The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rev. John Joseph Hayab, has urged Nigerians, especially those in public office, not to betray the country like Judas Iscariot did to Jesus Christ.
Hayab said betrayal had caused significant setbacks in Nigeria’s development, with citizens betraying one another and the country at large.
The CAN leader, in an Easter message Sunday in Kaduna, titled “Overcoming Betrayal at Easter,” said: “Nigerians are betraying the country, and people are betraying one another. That is why we are facing the challenges we see today.”
He noted that the “security agencies cannot succeed in their operations because of betrayal. There are people who expose the efforts and strategies of security agents to bandits, making it hard to defeat them.”
Citing the biblical example of Judas Iscariot, Hayab said: “When Judas agreed to betray Jesus for money, he later realised his mistake and took his own life after discovering he had betrayed innocent blood.”
He warned that “betraying the trust of others—whether individuals, communities or the nation—does not end well,” stressing that public officeholders who abuse their positions were also guilty of betrayal.
“Those who betray Jesus and humanity end up destroying themselves. If the country trusts you with a responsibility and you fail to be faithful, especially in managing public resources, you have betrayed that trust,” he said.
Hayab appealed to those working to undermine others or the nation to retrace their steps, warning that the end of such actions were always disastrous, calling for collaboration with security agencies to keep the country safe and united.
…ACF
In a similar message, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) said it “is not unaware that the 2025 Easter season is being celebrated amid continuing daunting existential socioeconomic, political and, most worryingly, security and criminality challenges.”
In a statement issued Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad Baba, the forum lamented the killings in Benue, Borno, the FCT, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, Plateau and Zamfara among others.
The northern socio-cultural group called on Christians to use the occasion of Easter to pray for peace, security, economic recovery and for God to grant leaders the wisdom, compassion and patriotism to guide the country back to stability.
“Adding to the tragedy are monstrous corruption, selfishness of leaders, political insensitivity, inequities, impunity, lack of frugality, provocative and ostentatious lifestyles of political and other office holders,” it said.
While praying God to strengthen the country’s security forces to confront terrorism and related challenges, it said: “Believing that a more peaceful, prosperous, and socially harmonious Arewa, and Nigeria, is still possible and plausible, ACF remains hopeful that our communities will emerge more resilient and stronger.”
…Killings, plot towards 2027 – ATT
However, the Arewa Think Tank (ATT) said it is supporting Nasarawa state governor, Abdullahi Sule’s stance that the North would work for Tinubu’s re-election.
On the recent killings in Plateau and Benue states, the Arewa Think Tank said “political enemies of Nigeria are doing everything possible, including using foreigners to perpetuate the killings, in order to frustrate the conduct of the 2027 general elections.”
In a statement Sunday by the convener of ATT, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, the group said: “We know that supporting the second term bid of President Tinubu would be a fulfillment of the promise the region’s leaders made on the matter ahead of the 2023 general elections.
“We trust and believe in Governor Sule because he is the chairman, North Central Governors’ Forum, and we know that the north is not known for reneging on its promise.
“We therefore urge northern leaders to distance themselves from agitation by some politicians who are bent on causing confusion in the polity just because they failed to realise their personal ambitions.”
…Northern senators preach love
Meanwhile, the Northern senators have admonished Nigerians to love their neighbours and be tolerant of them for peaceful co- existence.
Chairman Northern Senators’ Forum (NSF), Senator AbdulAziz Musa Yar’Adua, said this in a statement issued Sunday in Abuja.
“We express profound gratitude to the Almighty God for granting us another opportunity to celebrate this significant occasion.
“The Easter celebration serves as a poignant reminder of the triumph of good over evil and life over death, as embodied in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“This period calls for introspection, love, forgiveness, and compassion, underscoring the importance of nurturing our relationships with God and fellow human beings.
“As we celebrate Easter, we are encouraged to reflect on how to apply the teachings of Jesus Christ in our daily lives with renewed dedication.
