Godswill Akpabio, the president of the senate has called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayer and hope, declaring that those sponsoring terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the country must be exposed.
Akpabio made the appeal on Sunday during an inter-denominational church service held at the national christian centre, Abuja, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s democracy day celebration.
The senate president said his experience as governor of Akwa Ibom State convinced him of the importance of prayer in confronting insecurity, recalling how he introduced monthly prayer sessions during a period of militancy, kidnappings and killings in the state.
“When I had the opportunity to serve as governor about 19 years ago, I started monthly prayer. I used to ask myself a question whenever there was militancy, kidnapping and killing. I would say, what if we were not praying?” he said.
“Today I want you to ask the same question, the things happening around us, what if we were not praying. We must continue praying so that the evil doers and their sponsors shall be exposed in Jesus Name.”
Akpabio prayed that those behind acts of terror and insecurity would be unmasked regardless of their status.
“If they are in government, they shall be exposed. 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,” he stated.
The church service, themed “God of Hope, Actualise Our Dreams,” brought together senior government officials, religious leaders and worshippers to reflect on Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.
While acknowledging the pains inflicted by insecurity across the country, Akpabio expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome the current challenges, just as it had survived previous crises.
“We have survived political upheavals, economic turbulence. We will survive insurgencies. We have survived pandemics like Ebola and COVID-19 and seasons of despotism. Yet here we stand. Twenty-seven years of democratic governance. Twenty-seven years of constitutional order and hope renewed,” he said.
The senate president noted that President Bola Tinubu directed that this year’s Democracy Day celebration be observed in a low-key manner in consideration of the prevailing security situation.
“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,” he said.
Speaking emotionally about the plight of victims of abduction and their families, Akpabio said the suffering endured by kidnapped children and their parents remains a national tragedy.
“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,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains committed to restoring peace, defeating criminal elements and securing the release of all abducted persons.
“There is a brighter tomorrow. The evil you see today, you shall soon see no more,” Akpabio added.
Also speaking at the service, George Akume, the secretary to the government of the federation said the federal government was intensifying efforts to tackle insecurity, secure the release of kidnapped victims and address economic challenges facing Nigerians.
