Ex-lawmaker Dagogo has disclosed that Nigerians are enduring severe hardship and merely surviving during this Easter.
Glamtush reports that a former member of the National Assembly, Farah Dagogo, has called on the federal and state governments to embrace the core lessons of Easter by taking deliberate steps to reduce the suffering of Nigerians.
Dagogo, who represented Degema–Bonny Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives during the 9th National Assembly, stated this in his Easter message to Christians on Friday, urging them to reflect on the role of Jesus Christ in their lives.
The former Rivers State governorship aspirant in the 2023 general elections made the call in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday by his media aide, Ibrahim Lawal.
He lamented that various government policies have adversely affected the majority of citizens, leaving many Nigerians struggling to survive and contend with numerous challenges, including insecurity, rather than truly living and thriving.
Dagogo noted that citizens of a nation as richly endowed as Nigeria should not be subjected to prolonged hardship and therefore urged both the government and the people to embody the enduring virtues exemplified by Jesus Christ, such as sacrifice for the common good, harmonious coexistence, and the pursuit of collective prosperity.
According to him, embracing these values would promote unity and national development.
Dagogo highlighted several pressing challenges facing Nigerians, including the removal of the fuel subsidy, worsening insecurity, high inflation, increased electricity tariffs despite unreliable power supply, rising unemployment, and the escalating cost of living.
He stated that these issues have significantly heightened public frustration and hardship, adding that governments at all levels should take advantage of the Easter season, which follows the solemn Lenten period, to reflect on the sacrifices of Jesus Christ and translate those lessons into people-oriented policies that alleviate suffering.
He further encouraged Nigerians to use the holy period to pray for God’s mercy and favour upon the nation, especially as the country approaches another election cycle.
Dagogo emphasised the need for leaders to be more responsive to citizens’ plight by implementing policies that improve living conditions and restore hope.
The statement read, “Let me congratulate Christians worldwide on the successful completion of the Lenten season and the celebration of Easter. At this auspicious time, as we commemorate the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, which brought redemption to mankind, I urge everyone to reflect deeply on the essence of life and our shared responsibility to care for one another and be our brother’s keeper.
“Easter is a sacred period for Christians to reflect on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and to recommit to moral renewal. This season of grace, preceded by the Lenten period, offers a unique opportunity for spiritual growth and reflection.
“As it concerns our nation, Nigerians are enduring severe hardship, merely surviving instead of living meaningful and fulfilling lives, despite the country’s abundant natural resources. Poor economic policies have made life increasingly difficult for the average citizen. Many struggle to afford basic necessities such as food, healthcare, and housing, while insecurity continues to claim lives across the country.
“As we mark this season, and with another election cycle approaching, it is my sincere hope and prayer that the death and resurrection of our Lord will usher in a new era of hope, growth, peace, and prosperity for Nigeria,” the former lawmaker added.
