Notwithstanding the challenges that terrorists and other oppressors have caused for God’s people in Nigeria, the Catholic Archbishop of Nigeria’s Abuja Archdiocese has claimed that Nigerians may yet reclaim their motherland.
“Easter is also a moment to boost our dedication and zeal in addressing our concerns and difficulties, from insecurity and corruption to hunger and unemployment,” writes Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama in his Easter 2023 Message, which he released on his Facebook page on Easter Sunday, April 9.
“Without a doubt, from Boko Haram to banditry and abduction, to the threat of violence and terrorism, the stories are both heartbreaking and terrifying, just as the dreadful events of Good Friday were over two thousand years ago,” Archbishop Kaigama continues.
Easter, on the other hand, “reminds us that love and compassion can triumph even in the face of violence and persecution,” he writes, adding that through love and compassion, “we can reclaim our nation and make it a better place.”
In order to achieve this, Archbishop Kaigama believes that “Nigerians must once again learn to stand together as a country and sincerely strive towards peace and togetherness.”
“We must not be divided by race, religion, or political party.” “Corruption continues to be a hindrance to our country’s growth,” he claims, adding that “some of the reasons that fuel it are tied to ethnic and religious prejudice.” Easter reminds us that if we want to make Nigeria a better place, we must seek and protect the values of honesty and integrity.”
“We must hold our leaders accountable for their activities, demand openness in all acts of government, and demand a significant decrease in governance costs,” Archbishop Kaigama contends.
“In addition, we must contribute by leading honest and ethical lifestyles in all facets of our lives.” “We can only establish a Nigeria that is fair and just to everyone if we work together to enthrone a culture of trust and fight corruption,” says the Catholic Church leader, who was appointed Bishop of Nigeria’s Jalingo Diocese in April 1995.
“Nigeria needs leaders who can serve and lead without favoring groups or individuals at the expense of others under their care; leaders who ensure equity and always do only what is true, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy; not like Pilate, who, despite having the power to settle for the truth, handed Jesus over to be killed even when found guiltless.”
“Rather than living in scandalous luxury while the great majority of those who elected them struggle in horrible poverty, compounded by insecurity,” he continues.
“Our leaders must have a live conscience, not a dead conscience,” the Catholic Archbishop argues, “or else public monies are seized and misapplied, and government business expenses are exaggerated for selfish interests.”
“Nigerians want leaders who control the recruitment, employment, appointment, promotion, or admittance of people into vital organizations on the basis of merit, not ethnic, religious, or selfish geopolitical interests,” he contends.
“Some of our leaders believe they are above the law, lending credence to the adage that laws are like spider webs, where the poor and weak get caught but the rich and powerful easily break through,” he says, adding, “Our leaders must not use their power and economic advantage to become laws unto themselves.””
In his Easter Message, Archbishop Kaigama also cites Africa’s most populous nation’s “untold economic problems.”
“Unemployment is high,” he continues, “and many families are trying to make ends meet.” Our already low poverty rate has been compounded by the monetary crunch. Increasing tempers and an overall sense of discontent are the outcomes, which are both worrying and dangerous. Easter tells us that there is always the possibility of a better tomorrow.”
Nigerians are encouraged by the Catholic Archbishop of Nigeria “not to give up on their ambitions and aspirations because we know that our Redeemer lives.”
“We must continue to work hard and pursue our goals with dedication and endurance,” adds the 64-year-old Archbishop, “reinvigorated by the hope that He alone brings.”
“As we do so,” he adds, “we must also encourage one another in our aspirations and assist create chances for one another, regardless of ethnic heritage.”
“For only by working together and supporting one another will we be able to overcome our environment of fear, distrust, and suspicion, as well as the approaching economic calamity, and so create a tranquil now for ourselves and a brighter tomorrow for our family,” Archbishop Kaigama continues.
Commenting on the 2023 general elections, Archbishop Kaigama feels that “although individuals and portions of the country are offended, elections should never separate us but rather bring us together as a people in search of God-fearing leadership.”
“It is our joint obligation as leaders to handle the challenges that came from the recently finished elections in a fair and just manner to guarantee that our democracy continues to thrive.” “In everything, we must stress togetherness; working together to develop a Nigeria that is fair, just, and wealthy for all of its residents,” he says.
“Let us remember the message of hope and regeneration that it gives,” Archbishop Kaigama says as we prepare to celebrate Easter in 2023. Let us keep that hope alive as we face the challenges that lie ahead. Let us unite as a country, including those who won and those who lost elections.”
“Those who are unhappy with the election results should seek justice in the courts, and we hope they receive genuine justice.” “All that matters now and always is that we collaborate to guarantee a brighter future for Nigeria and all Nigerians,” he continues.
