Wilson Adekumola
The Cross River State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade, has urged the newly elected and re-elected political leaders not to allow their interest to supersede the interest of Nigeria, adding they should lead with love.
that without deep reflection on its central theme of love and sacrifice, Easter will amount to a mere hollow ritual.
Ayade made this charge in an Easter message signed by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr Christian Ita.
The Governor then called on Christians across the country to emulate the exemplary life of love, selflessness, sacrifice and forgiveness which Christ use His blood atoned for, in His death, burial and resurrection for the redemption of mankind.
Ayade, a knight of the Catholic Church stated that “as Christians, Easter presents us the opportunity for a deep reflection, a time to carry out an ecclesiastical soul-searching to embody that which Christ came and died for.”
While urging the political leaders who have just been either newly elected or reelected for another term of office to be magnanimous in victory, he added that they should lead with love and compassion and put Nigeria first as they will receive the baton of leadership.
He also cautioned those aggrieved by the outcome of the elections not to overheat the polity as they seek redress in court.
“Just as Christ showed unconditional love and made sacrifices for humanity, I urge Nigerians, especially our newly elected and re-elected political leaders to put Nigeria first and lead with love and compassion as they prepare to take office.
“Equally, I charge all those aggrieved by the outcome of the elections to remember that Nigeria is the only country we have and must not allow it to burn.”
The Governor reasoned that Easter is a representation and significant moment in the life of every Christian.
“It is both significant and sobering in the sense that it reminds us of all of the triumphs of good over evil, light over darkness, and love and compassion over hate. These were the cardinal planks of Christ’s teachings while on earth.
“His death and resurrection brought a refreshing dawn for humanity and redefined the virtues of selflessness, love, sacrifice and forgiveness.” the governor stated.
Wishing Cross Riverians a seamless Easter celebration, Ayade charged them to be security conscious.
