Terrorism Sponsors Must Be Exposed, Says Akpabio
Terrorism Sponsors Must Be Exposed, Says Akpabio
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on Nigerians not to lose hope amid the country’s security challenges, urging citizens to remain steadfast in prayer so that those behind terrorism and violent crimes can be uncovered.
Akpabio made the appeal 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.
Speaking at the event, themed “God of Hope, Actualise our Dreams,” the Senate President reflected on his time as governor of Akwa Ibom State, recalling how he introduced monthly prayer sessions to address rising cases of kidnapping, militancy and killings.
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.”
Akpabio noted that despite various challenges over the years, Nigeria has remained resilient and continues to sustain democratic governance.
He said, “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.”
The Senate President also expressed sympathy for victims of insecurity, especially kidnapped children and their families, describing the emotional toll of such experiences.
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 President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains committed to tackling insecurity, restoring peace across the country and securing the release of all persons held in captivity.
“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 is intensifying efforts to ease economic hardship while strengthening security measures aimed at defeating criminal elements and securing the release of abducted persons nationwide.
