Akpabio made the call during an Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja as part of activities commemorating this year’s Democracy Day celebration.
The event, themed “God of Hope, Actualise our Dreams,” brought together government officials, religious leaders and citizens to reflect on Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule.
In a statement issued by his media office on Sunday, the Senate President recalled that he introduced a monthly prayer programme during his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State to address the growing threats of militancy, kidnapping and violent crimes.
He said, “When I had the opportunity to serve as governor about 19 years ago, I started monthly prayer. I used to ask myself a question whenever there was militancy, kidnapping and killing. I would say, what if we were not praying?
“Today I want you to ask the same question, the things happening around us, what if we were not praying. We must continue praying so that the evil doers and their sponsors shall be exposed in Jesus Name.
“If they are in government, they shall be exposed. If they are outside government, they shall be exposed in Jesus Name. Those sponsoring it, whether it is politically motivated or not, may they never have peace until they are defeated.”
Akpabio acknowledged the pain and hardship caused by insecurity across the country, particularly the impact of kidnappings and violent attacks on families and communities. However, he maintained that Nigeria’s history shows its ability to overcome difficult periods.
According to him, the country has weathered several national crises, including political instability, economic challenges, insurgency and major health emergencies.
“We have survived political upheavals, economic turbulence. We will survive Insurgencies. We have survived pandemics like Ebola and COVID-19 and seasons of despotism. Yet here we stand. Twenty-seven years of democratic governance. Twenty-seven years of constitutional order and hope renewed.
“But gratitude must never blind us to reality. President Bola Tinubu has directed that this year’s Democracy Day be observed in a low-key manner because of the current situation in the country.
“There is no denying that insecurity continues to trouble our land. Communities have been attacked. Farmers fear returning to their fields. Travellers journey with uncertainty. Families mourn loved ones lost to violence and criminality,” he said.
Speaking further, the former Akwa Ibom governor reflected on the emotional toll insecurity has taken on families, particularly those whose loved ones remain in captivity. Drawing from his childhood experiences during the Nigerian civil war, he expressed sympathy for victims and their relatives.
He said, “That is why my heart breaks for every child in captivity and every parent who lies awake through the long hours of the night, not knowing whether a son or daughter is safe, hungry, frightened or even alive.
“I know something of that anguish. Yet what I experienced as a child cannot be compared with the horror, humiliation, cruelty and unspeakable ordeal these innocent children have endured since their abduction.
“It is a tragedy that wounds the conscience of our nation. But I assure you, there is a brighter tomorrow. The evil you see today, you shall soon see no more.”
The Senate President also reassured Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to improving security, restoring peace and ensuring the safe return of those still being held by kidnappers and other criminal groups.
“We shall continue to act together, pray together, and continue to persevere until our children are safely returned and our nation is secure,” he added.
Also speaking at the service, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to reduce economic hardship while strengthening security operations aimed at defeating criminal elements and securing the freedom of abducted Nigerians.