Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate, has advised Nigerians not to give up in the face of hardships and provocations because Easter is a time of promise and hope for all who believe.
In a message on Saturday addressed to Nigerian Muslims fasting during Ramadan and Christians enjoying Easter, he made the call.
Muslims are currently observing a 30-day period of fasting and special prayers that will end with Eid, according to Obi. El Fitr stated that he is praying for a prosperous and peaceful Nigeria alongside them during this solemn time.
He said, “To our Muslim brothers and sisters who are well into the Ramadan fasting period, which will culminate in the Eid El Fitr, my special greetings and prayers are with you as we look forward to a joyous celebration.
“Given that we are all united as brothers and sisters, and in our trust in the mercies and infinite benevolence of God Almighty, I urge all Nigerians particularly the youths not to despair in the face of many challenges and tribulations we are facing as a country.
“We continue to thank God for all His blessings on Nigeria and pray for a better and New Nigeria where equity, fairness, peace, unity, accountable leadership, and prosperity shall reign.
“If Jesus, our messiah, died for us and rose from the dead to fight for us, why should we give up on anything?” Obi asked in the Easter message.
“Every religion believes that God our creator is of justice, so why should we as his children not expect it from him?
“The main significance of Easter that the Christendom celebrate this time is that it marks the Resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his death by crucifixion.
“The three most significant events in it are the trial of Jesus, the death of Jesus, and finally the resurrection.
“What is the strength here for us, it gives all who believe in Christ the courage and hope that the Lord they serve, worship, and adore is alive and not dead. And that Good Friday must come before Easter Sunday. Meaning that the road to Alleluia is not smooth but it must come.
Obi added that “Easter is therefore a celebration and festival of hope knowing that our messiah is alive and not dead. Easter gives us hope of eternal life which is what every believer is working for.
“If therefore we know that Easter gives us hope that our savior is alive after dying for our sake, why should we despair.?
“So, fellow Nigerians, dear obidients, of all faith and class, never despair as I pray that the blessings of the resurrection will remain with us in the face of any tribulations because our redeemer is living and active”
He wished all Christians a joyous Easter and prayed that the teachings and benefits of the holiday would endure.