29th March, 2018
EASTER MESSAGE:
PRAY FOR LEAH SHARIBU & THE CHIBOK GIRLS
Nigerian Christians will join millions of others around the world in marking Good Friday tomorrow 30th March, 2018. This will be followed by the celebration of Easter Monday on Monday, 2nd April, 2018. To this end, the Federal Government (FG) has declared tomorrow Friday and Monday as public holidays.
We of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) felicitate with our Christian neighbours on these two august occasions. We wish every Nigerian Christian, including Christians who are non-Nigerians, a happy and peaceful Easter.
As Nigerians mark Easter, we call attention to the plight of those in captivity, particularly Lear Sharibu, the Christian girl who dared Boko Haram hoodlums. Let us remember her with prayers. May God grant her more strength and embolden her in her trying moments. May the good Lord also soften the hearts of her captors to make them release her. Our prayer point should also accommodate the remaining Chibok girls who are still in the hands of the terrorists.
We appeal to Nigerians to support FG’s offer of amnesty to Boko Haram insurgents. It should not be seen as a sign of weakness or surrender. Rather it is the wisest thing to do at the moment. Nigeria needs a peaceful environment for full economic recovery and political stability. Amnesty is also in the interest of our young daughters who are still being held by Boko Haram. It is capable of softening the hearts of the insurgents and reducing their restlessness.
As talks of amnesty continue, we jog FG’s memory to make freedom for Leah Sharibu numero uno matter on the table. Boko Haram’s jaundiced and selective justice has singled her out as a major priority.
Before we round up, we reiterate our commitment to a united Nigeria. We extend our hands of fellowship to our Christian neighbours. It is not ideal to worship God and hate His creatures at the same time. The faith of others is of no consequence to those who know that God is Love. Humanity must be a priority. Those who cannot love unconditionally cannot worship in faith and in spirit.
Professor Ishaq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)
