Bankole seeks end to violence Ademowo urges more sacrifice for nationAS Christians across the world prepare for this years Easter celebration, those in the country have been urged to practically exhibit and propagate the ideals of love, humility, tolerance and selflessness for which Jesus Christ died on the cross of Calvary.Eminent Nigerians who gave the charge include Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, Governors Gbenga Daniel (Ogun), Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta) and the Dean, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Adebola Ademowo.Bankole, in his Easter message, urged Nigerians to be tolerant, selfless and love one another, especially in this trying period in the nations political life, adding that this is the only way the essence of the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ will be appreciated and have meaning in the life of mankind.In a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser (Media), Mr. Ebomhiana Musa, Bankole said if indeed Nigerians imbibe these virtues, the senseless killings and destruction of property witnessed in some parts of the country in the last couple of days would not have been.Pleading with the Nigerian political class to learn to accept defeat, especially in a contest adjudged world-wide to be free and fair, Bankole admonished the winners to be humble and magnanimous, stretching hand of fellowship to their opponents.Governors Daniel and Uduaghan admonished Nigerians to imbibe the culture of love, peaceful and harmonious co-existence to avoid acrimony and divisiveness of the past.Daniel, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary in his Easter message in Abeokuta, insisted that the essence of the Easter period which, according to him, is sacrifice, love for humanity and total submission to the will of God should not be lost on all and sundry.He seized the opportunity to appeal to all Nigerians to continue to pray and work for the success of the elections and the transition programme.Uduaghan in his message urged Deltans to make commitment to the survival of the state and nation by shunning narrow and selfish acts, saying Jesus Christ showed the perfect example of selflessness, sacrifice, love moderation and peace. We should assimilate these virtues in our dealings with ourselves in both our public and private conduct. With peace, love and understanding, we can make progress and achieve the State of our collective dream.Ademowo, in his Good Friday message, called on political leaders in the country to show their commitment to better Nigeria by making sacrifices that will address the socio-political and economic challenges facing the masses, and put the nation on the path of real development.Our political leaders should always seek the common good instead of their own comfort. They should be sacrificial in their service to our great nation, Ademowo said, adding that government at all levels should ensure judicious use of resources and give priority attention to infrastructural development, poverty alleviation and building a nation that guarantees the future of the young Nigerians.The cleric, who is also the Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos and Bishop of Lagos, said: The disclosure by the Governor of the Central Bank that 25 per cent of our national overhead expenditure is currently spent on the National Assembly is an outrage. At a trying period when all aspects of our national infrastructure cry out for adequate funding and many of our people live in abject poverty, news that government officials are swelling their own account, is unconscionable.According to Ademowo, there is no sacrifice one can make for the growth of generations unborn that will not be reckoned with time. Jesus Christ knew this futuristic significance of His sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. He died for others to live and have everlasting peace, joy and rest. Let us determine in our hearts to promote the ideals of development and have absolute trust in God to move our country forward. There is great hope for Nigeria.The Anglican Archbishop of Ibadan Province, Most Rev. Joseph Akinfenwa called for an end to the post-election violence in the Northern part of the country.Akinfenwa, in his Easter message urged Nigerians to imbibe the principles of forgiveness, justice and unconditional love, which formed the bedrock of an egalitarian society.In the same vein, the Anglican Bishop of Lagos West, Rt. Rev. Peter Adebiyi who expressed concern over the incessant loss of lives and property said the time has come to put an end to ethno-religious crisis in the country.Candidate of the Fresh Democratic Party (FRESH) in the just concluded Presidential elections, Rev. Chris Okotie appealed to Nigerians to eschew violence and stop the killings of innocent citizens in some parts of the north following the declaration of President Jonathan as the winner of the polls.According to the Pastor-politician, violence would not resolve any dispute.The General Overseer of the Lords Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, urged Nigerians to use the occasion to seek God first. Muoka said as the country is under going a transformation process, Nigerians irrespective of their status should take the advantage of Easter celebration to amend their ways and allow Jesus Christ into their hearts. The Presiding Pastor of Kingdom of Light Ministries, Idimu, Lagos, Pastor Samson Makinwa describes Easter as an event that actually established Christianity.Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has kicked off special patrol tagged OPERATION ZERO to curtail road accident during Easter celebration and beyond.Also yesterday, the Lagos State government approved free bus ride for Lagosians between today and Monday, April 25, 2011.
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