Why Nigerians, leaders must show compassion

As Christians celebrate Easter today, clerics have harped on the impact the event could have on Nigerians and the leaders.

President, Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Nigeria Region and Prelate, Motaiiatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, Elder Dr. Israel Akinadewo, said Nigerians could overcome adversity, stressing that all and sundry should use the season of Easter to foster unity, compassion and understanding among all.

He reminded political officeholders that this is the time for positive actions and to lead with integrity, make policies and initiatives that alleviate the burdens of the people and prepare the nation towards prosperity and peace.

He said: “Jesus Christ Himself, who sacrificed all to save humanity, faced what was more than the difficult times that we are experiencing at the moment, but in the end, He received the crown.

“Likewise, gold is what it is as a result of the endurance while inside fire. The situation in Nigeria cannot be different from the examples that I have stated. The Easter period is a period of love, sacrifice, tolerance and endurance. This implies that if we, as the citizens of this country, could manage to exhibit these traits, these trying seasons will turn to praises.

“Meanwhile, as we gather with family and friends to celebrate Easter, a time of renewal and hope, let us also reflect on the challenges we face as a nation. The hardships many of us endure – economic strains, social injustices, and the quest for a better life – weigh heavily on our hearts, but today’s pains shall lead to tomorrow’s testimonies.

“Yet, Easter reminds us that after hardship comes ease, after darkness comes light. It is a time to renew our faith in the possibility of change and the power of collective action. Let us embrace the spirit of Easter to foster unity, compassion, and understanding among us all.

“To our leaders, this season serves as a call to action – to listen, to serve, and to lead with integrity. May the lessons of sacrifice and resurrection inspire you to champion policies and initiatives that alleviate the burdens of our people and steer our nation towards prosperity and peace.

“Together, as one people under God, we can overcome adversity. May this Easter mark the beginning of a new chapter for Nigeria, filled with hope, progress, and the fulfillment of our shared dreams.”

Also, President of Christian Central Chapel International (CCCI), Bishop Dr. EmmahIsong, said this time of hardship is the bestto celebrate Easter, adding that Christ sacrificed himself for the salvation of mankind and teaching all that in his death, burial and resurrection Nigerians and their leaders should emulate that sacrificial way by showing compassion to the poor and weak.

“This time of economic crisis and of course, social tension is the best time to celebrate Easter. This is the purpose of Easter and reason for Easter. It means that Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for the salvation of mankind, therefore, teaching us that in his death, burial and resurrection Nigerians and their leaders should emulate that sacrificial way by showing compassion and love to the poor and weak and sharing the little they have sacrificially.”

Isong called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a day of ‘neighbourhood.’ That day, he said every Nigerian should use the occasion to show favour to one another and wickedness would reduce in the land.
“The President of Nigeria should declare day I called ‘Neighbourhood Day.’ What is that neighbourhood day all about? If there are 200 million Nigerians everyone that has the ability should share fellowship with his or her neighbour who is weak, poor and the low-income person, in 24 hours, the problem of dollar versus naira and other issues faced by Nigerians would be solved. If each Nigerian shows favour to one another. We can declare a day of neighbourly kindness whereby everyone shows kindness to someone and the government can give prerogative that anyone who shows kindness to his or her neighbour is entitled to a national award, tax rebate or local recognition or even political appointment instead of government giving national merit awards to people we don’t know what they have achieved,” Isong said

He lamented that it is lack of love for humanity, lack of kindness, lack of compassion, lack of love for Christianity and lack of love for God that have made people to kill soldiers and policemen.

According to him, “It is same thing that have made people to kidnap over 200 children. And everywhere you go in Nigeria you witness one killing or the other. We have lost our milk of human compassion, the essence of living and we have even lost religion. There is nothing like true Islamism and true Christianity again because we are now in a rat race and if we don’t help the situation there will be anarchy.”

He said: “So the federal and state governments should use the moment of Easter to declare nationalday of compassion, national day of giving, national day whereby a landlord would say to the tenants ‘don’t pay rent this month,’ the employer showing compassion to the employee. Ethnicism and nepotism have increased so much and we should revise this wickedness that has developed in us by using the Lord Jesus Christ and the love he has for us when he died for us. He never killed anybody but himself, he offered himself and no one else. He never kidnapped anybody for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have internal life.

“This is how to encapsulate the message of Easter in the midst of famine, hardship, economic strangulation and political tension. Our political leaders, economists, religious leaders should bring back joy to the people. If we apply these principles, which I called ‘the principle of neighbourly kindness’ things will turnaround for us. This will now be the meaning Easter.

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace, Most Rev Alfred Adewale Martins tasked the federal and state governments to inject new life in all that have gone moribund in the lives of the people and the nation, especially the economy and security, among others. Martins said no matter the situation, Nigerians should anchor their faith in God and believe He is capable of doing anything.

