President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Sunday expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its current security and economic challenges just as it survived previous political crises, military rule and global pandemics.
Akpabio spoke at an inter-denominational church service held at the National Christian Centre as part of activities marking this year’s Democracy Day celebration, according to a statement by his media aide, Jackson Udom.
The service, themed “God of Hope, Actualise Our Dreams,” drew senior government officials, political leaders and members of the clergy.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, the Senate President urged citizens not to lose hope despite the security and economic difficulties confronting the country.
According to him, the nation has repeatedly demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity and would emerge stronger from its present challenges.
“We have survived political upheavals and economic turbulence. We will survive insurgencies,” Akpabio said.
“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. Twenty-seven years of hope renewed.”
He, however, acknowledged the hardship facing many Nigerians, particularly the persistent insecurity across parts of the country.
Akpabio explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed that this year’s Democracy Day celebration be observed in a low-key manner in view of the prevailing 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.
“The kidnapping of innocent citizens, especially children, wounds the conscience of our nation,” he said.
The Senate President said the plight of victims of insecurity resonated deeply with him because of his childhood experience during the Nigerian Civil War. He said the pain of families whose loved ones remain in captivity was difficult to comprehend, describing the continued abduction of children as a national tragedy.
“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.
“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 them no more.”
Akpabio also called on Nigerians to sustain
prayers for the country, arguing that divine intervention remains critical in the fight against insecurity.
Recalling his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State, he said he introduced monthly prayer sessions at a time the state was grappling with militancy, kidnapping and other security threats.
He urged Nigerians to continue praying for the exposure and defeat of those behind acts of violence and insecurity.
“We must continue praying so that the evil doers and their sponsors shall be exposed. If they are in government, they shall be exposed. If they are outside government, they shall be exposed.
“Those sponsoring it, whether it is politically motivated or not, may they never have peace until they are defeated,” he said.
The Senate President assured Nigerians that the administration of President Tinubu remained committed to securing the release of persons held captive by criminal groups and restoring peace across the country.
“On the part of the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this administration remains steadfast in its determination to secure the freedom of those in captivity, defeat the forces of terror and criminality, and restore peace to our communities.
“We shall continue to act together, pray together and persevere until our children are safely returned and our nation is secure,” he added.
Also speaking at the service, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said President Tinubu had assured Nigerians that his administration would intensify efforts to reduce the economic hardship facing citizens.
Akume reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity and ensuring the safe return of all Nigerians currently in captivity.
