*Body Of Benchers Chairman Preaches More Sacrifice
By Emmanuel Ogoigbe, Warri; Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu; and Rosemary Ameh, Sokoto
From the heart of the Sokoto Caliphate, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, yesterday called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in faith and hope despite the country’s ongoing security and socio-economic challenges.
In his 2026 Easter message titled ‘Faith and Hope in Times of Turbulence’, the cleric compared Nigeria’s situation to a turbulent flight, urging leaders to inspire confidence and citizens to remain resilient even in difficult times.
Bishop Kukah described Nigeria as a nation trapped in persistent instability, tracing its struggles from colonial foundations to present day governance challenges.
He questioned whether the country’s problems stem from leadership failures, poor planning, or systemic inefficiencies.
According to him, many citizens are overwhelmed by hardship, noting that even by African standards, what “is happening to our country is not acceptable.”
The Bishop expressed deep concern over worsening insecurity, citing decades of violence that have left thousands dead, many injured, and millions displaced.
He lamented that communities have been destroyed and trust in security institutions has significantly declined.
Kukah warned that Nigeria risks becoming entrenched in a war economy, where conflict itself becomes a means of survival.
He also highlighted the growing problem of local collaboration with criminal groups, attributing it partly to state neglect and lack of protection for vulnerable communities.
Kukah criticized Nigeria’s political elite for failing to fulfill promises, describing the nation as being filled with unredeemed promissory notes.
He stressed that temporary relief measures like food distribution are not enough, urging the government to implement long term solutions such as job creation and agricultural development.
Young people’s dreams are being crushed by unemployment, he said, adding that leadership must prioritize the welfare and dignity of citizens.
While addressing Christians, the Bishop urged them to remain hopeful, emphasizing that Easter symbolizes triumph over suffering and death.
He encouraged believers to reject both revenge and passive inaction, advocating instead for a balanced approach rooted in peace, justice, and moral responsibility.
Kukah reaffirmed that while self defence may be necessary, lasting peace cannot be achieved through violence.
The Bishop called on Nigerians to reflect on their individual roles in the country’s challenges, warning against blaming only leaders while ignoring personal responsibility.
Drawing from biblical examples, he encouraged citizens to contribute positively in times of crisis and not become guilty bystanders.
He urged Nigerians to support the poor and vulnerable, stressing that collective action and compassion are essential for national recovery.
Despite the grim realities, Kukah expressed optimism that Nigeria can overcome its challenges through faith, unity, and hard work.
He concluded by encouraging continued prayer and action, expressing hope that the nation’s “walls of fear and division” will eventually fall.
A happy Easter to you all,he said, “and may God bless and renew our dear country.”
Bishop Onaga Charges Nigerian Leaders To Give Possible Hope To Citizens
On his part, Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev (Dr) Callistus Onaga, charged the Federal Government to give possible hope to the citizenry.
Onaga made the call during a press briefing at the Bishop’s Court, Independence Layout, Enugu, where he urged Nigeria’s leaders to make life better for the citizens and “according to the resources within our reach.”
Acknowledging global difficulties, he pointed out, nonetheless that “every country is trying to make things a bit lighter in the face of the world economic problem or crisis for their citizens. Things are really difficult but we can make things bearable.”
He called on government to look into policies they claim are working, noting that nobody is hoodwinking one another in this country, but that a lot needs be done to convince Nigerians.
According to him, “We are not saying that our President is not is not doing well. It is not just enough to think of giving relief for just a short time. Somebody will be given one bag of rice, for how long will that person eat it? Somebody is just trying to make transportation from one end to the other, is that enough?
“I plead with our President to really step his feet down and talk to those working with him. As I am talking to the President, I am also talking to the Governors and also ourselves. The same thing applies to every Nigerian because I believe that every Nigerian has some level of control where he or she finds him or herself.”
He encouraged Nigerians to have hope despite all their difficulties and suffering, noting that one day all will come to an end.
“In spite of all our difficulties in life, sufferings in life, one day there will be an end to it. We are talking of existential end, that means as we are experiencing life here on earth, we shall experience some healing because the Master Who is our model went through sufferings and was able to survive the sufferings.
“Our Lord Jesus Christ having suffered pain, persecution, insults of all grades surmounted these obstacles. After being killed, three days after, he rose from the dead. After being humiliated, he took his seat at the right hand of the Father. That is the joy and hope af all Christians.
“He has given Christianity what it has today, that Christianity has stayed for two thousand and thirty six years.
“My dear Nigerians, we shall have to draw strength from the prayers, abstinence from all the efforts we have made, to be better, pure for us to surmount our present challenges at all levels. Christ promised us that he is with us till the end of time.
“During this Easter, let us celebrate the hope believing that it will be better again. Let us individually, especially in this our country Nigeria, make efforts to make hope possible,” Bishop Onaga exhorted.
Emulate Jesus Christ’s Sacrificial Life –Akpomudje, Body Of Benchers Chairman Charges Christians
HRM Albert Akpomudje, SAN, Eyavwie-Alaka l, Ohworode of Olomu and Chairman of the Body of Benchers (BOB) of Nigeria, has called on Christians across the country to use the Easter celebration as a period of deep reflection on the sacrificial life of Jesus Christ.
In a statement marking the Easter season, signed by Akpokona Omafuaire, his Media Assistant, Akpomudje urged believers to go beyond the festivities and embrace the true essence of the occasion by living out the core virtues exemplified by Christ —love, humility, and righteousness.
The BOB Chairman emphasized that Easter is not only a time of celebration but also an opportunity for spiritual renewal and moral rebirth.
According to him, the life and sacrifice of Christ remain a timeless model for selflessness and obedience to God, values, he stressed, are urgently needed in today’s society.
He encouraged Christians to demonstrate compassion, promote peace, and uphold justice in their daily interactions, noting that such actions would contribute to national unity and development.
Akpomudje further stressed that the challenges facing the nation require citizens, particularly Christians, to act with integrity and a strong sense of responsibility.
He called on Nigerians to use the Easter period to pray for the country and re-commit themselves to building a more just and harmonious society.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Bishop Kukah.
