…Amaechi, Others Congratulate Christians

As Christians the world over celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ today, the Rivers State Governor, Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, in a special Easter mass, wished all Christians a happy and successful celebration.

In his Easter message to residents of Rivers State, Amaechi said “ Christ died so we can have abundant life. May your life be full of abundance. On behalf of the Government of Rivers State and my wife, Judith, I wish you happy Easter”.

Also, a Catholic Priest, Reverend Father Joseph Kabari called on Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of Easter.

Rev. Father Kabari, who made the call while delivering a sermon during a special Easter mass at the Corpus Christi Cathedral, Port Harcourt, described Easter as a period of sober reflection.

According to him, Easter represents the love and passion demonstrated by Christ to save mankind from eternal condemnation, maintaining that Nigerians should reflect on these exemplary qualities at all times by loving one another irrespective of the differences in language, ethnicity and religion.

The Catholic Priest explained that the victory of the resurrection of Jesus was not for a selected people but for all who turned from their evil ways and pay allegiance to the authority of God.

Reverend Father Kabari urged Christian faithful to always spread the message of Easter in appreciation for the sacrifice Christ offered with his life to redeem man.

The celebration, which kicked-off last Friday with “Good Friday” witnessed several churches holding services and processions with palm leaves and lighting of candles.

Workers under the state government travelled to the countryside to join their families and relations in joyous mood after they received their march salaries in good time, thanks to the state government under Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

Our roving reporters who went round the state capital, Port Harcourt and its environs reported that most Christians celebrated the Easter festival with fanfare bearing in mind that the resurrection of Christ has given hope to mankind.

At the St Thomas Anglican Church, Diobu, Port Harcourt, faithfuls marked the Easter with jubilations to the glory of God, while there were praises and musical renditions.

In his sermon, the Vicar in-charge of the church, Venerable Chris M. Iwuji urged Nigerian leaders to be sincere and honest in the discharge of their legitimate assignments and service to the nation.

Venerable Iwuji also urged the upper and lower Houses to give Acting President Goodluck Jonathan  more power to run the affairs of the country.

The man of God, who is also the Archdeacon of the Port Harcourt, Archdeaconry, noted that Nigeria would be delivered from the present political problems if vice president Jonathan is given full support.

Charging Christians to continue to pray for the country’s leaders, he explained that “praying for our leaders is a fulfillment of a biblical injunction.

“If you don’t pray for our president, governors and local government chairmen, they will make mistakes that will affect us, he stressed.

Ven Iwuji averred that the death of Jesus Christ and His resurrection brought hope for mankind and underscores the need to celebrate Easter, saying that it is a festival worth celebrating.

For Rev Ibanabo Briggs of the Blessed Baptist Church, Chindah Road, this year’s Easter celebration has become the best because, he said, in accordance with I Corinthians 16 verse 17, if Christ had not risen, our faith would have been worthless.

“So, we have the joy that Christ rose on Easter morning, hence we will keep celebrating Him that rose from the dead.

Rev Briggs continued that the significance of the Easter celebrations is that “ there is no man who called himself a master who came, died and resurrected.

“History has not given any record except this man called Jesus Christ. He thus advised Nigerians, and the Niger Deltans to borrow a leaf by purging themselves of tribal sentiments.

“Let’s leave over tribal sentiments, lets get on focus and let there be no blood-shed because Christ has already shed the blood, so we don’t have to shed more blood to leave a peaceful life.

For Christ Embassy Churches under Garrison Group, Pastor Oma Olajeffery took her message from Genesis 1 verse 26, which gave man dominion  over the earth.

According to her, the Christian is not supposed to struggle for anything because God has given him everything. All he needs to do is live by the doctrines of God as clearly stipulated in the Bible.

Sheddie Okpara