Easter: Jonathan Calls for Reconciliation, Sacrifices
President Goodluck Jonathan has said this year’s Easter is at a period of very critical national choices and decisions during which all Nigerians must be prepared and willing to make sacrifices for Nigeria’s greater unity, peace, political stability and progress.
Jonathan, in his Easter message to the nation yesterday, greeted all Nigerians, especially the Christian faithful, on the festival celebrations.
Our correspondent reports that this will be Jonathan’s last Easter message to Nigerians as president since he has lost his re-election bid.
He noted that for Christians all over the world, the major lessons of this year’s Easter celebrated in the midst of Nigeria’s general elections, are to be found “in the Messiah’s divine love and glorious self-sacrifice for the redemption of mankind”.
According to him, all Nigerians must see the opportunity of the Easter holiday to reflect deeply on what more they need to do as a people to ensure that the current political process is successfully concluded and that the country continues to move towards a better future for the citizens.
The president said he was happy that the nation had already successfully scaled the hurdle of the presidential and National Assembly elections.
Jonathan equally expressed optimism that the April 11 governorship and state assembly elections would also be conducted peacefully.
“To the glory and pride of our fatherland, our collective actions since March 28 have assured the world that the democratic spirit is alive and well in our nation. By the grace of God, our beloved nation, Nigeria is moving forward despite all challenges”, he said.
He also urged prayers for the country, saying “Let us all pray this Easter that God Almighty, who has brought us this far, will continue to bless our nation as we march onward towards the fulfillment of our collective vision of a truly united, strong and prosperous nation.
President Jonathan ended his message by wishing all Nigerians very happy Easter celebrations.