Easter: PDP advocates selflessness, seeks action on high cost of living

•Bishop implores embracing hope despite economic hardship

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has charged the Federal Government to take immediate action to address the rising cost of living in the country.
It also called on “leaders at all levels and spheres to renew the virtue of selfless service by directing their energies principally towards the wellbeing and happiness of the people.”

In a statement to mark the celebration of Easter, the PDP urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to address the high cost of food, petroleum products, other essential commodities and services so as to alleviate the suffering in the country.

The statement by PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, urged Nigerians to “use the occasion of Easter, the festival of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to strengthen their hope in God and seek a national renewal by rekindling their love and commitment towards one another especially at this trying time.”

The party also urged Nigerians not to allow the hardship, insecurity and uncertainty pervading the nation to weaken their faith and optimism for a better nation.

“Indeed, the coming of Easter, the celebration of the triumph of life over death serves as divine reassurance of the saving grace of God in the gift of salvation to mankind and His willingness to bring succor in any adverse situation,” the PDP added.

Furthermore, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Odetoyinbo, has urged Nigerians to embrace hope at Easter despite economic hardship.

In his Easter message to Nigerians, Odetoyinbo admonished Nigerians to learn from the manifestation of God’s power and the spirit of sacrificial love by burying their personal desires and ambitions for generosity to their fellow brothers and sisters.

“Let the message of Christ reach all men and women of goodwill that just as Christ laid down his life for our redemption, so are we called to spend our lives in service to one another.”

Commenting on the present economic situation in the country, Odetoyinbo stated: “With respect to the present hardship in our country, we must be sincere in asking ourselves how we have individually and collectively contributed to the present menace. No one is ready to make sacrifice for the other any longer as everyone seeks to enlarge his or her coast and build a private empire.”

He urged Nigerians to emulate the attitude of Jesus Christ by helping the poor and less privileged.

He said: “It is no news that the present economic hardship is biting hard on many Nigerians. This is the time to open our hearts to another in love and charity as the season of Lent reminded us. We cannot be crying for basic needs in a country blessed by God with the best of human and natural resources you can find around the world.”