Easter: CAN, Obi, Kaigama greet Christians, want actions on Nigeria’s challenges
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, have felicitated with Christians and other Nigerians on the celebration of this year’s Easter. This is contained in separate statements by the trio on Sunday in […]
Easter celebration
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, have felicitated with Christians and other Nigerians on the celebration of this year’s Easter.
This is contained in separate statements by the trio on Sunday in Abuja.
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of CAN, said that Easter stands as the cornerstone of Christian faith, reminding faithful of the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ for the redemption of humanity.
“In Nigeria, Easter is not only a religious observance but also a vibrant cultural celebration. From the colourful parades in the streets of Lagos to the solemn processions in the villages of the North, some of which begin with the waving of palm branches a week before, this period reveals the rich blend of our nation’s diverse expressions of faith and tradition.
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“It is a time when families gather, communities unite, and our rich cultural heritage is showcased through music, dance, and festive gatherings. These celebrations beautifully reflect both our faith and our shared identity.
“We remain mindful of the many challenges faced by our brothers and sisters in Christ, especially in regions where they endure persecution for their beliefs. Yet, even in the face of adversity, the spirit of Easter endures. It reminds us that, just as Christ rose from the dead, we too can rise above trials through faith, resilience, and unity,” Okoh said.
He urged all Christians to use this Easter season as a time for deep reflection, earnest prayer, and spiritual renewal, by strengthening the bonds of fellowship, extend compassion to those in need, and strive to build a more just and caring society.
He said, “This Easter, let us be intentional in acts of kindness and charity, reaching out to the marginalised and the suffering. Let us also promote dialogue and reconciliation, working towards greater unity within our communities and across the nation. In the spirit of Easter, may we reach out to neighbours of other faiths, fostering mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.”
In a separate statement, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Abuja, said that in this spirit of reflection and renewal, citizens are called to examine not only their personal lives but also the collective state of the nation.
“Easter is not just a Christian ritual—it is a powerful reminder that light always follows darkness, and life prevails over death. Yet, even as we celebrate, our hearts are heavy with grief and concern over the senseless bloodshed and insecurity that continue to plague our land.
“We mourn the tragic and reckless killing of innocent travellers in Uromi, Edo State—lives cut short without reason or mercy. We grieve the repeated violence and massacres in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas of Plateau State, where entire communities are being decimated.
“These attacks have left families shattered and dreams destroyed, and they underscore the urgent need for a sincere and coordinated response to insecurity across Nigeria.
“We are also alarmed by the continual hunger and economic hardship gripping our people. Families struggle daily to put food on the table, and children go to bed hungry in a nation so richly blessed. The desperation in the land is palpable, and it calls for immediate action from all levels of government, faith-based institutions, and citizens.
“As Jesus fed the multitudes with compassion, so must we work together to ensure that no Nigerian goes hungry in the midst of plenty,” Kaigama said.
He said that equally distressing is the increasing trend of kidnapping and targeted attacks on clergy, especially priests who dedicate their lives to serving others.
The archbishop lamented that these brutal acts not only rob families of their loved ones but also strike at the heart of the moral and spiritual fabric, as every priest kidnapped or murdered is a blow to the conscience of the nation.
He also said that the recent political tensions and institutional breakdown that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State are deeply troubling.
He said, “While government intervention in moments of crisis is sometimes necessary to restore order and protect democratic institutions, we must be cautious in our reactions and avoid actions that could further polarize an already tense environment. Let this moment serve as a call to all stakeholders – political leaders, traditional authorities, civil society, and citizens – to embrace dialogue over division.
“No democracy can thrive without the culture of give and take, live and let live.
Power, like life, is transient. Therefore, we must strive to build bridges and not burn them, to prioritize the welfare of the people over personal or party interests. Let us resist the temptation of inflammatory rhetoric and embrace peace, understanding, and mutual respect as the pathway to lasting stability.
“We must also be deeply concerned about the rising tide of acrimonious political rhetoric that is spreading across the nation. Words are powerful, and when used carelessly, they can inflame tensions and deepen our divisions. This is not yet the time for political campaigns or endless jostling for power.
“Our country is bleeding – our people are hungry, unsafe, and disillusioned. It is therefore imperative that politicians in government focus more on addressing the real challenges before us: ending insecurity, reviving the economy, and restoring the dignity of Nigerian lives.
Leadership is a sacred responsibility, not a contest of noise. Let us prioritize governance over politics, solutions over slogans, and unity over personal ambition. Nigeria needs healing, not hostility.”
Kaigama said that as a people, citizens must rise above despair, division, and violence and be committed to peace, justice, and truth.
He said, “Let us demand accountability and protection for every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, faith, or region.”
On his part, Peter Obi urged Nigerians to use the occasion of Easter to pray for compassionate leaders, who will share in their pains and act appropriately.
Obi, in an Easter message, said that compassionate leaders always think of the people in the consequences of their actions and inactions.
“At Easter, what Christians celebrate is the huge sacrifice Jesus Christ made for mankind. Therefore, there is no better time to pray for tender-hearted and caring leaders for our country than at Easter when we saw in Jesus a remarkable, compassionate leader.
“What is apparent in Nigeria today as insecurity and myriads of problems engulf the land is a visible abdication of responsibility by insensitive and indifferent leaders.
“Nigeria deserves better leadership than they are getting to turn the natural and human capital gifts from God to the benefit of the populace,” Obi said in the statement signed by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Umar.