Jonathan, Osinbajo, Dogara, Task Christians on Unity, Sacrifice
Our Correspondents
Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara and Deputy Speaker, Hon. Yussuf Lasun, have urged Nigerians to show love and tolerance for each other, especially for those God has seen fit to put in positions of influence.
In his Easter message yesterday, Jonathan advised leaders to imbibe the qualities of Jesus Christ whose resurrection we celebrate.
He added that even though Christ was heavily reviled and criticised, He never retaliated and even prayed for those who reviled Him.
The former president said: “On this Easter Sunday, I urge all Nigerians to show love and tolerance for each other, especially for those God has seen fit to put in positions of influence.
“Leaders should imbibe the qualities of our Lord and Saviour, whose resurrection we celebrate. Even though He was heavily reviled and criticised, He never retaliated and even prayed for those who reviled Him.
“Nigerians are not animal. Together, we are perhaps some of the most decent, Godly and accommodating people on God’s earth. We must never forget that. He is risen and Nigeria will also rise.”
Also, Osinbajo said as the world marked the death and resurrection of Jesus yesterday, Nigeria was equally on the path of resurrection and progress.
Osinbajo who made the remark while answering questions from journalists after the Easter service at the Aso Rock Chapel, said the resurrection of Jesus Christ implied that the country was moving out of its present challenges to a path of greater hope and peace.
‘’The resurrection of Jesus Christ is also a strong and powerful message to the nation.
‘’The message is that our nation is on the path of resurrection, it’s on the path of progress, it’s on the path of elevation.
‘’We are moving out from all our challenges and we are going to a place of greater hope, peace and prosperity and abundance for all of us,” he said.
On his part, Dogara tasked Christians to embrace peace, unity and sacrifice as they mark Easter in commemoration of the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
He urged Christians to emulate the selfless sacrifice which Jesus made for mankind.
In a press statement to mark the event, he asked Nigerians to show unity, love and sacrifice for the unity and development of the country.
Dogara said: “As we celebrate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross of calvary for the redemption of our souls, I urge you all to draw lessons from the selfless service of Christ.
“It is important that such love that Jesus Christ had for mankind to lay down his life for us is what we must show to one another, irrespective of tribe, status or religion.
“It is by so doing that Nigeria can grow in peace and attain only meaningful progress.”
Also, Lasun enjoined Nigerians to embrace the spirit behind Easter celebration. love and treat one another with becoming kindness.”
Obi prayed for the deepening of the commitment toward the governed by the government so that Nigeria will in no distant time record improvements commensurate with its human and natural resources .
He said this Easter particularly offers Nigerians the opportunity to think about their country and realise that the progress of the country was dependent on Nigerians working together in the spirit of love rather than building, encouraging and nurturing the culture of hate and retrogression.