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Christians Mark Easter Amid Messages Of Hope, Love And Joy

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Christians in Nigeria today join their counterparts all over the world to celebrate Easter which marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, symbolising His victory over death.

The celebration is culminated by the passion of Christ which was preceded by the season of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer and penance.

The Passion Week also referred to by Christians as the Holy Week was the period Jesus Christ suffered all kinds of humiliation in the hands of the Romans, resulting in his crucifixion on the Good Friday.

He was buried and on the third day, He resurrected and the celebration of His rise from the grave by Christians for over 2000 years has continued till today.

And as it always is, many churches in Nigeria are joining others across the globe to celebrate the Easter this year and have been enjoined to pursue love, peace and joy.

Imbibe virtues of love

In his Easter message, President Bola Tinubu called on Christians to imbibe the virtues of love, and sacrifice associated with the season.

The President also called on Nigerians to be compassionate to one another and work in unity. He called on Christians to imbibe the virtues of love, and sacrifice associated with the season.

“The President warmly greets Christians in Nigeria and around the world on this occasion, emphasising love, sacrifice, and compassion as the patent themes of this solemn season,” presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said.

“President Tinubu notes that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity is an emphatic lesson for leaders and all Nigerians to yield to selflessness and compassion, and be steadfast in the pursuit of a united, peaceful, and prosperous nation.”

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On assumption of office since May 2023, President Tinubu’s administration has embarked on several policies that have had an effect on the economy and the masses.

Tinubu brought to an end fuel subsidy and currency controls, leading to a tripling of petrol prices and a spike in living costs as the naira slid sharply against the dollar. Inflation was at 31.70 percent, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

But the current administration has repeatedly urged Nigerians to be patient over the reforms, which Tinubu says will bring more foreign investment to Africa’s largest economy.

Also in his Easter message, the President hailed the resilience and sacrifices of Nigerians, saying it is necessary for economic recovery.

“The President strongly commends Nigerians for the sacrifices they have made in the past few months for the nation to be steered to the path of recovery and sustainable growth, assuring them that the seeds of patience which they have sown are beginning to sprout and will in no time bring forth an abundance of good fruits.

“As Christians celebrate the victory of life over death as exemplified by the resurrection of Christ, President Tinubu assures all citizens that Nigeria will triumph over its challenges as his administration remains firmly committed to this end,” the statement read.

Atiku, Obi call for prayers
In his Easter message, former Vice President and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, said it is a time for Nigerians to come together to pray for the peace of the nation.

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The message which was posted on his X handle on Sunday, added, “Our shared experiences are bringing us to the conclusion that no matter what the forces of evil can do, when we are united in good conduct, we shall prevail.

“Our leaders at all levels should follow the virtues that define this season – sacrifice, love, and charity – and come together to help all Nigerians resolve the differences that divide us.

“We must not allow those who seek to divide us to pretend as if our problems are as a result of another ethnic or religious group.”

On his part, the candidate of the Labour Party in the last presidential election and a former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, called on Christians to use this Easter period to pray for Nigeria for country to “crown our efforts with success.”

Obi’s message posted on his X handle partly read, “Just as Our Lord Jesus, who made very painful sacrifices for the salvation of the world, which today we celebrate His glorious resurrection, we all must continue to labour, in unity, for the good of our nation, knowing that our labours will not be in vain.

“I, therefore, call on all Christians, in the spirit of Easter, to continue to pray for God’s intervention in our dear nation, so that even as we labour, as humans, for the sake of our nation, God will crown our efforts with success, and make the New Nigeria even more possible, beyond our human efforts. I wish everyone a very Happy Easter celebration.”

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National

JUST IN: IGP Withdraws Invitation to Sanusi

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April 6, 2025

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The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has withdrawn the invitation extended to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi.

The police chief, however, directed the Kano State command of the force to obtain the monarch’s statement in the State regarding the incident.

Egbetokun, who gave the directive through the spokesman of the police, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the withdrawal became imperative following the intervention of some stakeholders in the country.

