As Curtain Falls on This Year’s Easter, Yobe Gov, Buni, Urges More Prayers for State, Nigeria

•Obi takes ‘one Nigeria, one people message’ to Onitsha mosque

•Uzodimma, Emmanuel speak on love, protection of public utilities

Chuks Okocha in Abuja, Michael Olugbode in Damaturu and Amby Uneze in Owerri

Yobe State Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, has urged the Christian faithful to use the Easter period to pray more for the state and the  country as a whole.

This was as the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, at Easter, visited Onitsha Central Mosque in Anambra State, to pray with them for a united Nigeria.

Buni made the call in a message felicitating with Christians on the occasion of the Easter period, saying, “We should pray for peace, unity, and prosperity of Yobe state and Nigeria.

 “The Easter is coming at a time when the Muslim faithful are observing the Ramadan fast, this provides us with an opportunity to pray for our dear state, the nation, and our leaders,” the governor said.

He urged the clergies and their followers to preach and spread the message of love and sacrifice as contained in the lessons of the Easter.

“We should concentrate more on the issues that unite us in spite of our individual and collective differences to move forward and prosper as a state and country,” Buni added.

He expressed gratitude to God for the improved peace enjoyed across the state, saying, “We should always pray and support, the security agencies in the continued fight against insurgency and crime generally.

“I wish the Christian community a very peaceful and memorable Easter celebration with a touch of love and sacrifice on the lives of your neighbours, especially those in need of care and support,” he said.

Obi Takes His One Nigeria, One People Message to Onitsha Mosque

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, on Easter day celebration visited Onitsha Central Mosque in Anambra State to pray with them for a united Nigeria.

Obi said the visit became necessary to show the commitment of all religions to the oneness and growth of Nigeria.

Writing on his X handle, Obi said, “In continuation of my Easter activities today, after sharing the Easter joys with the inmates of Onitsha Correctional Centre, earlier in the day, I was also at the Central Mosque, Onitsha to pray with the Muslim Community in the City who are in the last ten days of the Ramadan fasting.

“It was heartwarming to see how they were able to judiciously deploy the little resources I gave them last year for the renovation of their mosque.

“I took time to remind them, and indeed every Nigerian, of the need to transcend above religion and tribe, but in unity and brotherly love, continue to work hard for the development of our dear nation.

‘Our many challenges in our nation can be conquered by our unity of efforts, collaboration, and mutual respect. As I have always maintained, no religion, tribe, or political party buys food cheaper anywhere in Nigeria. We must, therefore, join hands in moving our nation from consumption to production, for the good of society.

“I shared my little Easter gifts with the community and appreciated them for their kind words, encouragement, and prayers. Together as one, we will build the New Nigeria,” he stated.

Uzodimma to Youths: Embrace Peace, Love, Shun Kidnapping, Killings

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has appealed to the youths of the state to stop indulging in criminal activities and embrace peace and love in the spirit of Easter.

Addressing the congregation at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Ozuh Omuma in Oru East local government area of the state on Easter Sunday, Uzodimma sought security to return to the state as such move would usher in massive development.

According to the governor, “Easter is the foundation of Christianity. Jesus brought salvation to humanity, so, if Christ has not risen, there would not have been any basis for Christianity.

“Therefore, the cardinal message of Easter is love because Christ died for the love he has for us. God brought his son as a ransom, which is the greatest love demonstrated ever in the history of humanity.

“As humans we may not on our own demonstrate the highest degree of love towards one another, but if we profess as true Christians, we must try to emulate our Lord Jesus Christ who is our true role model.

“It is most painful that as a state that is predominantly Christians, we have not been more involved in the way of the Lord. Yes, we have more Churches yet our hearts are still far from Christ and by extension from God.”

Emmanuel Seeks Public Utilities’ Protection

A former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, during Easter service at the weekend, said beyond the need to live in peace was the imperative of protecting public utilities and amenities for collective good.

Speaking at a thanksgiving service at the United Evangelical Church, Awa, in Onna Local Government Area of the state, Emmanuel explained that the facilities were provided in the interest and wellbeing of the people and, as such, must be protected against vandalism, misuse, theft, and abuse.

Emmanuel, who was accompanied by his wife, Dr. (Mrs) Martha Emmanuel and other members of his family, said as Christians, the people in the state must learn to live as one and eschew needless biases and ethnic sentiments that are inimical to development.

He prayed the special blessings of the season on the people and expressed optimism that Nigerians would live according to the virtues of Jesus Christ whose resurrection from death was being marked.

He decried the loss of parts of transformers to vandals in the area and urged every member of the community to be vigilant.

While praising Governor Umo Eno for his efforts towards the welfare of the people, Emmanuel used the occasion to call on individuals and community leaders to set up mechanisms to protect government installations against vandalism and theft.