While describing Easter as God’s action on human victory, Martins said: “It is God’s action intervening in the situation of the human race, and therefore, bringing victory over sin, bringing new life, new purpose to human existence. And so, from that of point view, obviously God is capable of doing anything, nothing is beyond the power of God. We have challenges and problems such as leadership, fellowership, economic problems and all that and the tendency is to feel a sense of despondency. I want to tell Nigerians that all hope is not lost as long as God is on the throne.”

He called on those in power to manage the country well and the resources that God has given to Nigerians.

“We know that God does not do for us, what he has empowered us to do as human beings. He has given us the country, as well as natural and human resources but we have not managed them well that should be reminding all of us, particularly those who have leadership positions and take decisions that affect the lives of people that they need to do something urgently because so many things are dead in the lives the people.

“The poverty in the land is almost indescribable and the economy is bringing so much problems to the people and so, we expect to do things differently in a way that Nigerians can have a hope. That indeed is the whole essence of Easter celebration and how it can have effect in their own disposition and actions. Although there are improvements in some areas, but we’re not where we should be as a nation. So, the leaders should lift up all that have gone moribund in the life of our nation in terms of economy, security, loss of lives and property. Easter obviously is a time of joy, hope and restoration. I believe that what that should mean for us too is that in whatever way, in our individual capacity, we are able to contribute to bringing new life to people individually and to the nation generally, we should do it,” he added.

Archbishop of Aba Province and Bishop of IsialaNgwa South, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev Isaac Nwaobia said Easter has several positive interventions in the nation such as unity and reconciliation, ethical leadership, compassion and empathy, hope and renewal and humility and servant leadership.

He said Easter could have a transformative effect on the nation and political leaders, influencing them to prioritise unity and ethical leadership, among others.

He stressed that Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and considered the most important and oldest festival of the Christian Church.

He said: “Easter’s several positive interventions on our nation and political leaders include unity and reconciliation. Easter represents the message of forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation. This can inspire our nation and political leaders to promote unity and reconciliation among diverse groups, fostering a sense of harmony and understanding. Another intervention is ethical leadership. Easter teaches the importance of moral and ethical values. Political leaders, inspired by the principles of Easter, can be encouraged to demonstrate integrity, honesty, and servant leadership in their roles, promoting a more ethical and accountable government.”

He continued: “Compassion and empathy. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ highlight the notions of sacrifice and compassion. Political leaders, influenced by these teachings, can prioritise the welfare of the people they serve, showing empathy towards the marginalised and vulnerable and working towards creating a more just society.

“Easter signifies new life and hope. This can inspire political leaders to approach challenges with optimism, seeking innovative solutions and fostering a spirit of renewal within the nation. It can also encourage them to prioritise long-term planning and sustainable development for the betterment of future generation.

“Easter teaches the importance of humility and servant leadership. Political leaders can be inspired to prioritise the need of the people above their own, seeking to serve and uplift others rather than pursuing personal gain or power.

“Overall, the celebration of Easter can have a transformative effect on our nation and political leaders, influencing them to prioritise unity, ethical leadership, compassion, hope, humility, and servant leadership. These interventions can contribute to a more harmonious, just, and prosperous society,” Nwaobia added.
The Senior Pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), Matthew Ashimolowo, in his submission, underscores the importance of Christ resurrection.

He said without the resurrection of Jesus Christ lives would have been miserable and pitiful. The cleric who believes that Nigerians will overcome their challenges and predicaments, said: “The week of Easter starts in the most excruciating pain, suffering and death. It ends triumphantly in the glorious resurrection.”

He added: “Without the resurrection, our faith would have been worthless, hopeless, delusional. Our lives would have been miserable and pitiful. The Bible is a book, which captures many battles of life. But also shows a final victory. We will overcome. That is the true message of Easter.”

The Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos Chapter, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, describes Easter as a period of sober reflection, humility and dependence. He said Easter is a time when Jesus accomplished the assignment of salvation for mankind and based on that Nigerians can face tomorrow.

He said: “Because of Christ’s love for us, we have salvation on a platter of gold. He died for our sins, we don’t need any sacrifice of blood any more. He has used his blood as the ramson and because of that there is hope, peace and joy for us and reconciliation with our maker.

“Each time, we commemorate the period of Easter, we should know that it is a period of good news to all because God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him will not die but have everlasting life.”

Adegbite who believesthat Nigeria will come out of its challenges, said it is going to be well with the country and its citizens.

“God is going to renew the strength of everyone and the grace of God shall be sufficient for everyone,” he said.
He encouraged Nigerians and the leaders to believe and trust in the Lord for restoration and where the country should be as a nation.