President Muhammadu Buhari has pleaded with Christian community in Nigeria to bear with the government over the lockdown situation, brought about by the spreading coronavirus.
In his Easter message today, April 10, the President said that the sacrifices we are all called to make might be unbearable but that they are necessary to save the country from calamity.
“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.”
The President he felicitated with “Christian brothers and sisters,” noted that this year’s Easter has come amid the grip with which coronavirushas held the entire world.
He regretted that majority of Christians have found themselves marking the 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.”
Buhari advised Christians to imbibe and live the values of humility, discipline, perseverance, sacrifice and obedience which Jesus Christ demonstrated during His stay on earth.
According to the President, 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.”
President Buhari commended the encouraging containment and ameliorating strategies put in place by members of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19.
He made it clear that despite the government concentration on the battle against coronavirus spread, it would not be oblivious of the constant threat posed to 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.”
Buhari said that as Nigeria joins the Christian world to mark this year’s Easter, “whatever the circumstances, I encourage you to make the most of the situation, and to keep safe.”
