The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has assured that Nigerians will be redeemed from banditry and insurgency in the coming year and beyond.
He enjoined Nigerians, irrespective of political leanings, to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu in the fight against banditry and insurgency, declaring that with the renewed collaboration with international partners, insurgency will be defeated.
Akpabio spoke during a church service at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Unity, Ukana Ikot Ntuen in Essien Udim local government area of Akwa Ibom State.
A statement on Friday by his media aide, Anietie Ekong, quoted him to have urged Nigerians to work towards a more peaceful and equitable country in 2026.
He was further quoted to have enjoined Nigerians to set aside their differences, embrace peace and foster unity among their families, states and the country as a whole.
Akpabio reportedly stressed the fact that the nation can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace.
“I want to wish all Nigerians a very prosperous and peaceful new year. I want to assure all Nigerians that the new year will usher in renewed peace in our country.
“For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten son to be born as a man so as to redeem mankind. By the reason of the birth of Jesus Christ, Nigerians will be redeemed from banditry and insurgency in the new year and beyond.”
The President of the Senate was said to have highlighted the critical role of family in promoting peace and progress, emphasising that unity is the foundation of collective success.
Akpabio spoke in the backdrop of Thursday’s airstrike in parts of Sokoto State by American forces, targeting terrorist enclaves in that northwestern part of Nigeria.
The President of the Senate however, avoided direct reference to the airstrike by the American forces, but chose to speak in general terms.
Opinions are divided over the US airstrike, with the administration’s critics questioning the rationale behind the foreign military operation on Nigerian soil.
Opposition parties have similarly demanded clarification on the nature of collaboration between Nigeria and the United States regarding the Sokoto air strike.
Not a few analysts have faulted the religious undertone ascribed to the airstrike by the American President, Donald Trump, who has continued to maintain that the bombings were targeted at Islamic extremists carrying out genocide against Christians in Nigerian.
Such narrative, according to them, could worsen the existing ethno religious fault lines in Nigeria in the long term.
On the other hand, many individuals and civil society groups have commended the airstrike, describing it as a major onslaught against bandits and terrorists who have terrorising innocent Nigerians for the past 15 years.
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