Buhari’s Lagos Visit, Plot To Spoil Easter Celebration – Archbishop

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr Alfred Adewale Martins, has alleged deliberate plot to use President Muhammadu Buhari’s Lagos visit to spoil Easter celebration for Christians in the state.

Archbishop Martins’ statement comes on the heels of Governor Akinwumi Ambode’s declaration of Thursday as a public holiday and the reported grounding of economic activities in the state because of President Buhari’s visit.

Reports indicate that business owners in Lagos were prevented from going about their daily activities as several traffic diversions had been done to enable Buhari’s hitch-free movement.

The cleric, who spoke in a statement by his Director of Social Communications, Gabriel Osu, lambasted the protocol team and other organisers of the president’s visit.

“Obviously, the visit was deliberately planned to inflict pain and frustration on Christians that would participate in the Easter activities,” Martins said on Thursday.

“In view of the large Lagos population and clustered road networks, the closure of roads coupled with the ban of Okada on many routes will create a chaotic situation for commuters especially Christians that would love to take part in Easter activities.

“Those who would also love to welcome their President would be confused on whether to fulfil their religious obligations or go out to welcome the President.

“The organisers could have considered Christians in government and security services, who would be required to be at work to ensure a smooth, secure and safe visit of the President.

“In as much as the President has the right to visit any part of Nigeria in the course of his work, the timing should be sensitive to the situation of people, especially when it involves the fulfilment of the religious obligations which their faith requires of them,” he said.