Easter: Focus On Real Issues Bedeviling Nigeria, Kaigama Tells Politicians
By Stella Enenche, Abuja
Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Revd. Ignatius Kaigama has called on politicians to focus more on the real issues bedeviling Nigeria, saying leadership is not a contest of noise.
The Archbishop made the call on Sunday in his 2025 Easter message.
He called on people in leadership positions to prioritize governance over politics, reiterating that Nigeria needs healing, not hostility.
“We must also be deeply concerned about the rising tide of acrimonious political rhetoric that is spreading across the nation. Words are powerful, and when used carelessly, they can inflame tensions and deepen our divisions. This is not yet the time for political campaigns or endless jostling for power. Our country is bleeding – our people are hungry, unsafe, and disillusioned.
” It is therefore imperative that politicians in government focus more on addressing the real challenges before us: ending insecurity, reviving the economy, and restoring the dignity of Nigerian lives. Leadership is a sacred responsibility, not a contest of noise. Let us prioritize governance over politics, solutions over slogans, and unity over personal ambition. Nigeria needs healing, not hostility.
“In the face of the darkness that seems to surround us and envelop our land, we must not lose hope. Easter teaches us that even the tomb cannot hold back the power of resurrection. As a people, we must rise above despair, division, and violence. Let us commit ourselves to peace, justice, and truth. Let us demand accountability and protection for every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, faith, or region,” he said.
He appealed to Nigerian rebuild a nation where life will be sacred once again.
“This Easter, may the risen Christ ignite in us the courage to speak up against evil, the strength to support one another, and the wisdom to build a Nigeria where dignity and life are sacred once again. Let our celebration not just be of Christ’s resurrection, but of the renewal of our national spirit.May God bless Nigeria, and may peace reign in our hearts and across our land.
“Easter is not just a Christian ritual—it is a powerful reminder that light always follows darkness, and life prevails over death. Yet, even as we celebrate, our hearts are heavy with grief and concern over the senseless bloodshed and insecurity that continue to plague our land,”.
Archbishop Kaigama added that “We are also alarmed by the continual hunger and economic hardship gripping our people. Families struggle daily to put food on the table, and children go to bed hungry in a nation so richly blessed. The desperation in the land is palpable, and it calls for immediate action from all levels of government, faith-based institutions, and citizens.
“Equally distressing is the increasing trend of kidnapping and targeted attacks on clergy, especially priests who dedicate their lives to serving others. These brutal acts not only rob families of their loved ones but also strike at the heart of our moral and spiritual fabric. Every priest kidnapped or murdered is a blow to the conscience of our nation,”.
The cleric who commented on the political tension in River state said,”the recent political tensions and institutional breakdown that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State are deeply troubling. While government intervention in moments of crisis is sometimes necessary to restore order and protect democratic institutions, we must be cautious in our reactions and avoid actions that could further polarize an already tense environment.
“Let this moment serve as a call to all stakeholders – political leaders, traditional authorities, civil society, and citizens – to embrace dialogue over division. No democracy can thrive without the culture of give and take, live and let live. Power, like life, is transient. Therefore, we must strive to build bridges and not burn them, to prioritize the welfare of the people over personal or party interests. Let us resist the temptation of inflammatory rhetoric and embrace peace, understanding, and mutual respect as the pathway to lasting stability,” he said.
