Easter: Clergy wants Nigerians to rise in oneness against terrorism

The Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of Easter to rise in oneness, truth, faith and good work to end terrorism in Nigeria.

Badejo, who made the call in an interview on Saturday in Ibadan, also called on stakeholders to join hands in prayer to restore sanity, unity and progress in Nigeria.

“It will be a shame on all believers if we do nothing about kidnapping, armed robbery, killings, social vices and all general depravity in our country.

“We need to work for freedom for captives like Leah Sharibu, kidnapped students and so many other victims, as long as they are in that condition, it’s all of us that are in captivity.

“We must all rise from the tragedy of our times and change to Easter of joy and victory, let’s cause those around us to feel the good news by sharing the hope and joys of Easter with them.“

The Catholic Bishop further called on government at all levels to do their best to restore security of lives and property in the country.

He cautioned Nigerians against the shedding of innocent blood, while appealing to them to return to the belief in the sanctity and dignity of every human life.

“Easter should remind our leaders that true leadership must be courageous, selfless and seek the interest of people. Our leaders should rule in love and fear of God,“ he said.

He noted that every lives were sacred and the loss of any was unacceptable, adding that Nigerians must work together irrespective of their religious affiliations for justice rather than antagonise each other.

“We must allow our theology to guide our ethics not to bend our religion to our false and evil practices as many do.

“We are reminded to be people of hope, reconciliation and peace. Christ’s death and resurrection brought us hope that cannot disappoint us.

“At Easter, we are called to be witnesses of God’s power and Jesus’ resurrection, our task in this world is to work with the Holy Spirit for peace and reconciliation even in difficult circumstances.

“Because Jesus was a man of peace, so lets emulate Him,” he said.

Badejo also noted that through Easter, the victory over death was won by Jesus, which in return gave Christians hope of eternal life.

“Easter calls us out of sin, Easter Sunday is the passing out parade day from all lenten gloom and fast, because the strife is over, Easter clears the doubts of Good Friday.

“Showing that after pain, sorrow, God can bring joy and victory.

“We shout halleluyah, Jesus is alive, wish everyone a happy Easter of consolation to those in sorrow and joy to the world,” he said.