The Bishop, Anglican Diocese of Nike in Enugu State, Christian Onyia, has urged Nigerians not to allow ethnicity, religious beliefs and other issues to continually divide the country.

Mr Onyia made the call in his Easter Message made available to journalists in Enugu on Saturday by Chiwuike Uba, Media Adviser to the Diocese.

According to the bishop, issues bordering ethnicity, religion place of origin should not continue to divide the nation.

“As a nation, we must abhor religious and ethnic hate and division among ourselves.

“At this Easter, despite the mindless and indiscriminate attack on individuals, institutions, private, religious and other public facilities, I urge all Nigerians to rededicate themselves to living in peace and oneness with all.

“Jesus Christ proclaimed, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.’ 

“Peace and unity are the prerequisites to the progress and development of the entire country,” he said.

Mr Onyia urged Nigerians to reflect on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and to also rededicate themselves to living in peace, oneness and love of God as Christians.

The bishop, who decried the rising insecurity in the land, called on Nigerians not to lose trust in God “even as I advocate for peace to reign in the country”.

“Jesus’ death and resurrection is why we know that there is an answer to the darkness and fragility of this world. There is hope and redemption. There is a light which cannot be overcome.

“We must, therefore, live for others by making many small daily sacrifices that support the poor and strangers within and in faraway places.

“While we enjoy the blessed promise that we will live forever with Him, those who wait, who long for our solidarity and support, must be cared for.

“Our faith in Christ, our hope in the fullness of life with Him and our love for one another must be deepened and enhanced.

“Easter calls us to promote with renewed vigour the sanctity of human life with thankful and cheerful hearts. This is the time of forgiveness, too,” he said.

(NAN)