President Muhammadu
Buhari on Friday said it’s “unfortunate” that Christians will celebrate Easter
in a “subdued manner, away from the usual congregation in churches.”
Buhari had ordered a
lockdown in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun States for 14 days in a bid to combat the
spread of Coronavirus across the country.
This had led to the
restriction of both social and religious gatherings.
However, Buhari in
his Easter message urged Christians to rekindle their faith in Christ because
they will overcome.
In the message he
personally signed, Buhari rejoiced with Christian brothers and sisters, as well
as all Nigerians on the occasion of the celebration of this year’s Easter.
He said: “This
year’s commemoration of Easter comes amid the grip with which Covid-19 has held
the entire world.
“Unprecedented in
living memory, the majority of Christians have found themselves marking Easter
in a subdued manner, away from the usual congregation in churches. This is
unusual and very unfortunate.
“However, I wish to
enjoin our Christian compatriots to rekindle their faith in Christ who overcame
persecution, sufferings and displayed endurance, steadfastness and above all
piety.
“Jesus Christ
represented man’s ability to withstand temporary pains in the hope of
everlasting glory.
“I urge you to
imbibe and live the values of humility, discipline, perseverance, sacrifice and
obedience which Jesus Christ demonstrated during His stay on earth.”
He urged Christians
to intensify prayers and remain steadfast so Nigeria can pull through this
difficult time.
“There is no better
opportunity than now for all Christians in particular, and Nigerians in
general, to remain faithful and hopeful that with intensified prayers backed by
personal and collective responsibility, the nation shall pull through this most
difficult trial.
“I have no doubt
that if all stakeholders – individuals and groups – play their part to the
fullest as advised by our scientists and medical experts in confronting
Covid-19, the inherent resilience and determination of our people will enable us
to pull through.
“As I stated in my
national broadcast on Sunday, March 29, 2020, since there is currently no known
vaccine against the virus, “the best and most efficient way to avoid getting
infected is through regular hygiene and sanitary practices as well as social
distancing.
“May I use this
opportunity to commend the encouraging containment and ameliorating strategies
put in place by members of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19,” he said.
Lamenting that the
restriction was affecting Nigerians, Buhari, however, appealed for patience
stressing that the measure was in the interest of all.
He said: “I am very
much aware of the personal and collective inconveniences suffered by our people
due to measures such as restriction of movements and closure of business
premises. Being “a matter of life and death,” these sacrifices are in
everybody’s interest to save our country from calamity.
“The welfare of our
people is paramount. Accordingly, the most economically vulnerable in our
communities will continue to be uppermost in our plans, and efforts will be
made to supply them with basic means of survival.
“While we see the
Covid-19 pandemic as a global challenge, this administration is not oblivious
of the constant threat posed to our national security by terrorists and
insurgents. They may take this opportunity to perpetrate attacks. But our armed
forces and other security and intelligence services will remain vigilant and
continue to contain these threats and consolidate efforts to eradicate them completely.
“As we mark this
year’s Easter, whatever the circumstances, I encourage you to make the most of
the situation, and to keep safe.”
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