The Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, in southeast Nigeria, Most Rev. Hillary Okeke, has urged Christians in the country to use the occasion of this year’s Easter to promote peaceful co-existence in the country.
Okeke made this call in his Easter message entitled, ‘Easter; Victory over Enmity and Violence’ at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Nnewi on Friday.
He said Christians should take a cue from Jesus Christ, who demonstrated love for humanity when in spite of the suffering ahead of him, submitted himself to those who humiliated and killed him.
The bishop said that the security situation in Nigeria was not at its best but enjoined the people not to return violence for violence, but have faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“Christians in Nigeria are challenged to bring about peace and reconciliation for all Nigerians; with the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, Christians are assured of victory not minding what people do.
“Christians are expected to emulate the way of Jesus Christ; the way is one of love and peace in the world,” he said.
He said the resurrection, which gave Christ the ultimate victory could still give lovers of peace in Nigeria victory in the face of attacks, violence, killings, hardship and swords.
“While people have the right to defend themselves against attacks and violence, Christians should not be multipliers and promoters of enmity and violence.
“I appeal to you all Nigerians; Christians and members of other religions, especially those in government to do all that is possible to reduce violence, killings and destructions in our country.
“May Easter, the celebration of victory of Jesus Christ’s suffering and dead bring peace to Nigeria,” he said.
Also in Lagos, the Most Rev. Adebola Ademowo, the Diocesan Bishop of the Church of Nigeria, has urged Nigerians to play their part in reviving the value system of the citizenry.
Ademowo, the Dean Emeritus (Anglican Communion), in his Easter message, on Friday, urged Nigerians to be God fearing, hardworking and responsible as citizens, who want to see Nigeria as a country worth sacrificing for.
According to him, there is the need to restore our values. We have sacrificed our value system on the altar of greed, indiscipline, selfishness and insatiable craze for material wealth acquisition.
“The national rebirth must begin with the family through the inculcation of values and virtues of truth, fairness, selflessness and justice.
“It is time for our leaders to demonstrate the fear of God and consult with Him on the affairs of the nation.
“The point of worry is that corruption has in the last 35 years, assumed a dimension that is difficult to explain; a new culture of accountability should replace the prevailing reign of impurity,” he said.
The cleric, who lauded President Muhammadu Buhari administration, urged the government to do all that is possible to rescue all the abducted Chibok and Dapchi girls from captivity.
NAN
https://www.africaprimenews.com/2018/03/26/news/christians-in-northern-nigeria-cry-out-against-unfair-treatment/
