the chief press secretary, Ugochukwu Emezue urged Christians to use this period of the resurrection of Christ to pray for peace in the nation.
The Abia state governor stated that one of the greatest solution to the nation’s security challenges remain prayers, so that God will touch the hearts of those who are bent on destroying lives and property to have a change of heart. Chief Orji also charged the citizens to show love to the less privileged during this festive season.
The governor used the opportunity to reassure residents of Abia especially non indigenes of their security while the festivity lasts.Security agencies have been placed on red alert to ensure that law and order are enforced during this period of celebration, the governor added.He wished all Abians and Nigerians happy celebrations.
Meanwhile ,the Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, has IGP has directed all Zonal AIGs and Command Commissioners of Police, to take all necessary measures in ensuring the provision of adequate security for worshippers, travelers, picnickers and all citizens across the country before, during and after the festive season. Command Commissioners of Police are to personally ensure that all key and vulnerable points within their jurisdictions, including places of worship, recreation centres, motor parks, highways, financial institutions and all places of public resort are adequately and effectively protected.
Frank Mba, force spokesman said in a statement that the IGP in the spirit of the season, also saluted the Officers and men of the Force for their courage, dedication, tireless and selfless services to Nigerians and the country, especially, in the face of current challenges. He restated the resolve and commitment of the present Police Administration to reposition the Force for greater efficiency, including bargaining for better welfare package and more conducive working conditions.
While commending Nigerians for their patience, understanding and cooperation with the Police in the fight against crime and criminality, the IGP enjoined them to continue to support the Force with useful information that will effectively assist the Police in tracking down undesirable elements in the society. He sued for peace from all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious, political and socio-cultural leaning.
The IGP also expressed the willingness, determination and commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to effectively discharge its onerous responsibility of securing the life and property of the citizenry, in line with the provisions of the country’s constitution and all extant statutes. He seeks the prayers and support of all Nigerians, assuring that with God on the side of the nation, Nigeria will surely rise above all its present challenges.
Also in the statement Abubakar extended his greetings to the entire Christian community in Nigeria, as they join their brethren across the globe, to mark the 2013 Easter season.
While reminding Christians that the victorious resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter morning was preceded by a painful crucifixion, as price to atone for the redemption of mankind, the IGP urged Nigerians to emulate and adopt the selfless lifestyle of Christ. He enjoined them to be open minded to issues of forgiveness, peace and harmonious co-existence, in consonance with the principles and teachings of Christ, especially, in this trying moment in the history of our dear country,the statement said
Abubakar called on Nigerians to place value and respect on the nation’s diversities, especially in the face of very high price being paid with the blood and lives of officers and men of the Force and those of other security agencies, who like Jesus Christ, are constantly subjected to all forms of dangers, risks and deprivations, including the hazards of death in the line of duty, as ultimate sacrifice for the peace, unity and progress of the country.
