By chibuike nkwede
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has assured Nigerians that the nation will soon overcome its security challenges, expressing confidence that the current wave of insecurity will be brought to an end.
Akpabio gave the assurance on Sunday in his Easter message delivered during the Ikot Ekpene Field Major Convention of The Apostolic Church, held at Ikot Obong Edong in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
The message was made public in a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong.
In his Easter reflection, the Senate President paid tribute to fallen security personnel and other victims of violence across the country, acknowledging the pain and grief being endured by many families.
He noted that several Nigerians have lost loved ones to the persistent security crisis, including members of the armed forces who continue to make sacrifices in the line of duty.
“Across our country, many families are passing through moments of grief and loss. Some have lost loved ones in the line of duty — our brave men and women in uniform who daily put their lives on the line to defend our nation,” Akpabio said.
He added that others have lost family members and friends in homes, places of worship, markets, farms and workplaces as the nation continues to confront insecurity.
Offering condolences to bereaved families, Akpabio said the entire nation shares in their pain and remains committed to honouring the memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
To such families, please know that your pain is shared by the entire nation. We mourn with you, pray for you, and honour the memory of those whose lives have been cut short. Their sacrifices can never be forgotten,” he stated.
Despite the prevailing concerns, Akpabio expressed optimism that the Easter season carries a message of hope, victory and renewal, insisting that peace would ultimately prevail in the country.
Drawing from the significance of Christ’s resurrection, he said Nigeria’s story would soon turn around for good.
“Just as the resurrection revealed the complete triumph of Christ, I firmly believe that soon Nigeria’s story will also reach its full and victorious conclusion: Nigeria defeats insecurity, evil and fear,” he said.
He urged citizens to embrace unity, compassion and solidarity, stressing that darkness would not have the final say over the nation.
“That is the hope Easter places before us. It teaches us that darkness never has the final word. It reminds us that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
“Therefore, let us reject hatred and division and embrace unity, compassion and solidarity as one people while we await our morning. Let us renew our faith in God and in the future of our country,” Akpabio added.
Also speaking during the convention, the Field Superintendent of The Apostolic Church and host of the event, Apostle (Dr.) E. O. Akpan, expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges.
He said sustained prayers, national unity and collective commitment would usher in an era of peace, stability and development.