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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared that the disruptions of activities occasioned by the outbreak of coronavirus cannot deprive Christians of the joy and victory over all evil, which the resurrection of Jesus Christ has brought to the world.
It charged governments to be transparent and include all regions and religious persuasions in identification of the poor to which relief materials and payments were being disbursed.
President of the association, Reverend Samson Ayokunle who made the assertion in his Easter massage titled, “We Shall Have Victory at Last,” assured Nigerians that they shall see the end of all evils challenging them, including COVID-19.
He said the period of arrest, trial and sufferings of Jesus Christ, as well as his eventual crucifixion and burial were not only periods of pains and gloom to the Lord Himself, but much more to his followers.
“There is no other time the hope of victory over circumstances of life, which Easter brings is more relevant to humans than now when we are forced to celebrate Easter for the first time in over 100 years in lockdown.
“It appeared every hope was lost. However, the devil didn’t have a field day for long. On the third day, death couldn’t hold him captive anymore, the Lord broke the power of hell, grave and all evil that conspired together against the King of glory,” he added.
However, Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, yesterday urged Ondo State Governor, Olurotimi Akeredolu not to succumb to blackmail of religious leaders.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Yinka Odumakin, said the concession granted Christians in the state to celebrate Easter during the COVID-19 pandemic was uncalled for.
“It has come to our attention that Akeredolu has approved the conduct of Easter Service in Ondo State churches after a meeting with Ondo State CAN. Afenifere sees this as succumbing to blackmail from religious leaders who should know better,” the statement reads.
Besides, the Supreme Head, C & S Unification Church of Nigeria, Prophet Solomon Adegboyega Alao, has urged Nigerian leaders to emulate Jesus Christ who sacrificed himself for the redemption of mankind.
In his goodwill message to celebrate this year’s Good Friday, the cleric said the world would have been a better place if leaders have been leading by example and were ready to make sacrifices, especially at this period when the whole world is on trial.
Meanwhile, Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu yesterday directed that some aspects of the seven-day extended lockdown be relaxed to mark the Easter celebrations.
Wife of the governor, Nkechi Ikpeazu also announced that Abia Women were to observe fasting and prayers on Good Friday to seek God’s intervention against coronavirus.
State Director of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Mrs. Bona Fasakin and some corps members also donated sanitisers, face masks and hand washing soaps to the state Inter-ministerial Committee on COVID-19 headed by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chris Ezem. This was in addition to the N5m donated by the State Executive Council (SEC).
