Easter: Don’t allow mischief makers divide us – Buhari pleads

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians to prevent “the antics of a few mischief mongers to fragment the unity and faith that the vast majority of citizens of this country cherish and believe in.”

The President said this on Thursday in his Easter felicitation message to Christians and the entirety of Nigerians

In the statement issued by his spokesperson, Femi Adesina, the President renewed his calls for Nigeria to remain as one.

He also lauded the law enforcement and military personnel who he said had continued to confront “evil-minded individuals through the darkest of nights to keep us safe.”

“I am convinced that the new resolve within the security personnel to make sure that insecurity in the country becomes part of our history will come to pass,” he said.

The President noted that in 2020 “most of our major cities, our celebrations were somewhat subdued, as we battled the effect of the deadly Coronavirus pandemic.

“The restrictions meant that our brethren could not attend traditional church services as they would have wished. I salute their resilience and understanding.

“Today, we are able to congregate and worship together, cautiously.”

Mr Buhari also commended the sacrifices of doctors, nurses and other frontline health workers, “who have made the difference in saving lives and ensuring the reduction of the spread of the virus.

“I thank Nigerians who have religiously adhered to various interventions to curb the spread of COVID-19, including regular hand washing; safe distancing, wearing of face masks, and embrace of vaccination.

“We are united in our belief that if we do the right things, make the right decisions and act responsibly, the pandemic, like others before it, will no longer be a threat.”

While speaking on Easter, the President said, “it is an opportunity to renew hope and faith, show love and appreciation to one another and not to despair, no matter the challenges of the period.

“As a government, we will continue to ensure that the weak, the poor and the underprivileged in our midst are not abandoned.

“We have reached out with palliative care even in the midst of dwindling resources; we have tried our best to provide support to families and businesses affected at this time.

“That is the spirit of Easter. The spirit of Faith. The spirit of Belief. The spirit of Hope.”

“I congratulate our brothers and sisters once again on this occasion and wish everyone a Happy Easter celebration.”