President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful despite the country’s security challenges, stressing that sustained prayers are necessary to expose and defeat those behind acts of terrorism and violence.
Akpabio made the appeal on Sunday during an Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day celebration. The event, themed “God of Hope, Actualise our Dreams,” attracted senior government officials and worshippers who gathered to reflect on Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule.
Details of his remarks were contained in a statement released by his media office in Abuja.
Speaking at the service, the Senate President recalled his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State, explaining that he introduced monthly prayer sessions as part of efforts to confront growing incidents of kidnapping, militancy and killings in the state.
He said, “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?
“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 noted that while the country has made significant democratic progress, Nigerians must not ignore the security difficulties confronting many communities. He said the nation has repeatedly demonstrated resilience through different periods of hardship, including political instability, economic challenges, health emergencies and insurgency.
“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.
“But gratitude must never blind us to reality. President Bola Tinubu has directed that this year’s Democracy Day be observed in a low-key manner because of the current situation in the country.
“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.
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The Senate President also spoke about the emotional burden borne by victims and families affected by insecurity. Reflecting on his childhood experience during the Nigerian civil war, he said the suffering of abducted children and their loved ones remains a painful national concern.
He said, “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.
“I know something of that anguish. Yet what I experienced as a child cannot be compared with the horror, humiliation, cruelty and unspeakable ordeal these innocent children have endured since their abduction.
“It is a tragedy that wounds the conscience of our nation. But I assure you, there is a brighter tomorrow. The evil you see today, you shall soon see no more.”
Expressing confidence in ongoing government efforts, Akpabio assured Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains determined to restore peace, tackle insecurity and ensure the safe return of all those currently in captivity.
“We shall continue to act together, pray together, and continue to persevere until our children are safely returned and our nation is secure,” he added.
Also addressing the congregation, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the Federal Government was stepping up efforts to reduce economic hardship while intensifying security operations aimed at combating criminal activities and securing the freedom of abducted persons across the country.