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Easter: Show Love To All, Jonathan, Wike Urge Nigerians
Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike and former Senate President, David Mark have urged Christians in Nigeria to show untainted love, spirit of forgiveness and sacrifice, as they celebrate this year’s Easter.
In their separate Easter messages, Jonathan, Wike and Mark also called on Nigerians to use the period to pray for the peace of the country and the stability of her democracy.
Jonathan said: “On this Easter Sunday, I urge all Nigerians to show love and tolerance for each other, especially for those God has seen fit to put in positions of influence.
“Leaders should imbibe the qualities of our Lord and Saviour, whose resurrection we celebrate.
“Even though He was heavily reviled and criticized, He never retaliated and even prayed for those who reviled Him. Nigerians are not animals.
“Together, we are perhaps some of the most decent, Godly and accommodating people on God’s earth.
“We must never forget that. He is risen and Nigeria will also rise. Happy Easter Sunday!”
On his part, Wike felicitated with Christians on the celebration of Easter, urging them to emulate Jesus Christ by making sacrifices that will advance the course of development.
The governor noted that Easter exemplifies the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ to save mankind, noting that as individuals, Christians must take into consideration the welfare of others.
He called on the people of Rivers State to re-dedicate themselves to the service of the state as they reflect on the ideals of the Easter celebration.
Wike assured the good people of Rivers State that he will continue to make sacrifices for the state, defend her interests and ensure that the people always enjoy good governance.
He said, “Easter is a period of fresh beginning, forgiveness, love and friendship,” and urged the privileged to reach out to the less privileged as everyone works to deepen the culture of true Christianity.
While wishing the people of the state a Happy Easter celebration, Wike assured them of their security before, during and after the celebrations.
Also, Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo described Easter as the foundation of Christianity.
The deputy governor stated this in a good will message from the Government House in Port Harcourt to commemorate the 2018 Easter celebration.
According to Banigo, “Man lost his exalted position in the Garden of Eden as a result of sin but the Almighty God gave us another opportunity to reconcile us to Him by allowing His Son to die in order to bring us back to a state of perfection for us to make heaven, if only we can repent and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour”.
She said the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ was real and not a fable, noting that Easter celebration was a reminder of God’s love for mankind.
In the same vein, the Rivers State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bro. Felix Obuah urged Christians to use the Easter celebration to pray for the continued success of the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike.
Obuah, in his special Easter message to Christians, said such prayers would go a long way to engender good governance and uplift the well-being of the people.
He stressed that the price for Christ’s death for humanity was immeasurable as the Christian faith is anchored on His death and resurrection.
“It would have been unimaginable what would have befallen Christians if Jesus had not resurrected after telling the world that he would die and rise on the third day”, Obuah stated.
The PDP chairman stated that the Christian faith is driven by the Holy Spirit, and urged Christians to call on Him for divine power if we must live above the natural.
He charged Christians and people of the state to make sacrifices and complement government’s effort by meeting one another’s needs, adding that this period calls for a renewed spirit to support one another, pray and fast.
Obuah noted that the Nyesom Wike-led government needs their prayers for God’s favour and mercies to meet the socio-economic needs of the people.
“Our governor needs our support and we have to do the needful like carrying out our obligations as good citizens. We should not sabotage his efforts by engaging in acts inimical to his administration,” said the PDP chairman.
Similarly, the immediate past President of the Senate, David Mark has again harped on the need for citizens to live in peace and harmony with each other in order to create an enabling environment for development.
In a goodwill message to Nigerians to commemorate this year’s Easter celebration, signed by the Media Assistant to Senator David Mark, Paul Mumeh, the senator craved for a harmonious relationship between and among adherents of various religions saying, “We have more to gain staying together as a people with a common destiny”.
Mark expressed worries that the unabating upheavals and violent crimes across the country portend a threat to the future of the country.
The senator, in apparent reference to cases of kidnapping, abductions and killings by criminal elements in parts of the country, said the issues raise serious concern to every right-thinking member of the society.
To this end, Mark canvassed that the Federal Government takes a critical look at the clarion calls by Nigerians for the review of security apparatus as well as the restructuring of the polity.
Such a review or restructuring, he submitted, should however be anchored on fairness, equity, justice and in a manner that will give every section of the nation a sense of belonging.
“For me, we can no longer shy away from the agitation by the citizens for restructuring of the nation, if that would give everyone a sense of belonging as equal stakeholders in the Project-Nigeria”, he stressed.
He stated, “It will be catastrophic to allow citizens to lose confidence in a system. That would be a sure way to anarchy. The deteriorating situation could spell doom for the nation. Both the government and the governed must rise up to the challenge and make our country a safe haven”.
Mark specifically urged Christian faithful to use the period of Easter celebration to take the destiny of Nigeria and her people to God in prayer.
The essence of Easter which is prayer, sacrifice, forgiveness and peace, he advised, should not be lost on celebration or merriment.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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