Buhari (middle, front row) observing Muslim prayer
Nigeria: Christians fault Buhari’s visit to Lagos on holy days
Christians in Nigeria have faulted the timing of President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Lagos State, the economic nerve of the country and indeed West Africa.
Nigeria is hugely divided along religious lines: predominantly Northern Muslims and Southern Christians.
Buhari, a Muslim, is embarking on a two-day official visit to Lagos, in South-West Nigeria, for today, (the Holy Thursday) and tomorrow, (Good Friday) according to Easter week calendar.
Christian clerics and followers said Buhari’s visit would disrupt Christians’ plans and activities to mark the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Parish Priest of St Christopher Catholic Church, Oke Odo, Lagos, Rev. Fr. Anthony Okoro said the timing was wrong. “Holy Thursday and Good Friday are special days for Christians to reflect the Paschal mysteries. The organizers didn’t take into account the nature of the days. I humbly conclude that such ignorance is not excusable and should not repeat itself lest, it gives room for interpretation”, he said.
The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, also described the planned two -day working visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to Lagos as ill-timed.
According to Okoro, “As a Lagosian by birth and as one who has spent all his life in Lagos, it is a thing of joy that our President will be visiting. “This visit will draw federal attention to Lagos and will bring many more benefits to Lagos. “However, the visit was not well timed and should not take place on the most holy week of Christians. I am very sure the president, an ardent Muslim will not go on a working visit to any state on two of the most important days of Muslims.
“This visit has led to diversion of traffic, restrictions of movement, and other security measures put in place. In addition, the president will arrive on Thursday (Holy Thursday) and conclude the visit on Friday (Good Friday).
“These are special days for Christians to reflect the Paschal mysteries. The organizers didn’t take into account the nature of the days. I humbly conclude that such ignorance is not excusable and should not repeat itself lest, it gives room for interpretation.
“I wish the president and Lagosians the best but I will be in church fulfilling my religious obligations. God bless Nigeria”.
Buhari is in Lagos to attend the 66th birthday colloquium of his political ally and leader of the ruling party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and he is using the opportunity to commission some projects done by Lagos State Governor, Akinwumnmi Ambode