*Says period emboldens Nigerians that uncertainty, insecurity will soon be over
*Stresses that Easter reminds Nigerians of power of divine love, faith, redemption
*That security, unity should guide actions, utterance towards 2023 elections
By Mathew Dadiya, Abuja
As Christians mark the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed that Easter should evoke the resilience of the human spirit not to give up in the face of seemingly daunting challenges of life.
The President in his Easter message on Thursday, said, “this year’s celebration is very unique for adherents of the two great faiths in Nigeria; Christianity and Islam as it culminates the 40-day season of Lent for Christians, where the faithful is expected to fast, pray, assist the poor, abhor injustice and strife, give alms, penitently engage in self-examination and repentance of sins.
“Similar values apply to the Muslim faithful, currently about half-way into the holy month of Ramadan”, President Buhari said.
“This period emboldens us to believe that the current spate of uncertainty and insecurity will soon unfold a season of triumph of good over evil; hope over despair, and light over darkness.
“I urge us to increase our love for one another rather than hate, and show more patriotism, as this is the only country we have.
“I join our Christian brothers and sisters to celebrate this year’s Easter, which is the most significant event/festival in the Christian calendar.
“For us as a nation, the message of Easter, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ after crucifixion and burial, reminds us of the power of divine love, faith and redemption”, the President said.
He enjoined Nigerians to live out the eternal words of Jesus Christ on the cross: ‘‘Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing.’’
According to the President, “let us remember that the scriptural emphasis of love has so much relevance for us today as a nation more than ever before and thus contribute towards its peace and development.”
“As we approach another season of electioneering, let the security and unity of the nation guide our actions and utterances.
“I wish all Nigerians a joyful and blessed Easter celebration”, the President added.
