Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said that escalating cases of kidnapping, militancy, and killings during his time as governor of Akwa Ibom State led him to introduce monthly prayer sessions as part of efforts to address the security challenges.
Akpabio made the disclosure on Sunday during an Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja to mark this year’s Democracy Day celebration.
Reflecting on his tenure as governor, the Senate President said he frequently pondered how much more severe the security situation might have become without sustained prayers.
He also urged Nigerians to remain hopeful despite the country’s ongoing security challenges.
“When I had the opportunity to serve as governor about 19 years ago, I started monthly prayers. I used to ask myself a question whenever there was militancy, kidnapping and killing. I would say, what if we were not praying?” he said.
Drawing a parallel with the country’s current security challenges, Akpabio urged Nigerians to persist in praying for the nation and for those responsible for violent acts to be exposed.
“We must continue praying so that the evil doers and their sponsors shall be exposed. If they are in government, they shall be exposed. If they are outside government, they shall be exposed,” he stated.
The Senate President acknowledged the widespread pain and trauma caused by insecurity across the country, especially kidnappings and attacks on communities, noting that many families still live with uncertainty about the fate of their loved ones.
He, however, expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its current challenges, citing the country’s resilience in the face of past political instability, economic hardship, insurgency, and public health crises.
“We have survived political upheavals and economic turbulence. We will survive insurgencies. We have survived pandemics like Ebola and COVID-19. Yet here we stand, 27 years of democratic governance and constitutional order,” he said.
Akpabio also assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains committed to addressing insecurity, restoring peace, and securing the release of citizens in captivity.
He added that sustained government efforts, alongside prayers and collective resilience, would ultimately end the country’s security challenges and ensure a safer future for all Nigerians.