President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Sunday, urged Nigerians not to give up hope, saying he was compelled to introduce monthly prayer sessions to tackle abduction, killings and militancy when he served as the governor of Akwa Ibom State.

He said Nigerians must continue to pray so that terrorism sponsors will be exposed.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by his media office in Abuja.

According to him, Nigeria has endured and survived past waves of political crises, pandemics and insurgencies.

Akpabio spoke at an Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja as part of activities marking this year’s Democracy Day celebration.

The service, themed “God of Hope, Actualise our Dreams,” brought together top government officials and worshippers to reflect on Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.

In a reflection on his time as governor, Akpabio said he introduced a monthly prayer initiative as part of efforts to confront rising cases of kidnapping, militancy and killings in his state at the time.

He said, “When I had the opportunity to serve as governor about 19 years ago, I started monthly prayer. I used to ask myself a question whenever there was militancy, kidnapping and killing. I would say, what if we were not praying?

“Today I want you to ask the same question, the things happening around us, what if we were not praying. We must continue praying so that the evil doers and their sponsors shall be exposed in Jesus Name.

“If they are in government, they shall be exposed. If they are outside government, they shall be exposed in Jesus Name. Those sponsoring it, whether it is politically motivated or not, may they never have peace until they are defeated.”

The Senate President also used the occasion to acknowledge the pain caused by insecurity across the country, particularly kidnappings and violent attacks, while calling for national resilience.

Akpabio said Nigeria’s democratic journey remained a testimony of endurance despite years of turbulence.

“We have survived political upheavals, economic turbulence. We will survive Insurgencies. We have survived pandemics like Ebola and COVID-19 and seasons of despotism. Yet here we stand. Twenty-seven years of democratic governance. Twenty-seven years of constitutional order and hope renewed.

“But gratitude must never blind us to reality. President Bola Tinubu has directed that this year’s Democracy Day be observed in a low-key manner because of the current situation in the country.

“There is no denying that insecurity continues to trouble our land. Communities have been attacked. Farmers fear returning to their fields. Travellers journey with uncertainty. Families mourn loved ones lost to violence and criminality,” he said.

The former governor, who spoke emotionally about the impact of violence on families, said the trauma of insecurity is deeply personal, recalling his experience during the Nigerian civil war.

He said, “That is why my heart breaks for every child in captivity and every parent who lies awake through the long hours of the night, not knowing whether a son or daughter is safe, hungry, frightened or even alive.

“I know something of that anguish. Yet what I experienced as a child cannot be compared with the horror, humiliation, cruelty and unspeakable ordeal these innocent children have endured since their abduction.

“It is a tragedy that wounds the conscience of our nation. But I assure you, there is a brighter tomorrow. The evil you see today, you shall soon see no more.”

Akpabio also assured Nigerians that Tinubu’s administration remains committed to ending insecurity and restoring peace across the country, as well as securing the release of all persons held in captivity.

“We shall continue to act together, pray together, and continue to persevere until our children are safely returned and our nation is secure,” he added.

Also speaking at the service, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the federal government was intensifying efforts to ease economic hardship while also strengthening measures to defeat insecurity and secure the release of all abducted persons nationwide. (PUNCH)

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