Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and persistent in prayer, stating that the sponsors of terrorism and other forms of insecurity across the country must be brought to light.
Speaking on Sunday at an Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja as part of activities marking Democracy Day, Akpabio shared his experience as governor of Akwa Ibom State nearly two decades ago.
He recalled introducing monthly prayer sessions at the time to combat rising cases of kidnapping, militancy, and killings in the state.
He asked the congregation to imagine where the nation would be without prayer, given the ongoing security challenges. He declared that evildoers and their backers, whether in or outside government, would be exposed and would know no peace until they are defeated.
The Senate President acknowledged the pain and grief caused by insecurity, including violent attacks and abductions, while urging national resilience. He noted that Nigeria had survived political crises, economic turbulence, pandemics such as Ebola and COVID-19, and periods of despotism, adding that the country’s 27 years of democratic governance stand as a testament to endurance.
Akpabio expressed deep sympathy for families of victims, particularly parents of kidnapped children, drawing from his own childhood experience during the Nigerian civil war. He assured Nigerians that the current administration remains committed to ending insecurity, restoring peace, and securing the release of all those held captive.
Also addressing the service, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume said the federal government is stepping up efforts to ease economic hardship while strengthening measures to defeat insecurity and free all abducted persons nationwide.
