Maha Christopher
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayer and faith, urging that those sponsoring terrorism and insecurity in the country be exposed and brought to justice.
According to The Punch, Akpabio made the appeal during an Inter Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja as part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration.
Speaking at the event themed “God of Hope, Actualise Our Dreams,” the Senate President recalled how he introduced monthly prayer sessions while serving as governor of Akwa Ibom State to confront rising cases of militancy, kidnapping and killings.
“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.
“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.”
Akpabio acknowledged the pain caused by insecurity across the country, noting that many communities have suffered attacks while families continue to grapple with kidnappings and violent crimes.
“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.
The Senate President, who reflected on his childhood experience during the Nigerian civil war, expressed sympathy for victims of abduction and their families.
“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.
Despite the challenges, Akpabio maintained that Nigeria’s democratic journey remains a story of resilience and endurance.
“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 stated.
He also assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains committed to restoring peace, tackling insecurity and securing the release of all abducted persons.
“We shall continue to act together, pray together, and continue to persevere until our children are safely returned and our nation is secure,” Akpabio added.
Also speaking at the service, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to address economic hardship and strengthen security operations across the country.
