Soludo, Uzodimma, Ikpeazu, others preach peace, unity at Easter

• Declare emergency on security now, Nnamani tells FG

Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, yesterday, marked 30 days in office, with a warning to criminals and other undesirable elements in the society to choose between war or peace.

Soludo reassured that the state would continue to thrive on the trajectory of growth, peace and development despite the current wave of insecurity.

In his Easter message, Soludo noted that the security challenges facing the state are being drastically addressed. He urged those still in the bush to, in the spirit of Easter, “to surrender their arms and embrace the olive branch which has been offered to them.”

According to him: “The solemn occasion of Easter calls for self introspection and deep sober reflection. It is symbolic because it marks the suffering, pains and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ after his crucifixion.”

The governor also said that it is of utmost importance for the people “to inculcate and emulate the noble virtues of the personal sacrifices, sobriety and love, which the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ symbolises.

ALSO, Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, has used the occasion of Easter celebrations to beg for forgiveness from those he has injured their feelings in any form. He also urged Imo indigenes, residents and all Nigerians to love, embrace peace and genuine reconciliation.

In his Easter message at the weekend, Uzodimma said: “In several fora, I have literally gone on my knees to appeal to the sponsors and perpetrators of these senseless killings to sheath their swords and embrace peace and reconciliation irrespective of whatever grudges they may have.”

IN a related development, Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, yesterday, also said the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is, perhaps, the most significant events that shape and strengthen the faith of Christians, and which most importantly gives them an enduring hope of a more glorious tomorrow.

This was contained in his Easter message through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Onyebuchi Ememanka, while assuring Abians of a better and more prosperous tomorrow, judging from the available positive macro-economic indices.

Ikpeazu expressed optimism that before the end of this year, a huge part of the state will become illuminated with uninterrupted electricity, as the Geometric Power Project would fully come on stream.

He appealed to the political class to tread with caution, as they get ready to commence political activities for the 2023 elections. “In the last seven years, we have, by the grace of God Almighty and a deliberate and painstaking planning, managed to keep Abia as one of the states with most stable socio-political environments”.

FORMER governor of Enugu State and senator representing Enugu East senatorial zone in the Senate, Chimaroke Nnamani, has, for the umpteenth time, urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security. Nnamani also canvassed for justice, equity and fairness to be the guiding principles in the administration of the country.

This was contained in his goodwill message to Nigerians to mark this year’s Easter celebration.
Nnamani noted that it has become scandalous that the nation has been entangled in security challenges that have defied every conventional measure to tackle.

The Senator said, “There is no use pretending or shying away from the fact that Nigerians are no longer safe in their homes, work places, schools, worship centres, roads and everywhere.

“We must therefore take the necessary steps to declare emergency on the security situation. All hands must be on deck to tackle the situation headlong but government must lead the way .”

ON his own part, the Prelate and Moderator of General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (PCN), His Eminence, Nzie Nsi Eke, yesterday, said Nigeria is suffering in pains and reproach and urged president Muhammadu Buhari to embrace history and cut a niche for himself in the annals of the nation by becoming a true statesman.

He noted that the president could achieve this “if he objectively looks into the various ethnic agitations from different parts of the country with the aim of dousing them through dialogue and positive engagement”.

The Prelate, who stated this in his Easter massage to Nigerians titled, “Let the Stone of Reproach Be Rolled Away”, lamented that, though, Nigeria is in pains and reproach at this time, the citizens should, in spite of all the prevailing challenges of life, still celebrate God’s goodness in their lives and those of members of their families and other loved ones.

SIMILARLY, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has urged Christians to pray for the peace and unity of Nigeria as they celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The South East zonal Chairman of MACBAN, Gidado Sidikki, made the call, yesterday, in Awka, in his Easter message to Christians, particularly in the South East and South South regions.

In his statement made available to newsmen, Sidikki said the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the pillar of the Christian faith and the celebration I an opportunity to reflect on His earthly mission characterised by good works.

He further noted that the uniqueness of Nigeria in its tribal, language, cultural, religious and trade diversities should be strategically harnessed to everyone’s advantage based on the adoption of comparative advantage of the country economic model.