In Easter Message, Tinubu Pledges Safer, More Secured Nigeria

* Canvasses political responsibility, restraint and civic maturity ahead of 2027 polls

* First Lady: Let’s remember the needy and extend support to them.

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu on Friday assured Nigerians of a safer and more secured nation while also reaffirming his government’s resolve to tackle terrorism, banditry and other security threats.

In his Easter message, addressed to Nigerians at home and abroad, the president acknowledged that despite the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, challenges to national security have persisted.

According to him, government is making available the necessary resources and strengthening foreign partnerships to enable security agencies to deal decisive blows to terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.

His words: “Despite the good efforts of the administration and the gallant efforts of our men and women of the Armed Forces who leave behind their families to confront the evil actors in our land, challenges to our security have remained. 

“However, my administration continues to make resources available and forge foreign partnerships to enable us to deal decisive blows to the agents of terror and banditry.”

Tinubu noted that following his condolence visit to Jos, Plateau State, where he commiserated with victims of the recent deadly attack, security chiefs had given strong assurances of progress, while international support was also mobilised to reinforce Nigeria’s response.

“On Thursday, I was in Jos to commiserate with people of Plateau State, share in their grief, and offer reassurances of better days to come. The leaders of the nation’s security institutions have given strong assurances of progress. We have also sought and are receiving assistance from outside our shores,” the president said.

He further assured residents of other parts of the country facing one form of insecurity or another that concerted government actions are beginning to produce results, urging citizens to support lawful efforts, remain united and reject forces that threaten the country’s collective peace and stability.

“I am reassured that the citizens appreciate our efforts. I will continue to remind us of the imperative of unity and oneness. No nation can thrive where fear prevails, and no progress can be sustained without peace.”

The president said no nation can make meaningful progress where fear prevails, assuring communities affected by violence that better days lie ahead.

Tinubu said Easter season symbolises sacrifice, resilience and the triumph of light over darkness, noting that its message resonates strongly with Nigeria’s present realities as the nation navigates economic stress and security challenges.

He said: “Easter gives us the encouragement and confidence that, even as present conditions still put pressure on many of our people, economic indicators show we are making the right choices. A new dawn is on the horizon.”

The president also urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and steadfast, saying his administration’s ongoing reforms, though difficult in the short term, are carefully designed to deliver shared prosperity and long-term national renewal.

Ahead of the 2027 general election, Tinubu called for political responsibility, restraint and civic maturity, stressing that the Election Act must guide the conduct of political parties and actors to safeguard democracy, peace and national stability.

His words: “As the nation gradually approaches another electoral cycle, this season also serves as a call to civic duty and maturity. The Electoral Act must guide the conduct of our political parties and political actors. Let our choices be guided by a shared commitment to peace, continuity, stability, and the long-term good of our country.

“Democracy flourishes where responsibility, restraint and informed participation prevail.”

The president expressed optimism that the country is on the path to recovery, citing improving economic indicators as evidence that the right choices are being made.

He, therefore, urged Nigerians to keep faith with the administration’s vision of a safer, stronger and more prosperous nation.

“Fellow Nigerians, you have been very supportive of my administration because you trust our ability to make our nation better. I will continue to serve to retain your trust. I enjoin you to keep the faith and never cease to contribute to the progress and greater future we seek, each in our own way, to the emergence of a democratically stronger, more prosperous, and safer nation,” Tinubu further said.

Also, the wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has charged Nigerians to remember the need in the society and extend necessary support to them.

In her Easter message issued on Friday, the First Lady in a four-paragraph release titled ‘The Blessed Hope in Christ’s Resurrection’ stated, inter alia: “Easter is a reminder of the enduring power of love and the selfless sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the hope His resurrection brings to all humanity.

“As we celebrate Easter with our loved ones, friends, neighbours and communities, let us remember those in need and extend compassion and support wherever we can.

“May the spirit of Easter inspire us to uplift the vulnerable, love one another, make sacrifices when necessary and work together to build a peaceful and prosperous nation for all.

“Happy Easter!”