Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Sunday urged Nigerians to stay hopeful and pray fervently, saying divine intervention will “expose” those sponsoring terrorism and insecurity across the country.
He spoke at an Inter-Denominational Church Service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, held to mark the 2026 Democracy Day.
The service, themed “God of Hope, Actualise Our Dreams”, brought together government officials, clergy and worshippers to reflect on 27 years of uninterrupted democracy.
–“Prayer exposed militancy in Akwa Ibom”–
Drawing from his time as Akwa Ibom governor, Akpabio said prayer was central to tackling kidnapping 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. Whenever there was militancy, kidnapping and killing, I would ask myself: what if we were not praying?” he said.
He called on Nigerians to keep seeking divine intervention, declaring that perpetrators and their backers will be unmasked.
“We must continue praying so that the evil doers and their sponsors shall be exposed. If they are in government, they shall be exposed. If they are outside government, they shall be exposed. Those sponsoring insecurity, whether politically motivated or not, may they never have peace until they are defeated,” Akpabio stated.
–Pain of insecurity, hope in democracy–
The Senate President acknowledged the toll of insecurity: communities attacked, farmers afraid to farm, travellers uncertain, families mourning.
“My heart breaks for every child in captivity and every parent who lies awake through the night not knowing whether a son or daughter is safe, hungry, frightened or even alive,” he said, recalling his own experience during the civil war.
Despite the crisis, Akpabio said Nigeria’s democratic journey shows resilience. “We have survived political upheavals, economic turbulence, pandemics like Ebola and COVID-19, insurgencies and seasons of despotism. Yet here we stand — 27 years of democratic governance, constitutional order and renewed hope,” he said.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu ordered a modest Democracy Day celebration this year due to security challenges. “There is no denying that insecurity continues to trouble our land,” Akpabio added.
–Tinubu administration’s pledge–
“The evil you see today, you shall soon see no more,” Akpabio declared.
He assured Nigerians that the Tinubu government remains committed to tackling insecurity, restoring peace, and securing the release of all captives.
“We shall continue to act together, pray together and persevere until our children are safely returned and our nation is secure,” he said.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who also spoke at the service, said the FG is intensifying efforts to address economic hardship, improve security, and secure freedom for abducted citizens nationwide.
Akpabio’s call to “expose sponsors” echoes a long-standing demand by security experts and civil society: that Nigeria move beyond fighting foot soldiers of terror to identify and prosecute financiers.
His reference to prayer as a security tool reflects how faith-based responses often blend with policy rhetoric during national crises.
With Democracy Day observed modestly this year, the government’s message was clear: security remains the priority, and public hope must be matched by concrete action.
