As Christians across the globe celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from the message of Easter to strengthen national unity, renew their hope, and rise above the challenges facing the nation.

In a statement on Friday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists, the lawmaker noted that Easter symbolises the triumph of life over death, hope over despair, and renewal over decay—virtues he described as urgently needed in today’s Nigeria.

He urged citizens to use the occasion as an opportunity to reflect on the country’s journey and commit to a shared vision of progress and peace.

“Easter reminds us that no situation is beyond redemption. Just as Christ conquered death and rose again, so too can our nation overcome its present trials—if only we act with faith, courage, and a common purpose,” Oseni said.

Acknowledging the economic and security challenges facing the country, he stressed the importance of collective resilience and unity among citizens. The lawmaker noted that while efforts are being made to address these issues—with signs of improvement—it is essential for Nigerians to continue supporting the President Bola Tinubu-led administration in its drive for national recovery and progress.

“Our strength lies in our unity,” he said. “We must resist the temptation to be divided by ethnic, religious, or political differences. Easter calls us to a higher sense of responsibility—to forgive, to heal, and to build together.”

Oseni, who also chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots development, and national transformation through quality infrastructure and people-centered legislation. He promised to continue using his position to advocate for policies that improve the welfare of his constituents and all Nigerians.

The APC chieftain further urged Christians to go beyond the rituals of Easter and live out its message in their daily interactions. “This season should inspire us all to be better citizens, better neighbours, and better leaders in whatever space we occupy.”

The lawmaker concluded his message with prayers for peace, stability, and renewed hope across the country, saying, “May this Easter mark a turning point in our collective story as a nation. May Nigeria rise, like Christ, into a new dawn of greatness.”

The Nigeria Police Force has vowed to sanction its officers caught in a viral video receiving money from Chinese nationals, describing the act as a disgraceful breach of professionalism and a violation of the Force’s core values.

In the now widely circulated footage, several Chinese individuals are seen handing out naira notes to uniformed Nigerian policemen, who were lined up in what appeared to be a well-orchestrated arrangement. The video has since sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with many Nigerians expressing outrage and calling for systemic reform within the police.

The disturbing scene, showing armed officers accepting cash in broad daylight, has raised serious questions about the integrity and discipline of personnel within the Force.

Reacting to the incident, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, issued a strong statement on Thursday condemning the officers’ actions as both “unprofessional and unethical.”

“The Nigeria Police Force has taken cognisance of a disturbing video making rounds in the media space, showing police officers receiving money from a Chinese national,” Adejobi stated.

“The Force has strongly condemned the conduct exhibited by the police officers in the video. The actions of the officers do not represent the established ethics, standards, and core values of the Nigeria Police Force.”

He further revealed that the officers involved have been identified and are currently undergoing disciplinary procedures, although he did not specify the nature of the sanctions to be meted out.

Adejobi assured members of the public that the incident would be thoroughly investigated and that appropriate disciplinary actions would follow.

In addition, he issued a stern warning to individuals and corporate organisations who engage the services of police officers, particularly for private escorts and guard duties, urging them to refrain from acts capable of tarnishing the image of the Force.

“The Nigeria Police Force hereby cautions individuals and organisations privileged to the services of police personnel, particularly as escorts and guards or other specialised services, to desist from any act capable of degrading the integrity of its officers and bringing the Force to disrepute,” he warned.

A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and close ally of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Farouk Aliyu, has rubbished speculations suggesting that the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc is plotting to exit the ruling party.

Aliyu, a former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and self-identified member of Buhari’s inner political circle clarified on Wednesday during an interview on Politics Today, a flagship programme on Channels Television.

“It’s not true; there is nothing like members of the defunct CPC wanting to move out of APC,” Aliyu asserted firmly. “Our certificate, the certificate of CPC, was part of what formed APC. So how can we leave? To go where? This is our party.”

The CPC was one of the major parties that merged in 2013 to form the APC, alongside the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). The merger paved the way for Buhari’s historic victory over then-President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

Responding to recent reports surrounding former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s purported defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Aliyu distanced Buhari from any such endorsement. He cautioned El-Rufai against taking a wrecking-ball approach to the APC simply because he was overlooked for a ministerial position.

“If he didn’t get what he wanted, he shouldn’t bring down the roof,” Aliyu stated, adding that El-Rufai’s move does not represent the stance of Buhari or the CPC bloc.

He, however, advised the APC leadership to intensify engagement with all internal factions and legacy groups within the party to reduce political friction ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Politics is about engagement. Politics is about the interests of groups, people, and so on,” he said. “That is what we are saying: engage more—not only with people from the defunct CPC but even from the PDP. So that in 2027, there will be less competition.”

The Jigawa-born political heavyweight also warned against complacency within the APC, particularly as opposition forces coalesce around former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

“We cannot just sit by and allow strange bedfellows to take over the government,” Aliyu cautioned, expressing confidence that the APC would present a unifying presidential candidate capable of fracturing the opposition alliance.