By George Ozalla
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed confidence that Nigeria will overcome its current security challenges, declaring that the nation has survived more difficult periods in its history and will ultimately defeat insurgency and criminality.Akpabio spoke on Sunday during an Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre as part of activities marking this year’s Democracy Day celebration. The service was themed, God of Hope, Actualise Our Dreams.
Addressing worshippers, the Senate President urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and reflect on the country’s achievements as it marks 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.He noted that despite political upheavals, economic turbulence, military rule and global health emergencies such as Ebola and COVID-19, Nigeria had continued to endure and make progress.“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. 27 years of democratic governance. 27 years of constitutional order. 27 years of hope renewed,” he said.Akpabio acknowledged the security challenges confronting the country, saying attacks on communities, kidnappings and other violent crimes continue to cause pain and anxiety among citizens.
He disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed that this year’s Democracy Day celebration be observed in a low-key manner in view of the prevailing situation across 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 stated.The Senate President described the abduction of innocent citizens, particularly children, as a tragedy that deeply wounds the conscience of the nation.Recalling his childhood experience during the Nigerian Civil War, Akpabio said he understood the anguish associated with violence and insecurity, adding that his heart breaks for every child in captivity and every parent living with uncertainty over the fate of their loved ones.He assured Nigerians that the country would emerge stronger and that those behind acts of terror and insecurity would be exposed and defeated.“The evil you see today, you shall soon see them no more,” he said, while calling on Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayer for peace and national unity.Akpabio further stated that the administration of President Tinubu remains committed to securing the release of persons in captivity, defeating criminal elements and restoring peace across affected communities.“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, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said President Tinubu had assured Nigerians that his administration would intensify efforts to ease the economic hardship facing citizens.Akume added that the Federal Government remains determined to defeat insecurity and secure the release of all persons held captive across the country as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen national stability and public confidence.
