President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Sunday urged Nigerians not to lose hope, disclosing that he once introduced monthly prayer sessions while serving as governor of Akwa Ibom State to address abduction, killings and militancy.
He said sustained prayer remains essential, insisting that sponsors of terrorism will eventually be exposed.
According to The Punch, this was contained in a statement released by his media office in Abuja.
Akpabio said Nigeria has continued to endure and overcome successive waves of political crises, pandemics and insurgencies over the years.
He made the remarks during an Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, as part of activities marking this year’s Democracy Day celebration.
The service, themed “God of Hope, Actualise our Dreams,” brought together top government officials and worshippers to reflect on 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in Nigeria.
Recalling his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio said he introduced monthly prayer gatherings as part of efforts to confront rising insecurity at the time.
He said, “When I had the opportunity to serve as governor about 19 years ago, I started monthly prayer. I used to ask myself a question whenever there was militancy, kidnapping and killing. I would say, what if we were not praying?
“Today I want you to ask the same question, the things happening around us, what if we were not praying. We must continue praying so that the evil doers and their sponsors shall be exposed in Jesus Name.
“If they are in government, they shall be exposed. If they are outside government, they shall be exposed in Jesus Name. Those sponsoring it, whether it is politically motivated or not, may they never have peace until they are defeated.”
The Senate President also acknowledged the impact of insecurity across the country, especially kidnappings and violent attacks, while calling for resilience among citizens.
He noted that Nigeria’s democratic journey had remained a testament to endurance despite years of turbulence.
“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. Twenty-seven years of democratic governance. Twenty-seven years of constitutional order and hope renewed.
“But gratitude must never blind us to reality. President Bola Tinubu has directed that this year’s Democracy Day be observed in a low-key manner because of the current situation in 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 said.
The former governor also spoke emotionally about the personal toll of violence on families, recalling his experience during the Nigerian civil war.
He said, “That is why my heart breaks for every child in captivity and every parent who lies awake through the long hours of the night, not knowing whether a son or daughter is safe, hungry, frightened or even alive.
“I know something of that anguish. Yet what I experienced as a child cannot be compared with the horror, humiliation, cruelty and unspeakable ordeal these innocent children have endured since their abduction.
“It is a tragedy that wounds the conscience of our nation. But I assure you, there is a brighter tomorrow. The evil you see today, you shall soon see no more.”
Akpabio further assured Nigerians that the administration of Bola Tinubu remains committed to tackling insecurity, restoring peace, and securing the release of all abducted persons.
“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, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the federal government was intensifying efforts to reduce economic hardship while strengthening security operations and working to secure the release of abducted citizens nationwide.
