EASTER: ONI PREACHES FORGIVENESS, SELFLESSNESS

By Lere Olayinka

Former governor of Ekiti State, Chief Segun Oni has urged Nigerians to emulate Jesus Christ by imbibing the spirit of selflessness and forgiveness, saying; “Jesus Christ suffered at his trial. He was scourged both on the road to the Cross and while on the Cross. Yet he never held any grudge against those who crucified him.”

According to a statement issued by Chief Media Aide to governor, Mr.

Wale Ojo-Lanre, Oni, in his goodwill message on the occasion of the Easter celebration urged Christians in Nigeria to always make it a duty to offer selfless services to the society and also forgive those who offend them.

“This time last year, our State was steadily moving forward but those who wanted power by all means went about telling lies and destroying the State, using their media organisations. Like it was done to our Lord Jesus Christ, they told lies against us but we moved on with the task of developing the State.

“Today, those people have been able to buy their ways into power but we thank God that Ekiti people have now seen those who genuinely love them between us and them. Our people have seen to what extent lies and deceits can go, and the same way our Lord Jesus Christ, who was despised, is now being adored, we have now become the darling of our people.

“Therefore, it is our joy today that Christ reigns still. He died a voluntary death and suffered crucifixion as the Savior of the world.

He bore our sins in his body on the cross, but he died as a victorious Savior. In his voluntary death, he won the victory over sin, death and hell, and was raised to the newness of resurrection life on Easter morning. He died as our Savior, but he now lives as our Lord,” Oni said.

While urging forgiveness among Christians, the former governor said; “Just as the Lord forgave those who lied against Him, may we have the grace to forgive all those who offend us.”

Oni, who counselled against desperation for power among politicians, added that Christians should always pray for the will of God to prevail in their lives and desist from seeking power by whatever means.