The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has enjoined Nigerians to hold on to hope that the country will overcome the current insurgencies just as it survived past political upheavals and pandemics.
Akpabio spoke on Sunday at an interdenominational church service at the National Christian Centre as part of activities marking this year’s Democracy Day celebration.
The theme of the special service was, “God of Hope, Actualise Our Dreams.”
The Senate President urged Nigerians to count their blessings as they celebrate 27 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria.
Akpabio told the congregation: “We have survived political upheavals and economic turbulence. We will survive insurgencies.
“We have survived pandemics like Ebola and COVID-19 and seasons of despotism. Yet here we stand: 27 years of democratic governance, 27 years of constitutional order, 27 years of renewed hope.
“But gratitude must never blind us to reality. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that this year’s Democracy Day be observed in a low-key manner because of the current situation in the country.
“There is no denying that insecurity continues to trouble our land. Communities have been attacked. Farmers fear returning to their fields. Travellers journey with uncertainty. Families mourn loved ones lost to violence and criminality.
“The kidnapping of innocent citizens, especially children, wounds the conscience of our nation.”
Akpabio said the pain was deeply personal to him, having experienced the trauma of violence, insecurity and terror during the Nigerian Civil War.
“That is why my heart breaks for every child in captivity and every parent who lies awake through the long hours of the night, not knowing whether a son or daughter is safe, hungry, frightened or even alive.
“I know something of that anguish. Yet what I experienced as a child cannot be compared with the horror, humiliation, cruelty and unspeakable ordeal these innocent children have endured since their abduction.
“It is a tragedy that wounds the conscience of our nation. But I assure you there is a brighter tomorrow. The evil you see today, you shall soon see no more.
“When I had the opportunity to serve as governor about 19 years ago, I started monthly prayers. I used to ask myself a question whenever there was militancy, kidnapping and killing. I would say, ‘What if we were not praying?’ today, I want you to ask the same question. With the things happening around us, what if we were not praying?
“We must continue praying so that the evildoers and their sponsors shall be exposed in Jesus’ name. If they are in government, they shall be exposed in Jesus’ name. If they are outside government, they shall be exposed in Jesus’ name.
“Those sponsoring it, whether it is politically motivated or not, may they never have peace until they are defeated.
“On the part of the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this administration remains steadfast in its determination to secure the freedom of those in captivity, defeat the forces of terror and criminality, and restore peace to our communities.
“We shall continue to act together, pray together and persevere until our children are safely returned and our nation is secure,” Akpabio said.
Also speaking during the service, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said President Bola Tinubu had assured Nigerians that his administration would intensify efforts to ease the economic hardship facing citizens.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to defeat insecurity and secure the release of all persons held captive across the country.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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