2017 EASTER MESSAGE TO THE NATION FROM PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI

I congratulate our Christian brothers and sisters
on the celebration of this year’s Easter.
I rejoice with you on this historic occasion
signifying the triumph of good over evil, light
over darkness, redemption over condemnation,
and hope over despair.
The commemoration of this special season in
Christianity, is always preceded by fasting, piety,
humility, penance and prayers of intercession in
the build up to the death of Jesus Christ on
Good Friday, an event which reunited man with
his Creator.
The message of Easter is filled with themes of
love, faith, sacrifice, dedication, commitment,
fulfilment of prophecy, hope, expectation and
victory, as espoused in the Scriptures and the
teachings and lifestyle of Jesus Christ.
As we celebrate yet another Easter, I urge all
Nigerians to live peacefully with one another and
do their utmost to make Nigeria a beautiful place
to reside.
In the almost two years of this administration,
we have worked hard to meet the expectations
of Nigerians by improving security, especially in
the North-East, sustaining the campaign against
corruption and have taken steps to revitalize the
economy.
We are determined as never before to continue
with the fight against terrorism and insurgency;
sustain the peace in the Niger Delta through
engagements with stakeholders; and restore
peace and stability in other parts of the country.
It is in our collective interest to live in peace
because without peace, no meaningful and
sustainable development can take place. Lack of
peace in one part affects in one way or the
other, all parts of the country. Our people must
rediscover the values of peaceful co-existence,
social justice, religious tolerance, dignity of
labour and patriotism.
I enjoin all Nigerians to keep faith in the
determination and ability of this administration to
change the Nigerian story for the good of all.
I wish all Nigerians happy Easter celebrations.
MUHAMMADU BUHARI
April 15, 2017