President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has encouraged Nigerians not to lose hope in the face of ongoing security challenges, revealing that he once introduced monthly prayer gatherings while serving as Governor of Akwa Ibom State to confront rising incidents of militancy, kidnappings and violent crimes.
Akpabio stressed the importance of sustained prayers for the country, expressing confidence that individuals behind acts of terrorism, violence and insecurity would eventually be identified and brought to justice.
His remarks were contained in a statement released by his media office in Abuja following an Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre as part of activities commemorating this year’s Democracy Day celebration.
The service, themed “God of Hope, Actualise Our Dreams,” attracted senior government officials, religious leaders and worshippers who gathered to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey and 27 consecutive years of civilian rule.
Speaking during the event, Akpabio reflected on his tenure as governor nearly two decades ago and explained how monthly prayer sessions became an important part of his administration’s response to growing insecurity in Akwa Ibom State.
According to him, the initiative was inspired by the challenges posed by militancy, abductions and violent attacks at the time.
He said, “When I had the opportunity to serve as governor about 19 years ago, I started monthly prayer. I used to ask myself a question whenever there was militancy, kidnapping and killing. I would say, what if we were not praying?
“Today I want you to ask the same question, the things happening around us, what if we were not praying. We must continue praying so that the evil doers and their sponsors shall be exposed in Jesus Name.
“If they are in government, they shall be exposed. If they are outside government, they shall be exposed in Jesus Name. Those sponsoring it, whether it is politically motivated or not, may they never have peace until they are defeated.”
The Senate President acknowledged that insecurity remains one of the country’s most pressing concerns, noting that many communities have suffered attacks while countless families continue to endure the pain of losing loved ones or living in fear of criminal activities.
Despite these realities, he maintained that Nigeria’s democratic experience demonstrates the nation’s ability to overcome adversity.
Akpabio pointed out that the country has weathered several difficult periods in its history, including political instability, economic challenges, disease outbreaks and insurgencies.
“We have survived political upheavals, economic turbulence. We will survive Insurgencies. We have survived pandemics like Ebola and COVID-19 and seasons of despotism. Yet here we stand. Twenty-seven years of democratic governance. Twenty-seven years of constitutional order and hope renewed.
“But gratitude must never blind us to reality. President Bola Tinubu has directed that this year’s Democracy Day be observed in a low-key manner because of the current situation in the country.
“There is no denying that insecurity continues to trouble our land. Communities have been attacked. Farmers fear returning to their fields. Travellers journey with uncertainty. Families mourn loved ones lost to violence and criminality,” he said.
The former Akwa Ibom governor also spoke emotionally about the impact of insecurity on families, especially those whose children remain in captivity.
Drawing from his personal experiences during the Nigerian Civil War, Akpabio said he could relate to the emotional trauma many families are currently facing, although he acknowledged that the suffering of abducted victims is far greater.
“That is why my heart breaks for every child in captivity and every parent who lies awake through the long hours of the night, not knowing whether a son or daughter is safe, hungry, frightened or even alive.
“I know something of that anguish. Yet what I experienced as a child cannot be compared with the horror, humiliation, cruelty and unspeakable ordeal these innocent children have endured since their abduction.
“It is a tragedy that wounds the conscience of our nation. But I assure you, there is a brighter tomorrow. The evil you see today, you shall soon see no more.”
Akpabio further reassured Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains focused on restoring security across the country and securing the freedom of citizens currently being held by kidnappers and other criminal groups.
According to him, government institutions, security agencies and citizens must continue working together to confront insecurity and strengthen national unity.
“We shall continue to act together, pray together, and continue to persevere until our children are safely returned and our nation is secure,” he added.
Also addressing worshippers at the Democracy Day service, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the Federal Government is taking additional steps to reduce economic hardship while simultaneously intensifying security operations nationwide.
Akume assured Nigerians that efforts are ongoing to combat criminality, improve public safety and secure the release of abducted individuals across different parts of the country.
The Democracy Day event served as both a moment of reflection on Nigeria’s democratic progress and a call for collective action, prayer and resilience as the nation continues to confront security and economic challenges.