The top cop also said his resolve was in line with the police’s commitment to ensuring that policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted.

Details shortly…

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Unity and Accurate Reporting Essential to End Plateau Violence, Says NSA

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April 6, 2025

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Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), has called on communities in Plateau to take proactive steps towards restoring peace, asserting that it is time to collectively declare an end to the ongoing violence that has plagued the state for many years.

During a condolence visit to Jos on Sunday, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ribadu expressed the president’s profound sorrow regarding the recent attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area, which resulted in numerous fatalities and the displacement of families.

“On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I am here to convey his heartfelt condolences to the people of Plateau in light of the recent crisis we have experienced,” he stated.

While acknowledging the prompt actions taken by security forces, the NSA emphasized that achieving lasting peace requires more than just military intervention. He urged residents, who have coexisted for generations, to engage in dialogue, foster unity, and seek reconciliation.

Ribadu noted that while the frequency of attacks has diminished compared to previous years, unresolved tensions still create opportunities for criminal activities.

“Our security forces are performing admirably. However, our communities have the potential to do even better. It is time to declare that enough is enough. When individuals within the same community fail to resolve their issues peacefully, criminals exploit the situation, leading to crises that escalate rapidly,” he cautioned.

He assured that both federal and state governments are collaborating closely to stabilize the region and praised Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for the visible improvements in the area’s security landscape.

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“The federal government is committed, and the state government is actively engaged. The governor’s efforts have been commendable, contributing to the relative improvements we are witnessing,” he remarked.

Discussing the challenge of misinformation, Ribadu urged the media to refrain from disseminating unverified or exaggerated casualty figures, warning that such reports could exacerbate already volatile situations.

“While we have mourned many losses, the figures circulating may not accurately reflect the reality. Nonetheless, every life lost is significant. We urge the media to ensure the accuracy of their reports. Truthful reporting is crucial for our collective healing and for maintaining peace and security,” he asserted.

He underscored that sustainable development hinges on peace, describing it as the cornerstone of progress. Despite Plateau experiencing recurring violence for over two decades, Ribadu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending the cycle of bloodshed.

“Without peace, nothing functions—there can be no progress, growth, development, education, or health. The president has made it clear: enough is enough. This cycle must end. We are committed to amplifying our efforts to achieve greater improvements,” he concluded.

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Tinubu vows severe punishment for Plateau attackers, condoles victims family

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12 hours ago

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April 6, 2025

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President Bola Tinubu has promised that the gunmen who killed many people in communities in Plateau State will be apprehended and face severe punishment under the law.

The President extended his condolences to the families of the victims in Ruwi, Hurti, and Tadai communities in Bokkos Local Government and those from Manguna and Dafo villages, where the gunmen launched brutal attacks, resulting in the loss of lives and the destruction of properties.

President Tinubu in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, also commiserated with the Government of Plateau State and Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

He urged the affected communities to cooperate with the authorities and security agencies by volunteering information to catch the perpetrators and secure their communities.

He assured Governor Mutfwang of his support in ending this spate of wanton bloodletting on the Plateau.

He directed the National Emergency Management Agency to work with state authorities to provide necessary support to the victims and bring immediate relief to the affected communities and those wounded during the attacks. NEMA will work closely with the state to ensure that affected communities rebuild and recover.

The President stated: “The report of another violent attack in communities in Plateau State by mindless gunmen saddens me. The latest attacks on defenceless citizens are unacceptable. I have directed security agencies to hunt down the attackers, and they will face severe punishment when apprehended. These intermittent attacks should have no place in our country at a time when we are working so hard to restore peace and order in all parts of our country. This unfortunate incident will never dampen and slow us down in our duty to protect every Nigerian citizen. Instead, we will work harder to exterminate forces of evil wherever they are lurking in our country.

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“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families and all those affected by this senseless violence.  No community should have to endure such tragedy. We all must unite to foster peace and stability. I urge all citizens—regardless of ethnic, religious, or political affiliations—to uphold the shared humanity that binds us all, embrace peace and reject retaliation.”

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