Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
As Christians all over the world celebrate Easter, a sociopolitical group under the auspices of pastor Reuben initiative for good governance has enjoined Christians across the country to emulate the virtues of tolerance, love and selflessness as espoused by Jesus Christ in commemoration of Easter.
The group in a Easter message issued by its founder,Pastor Reuben Wilson on Saturday and made available to newsmen in Yenagoa urged Christians to use the celebration of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for mankind on Calvary, to reflect on the significance of the day by imbibing the virtues of love, tolerance, and selflessness.
“even as faithful celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, they should reflect on the love and sacrifice which the lord exemplified to mankind and also replicate same to citizens of Nigeria, irrespective of tongue, tribe or political affiliation,” he said.
“It is only when we are able to tolerate and accommodate others; love one another irrespective of religious, political, ethnic, or ideological differences, and live selflessly as Jesus Christ did by sacrificing his life on the cross, that we will be able to tackle the many challenges facing us as a country and people,” he said.
Describing Easter as a special celebration in commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Reuben called on Christians to pray for the nation and leaders at all levels.
He said that, despite the many challenges facing the country, there is hope and imminent victory which can only be achieved through unity and patriotism.
According to him, anything that one does which is not in the interest of the nation should be done away with, especially acts of terror, kidnapping and other forms of vices.
Reuben Wilson advised governments across board in the country to render good leadership to the citizens, and turn away from anything that causes the masses injury or pain.
He also condemned the crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Bayelsa State which degenerated to shooting and other violent conducts in court premises, saying that stakeholders should embrace peace and shun any act that will further divide the party.
According to him, “The crisis rocking the APC in Bayelsa, it is the followers that are suffering it. APC supporters in Bayelsa are like slaves because their leaders are fighting. The supporters love the leaders, and it is only when they unite and work together that the followers can smile and achieve. Are the leaders happy seeing their followers suffering? The followers believe in their leaders because they know their capacity, let them embrace peace and work together as brothers, so that their supporters can be happy.”
He reminded stakeholders that there’s no permanent friend or enemy in politics, and that people should be cautious about their actions in order not to cause anyone pain in the name of politics.
Furthermore, he advised religious leaders to continue to preach peace, love and tolerance; so that those with divisive tendencies can have a change of heart; as everyone, whether Christian or Muslim, have religious leaders whom they listen to.
