By David Okpashi.
LAFIA —- As Nigerians joins Christians the world over to celebrate the the death and resurrection of Jesus, former NOA DG, Dr Mike Omeri, has called on Nigerians to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ, who was offered to be sacrificed for the sake of mankind.
Dr. Omeri, in an Easter message hr personally signed, tasked Nigerians to ensure the unity of the country, saying that both the Christians and other religious faithful should see themselves as the outcome of that sacrifice and therefore, unite to defeat the evil forces, disunity in the land.
Omeri congratulated the Christians on good Friday and for the successful completion of the Lenten period or fasting, which is to herald the Easter reflection, commemoration and celebrations of the Resurrection, a cardinal belief in christiandom.
He called on Christians to use the occasion to reflect on the lessons and significance of the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ in fulfilment of Biblical promises.
The former NOA DG urged public office holders to adopt the servant-leader attribute of Jesus Christ by enhancing the quality of the people’s lives rather than engaging in an inordinate quest to amass wealth to the detriment of development.
He called on the government to be sincere in its fight against insecurity and corruption, noting that culprits continued to display and enjoy free reign, pointing out that “Easter offers all of us another opportunity to appreciate the invaluable gifts of sacrifice.”
He also urged Nigerians to be vigilant and be community keepers rather than being indifferent to issues and threats to our humanity otherwise the lessons of this period would have been in vain for mankind, and every Nigerian citizen who has the natural rights to peaceful existence and quality life.
“At this period when we celebrate the risen Christ, I want to appeal to all Nigerians, particularly all those who because they are aggrieved, have resorted to taking arms against their fellow men, to have a rethink,” he said. “God does not support the shedding of human life in resolving disputes. Every life is sacred and, most thus, be respected. Continuous bloodshed is not the solution to our problems. Rather, it escalates pains and increases people’s agony.”
He called on all Nigerians not to lose hope but to continue to call on God in prayer for lasting peace. urging Christians to further see Easter celebration as a time to engage in a deep sober reflection and remedy past mistakes.
“It is the day and time considered by the church, as the peak of Jesus’ suffering and death,”
“In conclusion, I urge all Nigerians to take inspiration from the power that gives a new beginning that Easter represents. Let us come together as one people and work towards a brighter future for our nation,”he said.
