Easter: Leaders recommend Christ’s teachings on peace

Easter: Leaders recommend Christ’s teachings on peace

Easter: Leaders recommend Christ’s teachings on peace

From Hassan Ibrahim, Lafia; Lami Sadiq, Jos; Sikirat Shehu, Ilorin; Nabob Ogbonna, Abakaliki; Abdullateef Aliyu and Dotun Omisakin, Lagos; & Ibrahim Sawab, Maiduguri

Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has called on Christians and all the people of the state to be conscious of the teachings of Jesus Christ on peace and demonstrate tolerance accordingly in their relationship with people.

In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Ahmed Tukur yesterday in Lafia, the governor called on the people to exercise patience and other virtues of Jesus Christ.

In Plateau State, Governor Simon Bako Lalong said he is committed to peace, stressing that his administration will continue encourage peaceful co-existence among the people.

Lalong who made the commitment over the weekend in Yelwa, Shendam local government area of the state during a reception organized for sons of the community who have been appointed to serve in various capacities by President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Lalong, said Yelwa, the place of deadly clashes between Muslims and Christians that led to a declaration of state of emergency in the whole of Plateau State by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, is the place to preach the apostle of peace.

And the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Dr. Ali Ahmad has enjoined Nigerians to be strong in the face of challenges facing the country, saying that with unity of purpose and collective commitment to peaceful communal life, Nigeria would soon overcome the crises.

Ahmad who made the charge in an Easter message issued by his Media Aide, Shuaib Abdulkadir in Ilorin at the weekend, urged Nigerians to utilize their differences in religions, ethnicity and languages to make the country great.

In Ebonyi State, Governor David Umahi called on the people to always reflect the purpose of the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Umahi who made the call in his Easter message to the people, urged them to pray for unity and improved economy of the nation as well as for the leaders, including President Muhammadu Buhari.

To celebrate the Easter season, commuters of the newly- inaugurated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Lagos enjoyed free transportation from the bus terminals to their respective destinations.

The buses which ply various routes conveyed commuters free of charge as they celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The BRT terminals which were filled to the brim with passengers waiting patiently for the next available buses include Ojota, Maryland, Anthony, Onipanu, Obanikoro, Palmgrove, among others.

Even away from the free buses, it was celebration galore in Lagos yesterday as Christian worshippers trooped to their respective churches to mark the day amidst tight security. A cleric, Pastor Michael Lawson of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) urged Christians to renew their faith in Jesus Christ as His resurrection signifies that he is alive.

Meanwhile, Lagos-based National Missioner of Nashirullahi Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), Alhaji Abdullahi Akinbode has described Easter as one of the important festivities in Christianity, while wishing Christian adherents a Happy Easter.

In Maiduguri, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar who at the weekend visited Borno State, had lunch with battlefield troops who just came out from various trenches to host the chief in order to collectively observe the Easter celebration.

Having the lunch with the ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ Commander, Maj.-Gen. Leo Irabor alongside his field commanders and the frontline solders, Abubakar said he was in Maiduguri to visit the troops and encourage them to continue with the good job.