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Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Sunday urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and pray fervently, saying divine intervention will “expose” those sponsoring terrorism and insecurity across the country.
He spoke at an interdenominational church service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, held to mark the 2026 Democracy Day.
The ceremony, themed “God of Hope, Make Our Dreams Come True,” brought together government officials, clergy and faithful to reflect on 27 years of uninterrupted democracy.
–“Prayer exposed militancy in Akwa Ibom”–
Drawing on his time as governor of Akwa Ibom, Akpabio said prayer was instrumental in addressing kidnappings and militancy in the state 19 years ago.
“When I had the opportunity to serve as governor, about 19 years ago, I started monthly prayer. Every time there was militancy, kidnappings and killings, I asked myself: what if we weren’t praying?” he said.
He called on Nigerians to continue to ask for divine intervention, declaring that the perpetrators and their supporters will be exposed.
“We must continue to pray that the wicked and their sponsors are exposed. If they are in government, they will be exposed. If they are out of government, they will be exposed. Those who sponsor insecurity, whether politically motivated or otherwise, may they never have peace until they are defeated,” Akpabio said.
–Pain of insecurity, hope in democracy–
The Senate President acknowledged the toll of insecurity: communities under attack, farmers afraid to farm, uncertain travelers, grieving families.
“My heart breaks for every child in captivity and for every parent who stays awake all night not knowing if a son or daughter is safe, hungry, scared or even alive,” he said, recalling his own experience during the civil war.
Despite the crisis, Akpabio said Nigeria’s democratic journey demonstrates resilience. “We have survived political upheaval, economic turmoil, pandemics like Ebola and COVID-19, uprisings and seasons of despotism. Yet here we are: 27 years of democratic rule, constitutional order and renewed hope,” he said.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu ordered a modest Democracy Day celebration this year due to security concerns. “There is no denying that insecurity continues to trouble our land,” Akpabio added.
–Tinubu administration promise–
“The evil you see today, you will soon no longer see,” Akpabio declared.
He assured Nigerians that the Tinubu government remains committed to addressing insecurity, restoring peace and ensuring the release of all prisoners.
“We will continue to act together, pray together and persevere until our children are safely returned and our nation is safe,” he said.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who also spoke at the service, said the FG was intensifying efforts to address economic hardship, improve security and secure freedom for abducted citizens nationwide.
Akpabio’s call to “expose the sponsors” echoes a long-standing demand from security experts and civil society: that Nigeria go beyond fighting the infantry of terrorism to identify and prosecute financiers.
His reference to prayer as a tool for security reflects how faith-based responses often blend with political rhetoric during national crises.
With Democracy Day modestly celebrated this year, the government’s message was clear: security remains the priority and public hope must be accompanied by concrete actions.