“By embracing the values of love, forgiveness, and compassion, we can collectively reject vices such as hate speech, bigotry, corruption, banditry, and terrorism.
“As we celebrate this Easter, let us strive to love our neighbors and demonstrate increased spirit of tolerance and accommodation. By doing so, we can build a nation where everyone can live in peace and prosperity,” they said.
… NBA tasks lawyers
In a similar message, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) called on legal practitioners to remain focused in their commitment to preserving the rule of law and justice.
In a statement issued in Lagos, President NBA Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, described Easter as a time that reminds Christians of the enduring power of sacrifice exemplified by Christ, noting that Nigerian lawyers must always seek to adhere to truth and justice.
The News Agency of Nigeria also quoted the NBA leader as saying: “Easter is a time of profound reflection, a season that speaks to the enduring power of sacrifice, renewal and the triumph of hope over despair.
“It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, light prevails; as a nation and as a profession, these values remain ever relevant.
“For us in the legal profession, Easter calls us to reaffirm our commitment to justice, truth and service.
“It is a time to strengthen our resolve to uphold the rule of law, protect the vulnerable and pursue equity without fear or favour,” he said.
Osigwe added: “I encourage us all to draw inspiration from the message of Easter, to be vessels of peace, unity and compassion in our homes, workplaces and the society at large.
“Let us continue to build bridges where there are divides and offer courage where there is doubt.
“May this season of renewal and hope bring you peace, joy and spiritual rejuvenation?”
…Uzodinma urges support for reform policies
And from Imo state Governor Hope Uzodinma came a plea to Nigerians to support Tinubu’s reform agenda for prosperity, stability, and progress of the nation’s economic and social transformation.
Delivering his Easter message at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Parish, Ozuh, Omuma in Orlu East local government area of the state Sunday, said: “His government is reform-driven that comes with its initial hardship but at the end of the tunnel, I think we are beginning to see the light.
“We may not have arrived at our desired destination yet, but it is evident to all discerning minds that our country is timely on the path of recovery and sustainable growth.”
Continuing, the governor, according to NAN, said: “Your understanding and cooperation remain vital for achieving our shared national goals.”
The governor said the changes in the state were “because we were able to key into the policies of the Federal Government in maximising and optimising all opportunities”.
He also said that the state was being repositioned under a shared prosperity agenda, promoting inclusion, opportunity, security, and unity for all indigenes and residents.
“Our vision has been clear and consistent to promote the wellbeing of all Imo people through a robust economy and sustained infrastructure development.
“This is why we are working relentlessly to ensure that in the coming months, local governments in Imo will have an uninterrupted power supply,” he said.
Uzodinma described Easter as a “turning point for Christians”, symbolising new beginnings, hope, and victory, secured by Christ’s love and sacrifice.
“By enduring the cross, Christ teaches patience and endurance.
“If we carry our cross faithfully, we too shall share in his glory.
“Above all, Easter teaches us love, for it is out of love that Christ gave his life for our salvation and we are all called to amplify it by loving our neighbours,” he said.
…Mbah on virtues of love
Also, Enugu state Governor Peter Mbah described Easter as a time for forgiveness, love, and strengthening of the bonds of unity across creeds and tribes.
“As Christians in Nigeria join other Christian faithful across the world in celebrating the feast of Easter, I wish everyone a blissful celebration and pray that they experience the redemptive power of the resurrection.
“Easter is a lesson in the lifelong benefits of sacrifice. It teaches us about the virtues of penitence and moderation.
“Above all, Easter is a lesson in love and selflessness.
“Easter reminds us of our common brotherhood and humanity. And its celebration is a call to forgiveness and peaceful coexistence.
“Let us also use this solemn celebration to pray for Nigeria, and reach out in love across creeds, to strengthen our bonds and unity. That way, our dear country can overcome all its challenges,” he said.