Ahead of Nigeria’s general election, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Most Reverend Dr. Daniel Okoh, has called on Nigerians to vote for political leaders who are sincere to provide the basis that will be the catalyst for economic growth and development.
Reverend Okoh said this during the 2022 Interdenominational Church Service to commemorate Nigeria’s forthcoming 62nd Independence at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Reverend Okoh also has advised Nigerians not to engage in acts that will destroy the fortune and prospects of the nation.
He said, “though Nigeria has had 23 years of uninterrupted democracy, the country is still grappling with so many issues of collective concern. We are bedeviled by insecurity, kidnapping, senseless killings and social injustice.”
While expressing hope on the way out from these current challenges in the country, CAN President reiterated that Nigerians shouldn’t be provoked into anger that will push many to ignite the fire of social crises.
The cleric called on all to “continue to stand up against injustice and work for peace in a constructive way to enjoy the pasture of the land; we must give leadership to peaceful resolution of these issues that polarises us.
“The Church leaders, politicians, security officers and agents, diplomats, Community, Women and Youth leaders must resolve that this is the battle that we must win against the powers of darkness, not by being like them, but by engaging all sectors of our nation, putting all Christian virtues.”
He asked eligible voters in Nigeria to exercise their civic responsibility by going to the polls come 2023, as well as advised Nigerians to shun violence and defile all odds to cast their votes.
He also called on the nation’s youth not to be allowed to be used by politicians who do not have any interest in their future and called on the Nigerian government “to do all that is necessary to so that most of the youths will go back to the universities and be engaged with their studies.”
Reverend Okoh further called on Nigerians to support INEC to enable it to succeed in its assignments and for the security of the officials involved in the forthcoming elections.
Citing further the words of Saint Paul, he spoke on the need for the government at all levels to provide basic infrastructure and security and take care of the less privileged in society.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, in his remark on occasion, expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for the support given to the inter-ministerial to organize the event over the years.
Mr. Mustapha also thanked the Clergy and the Christian Association of Nigeria leadership for their support.
Nigeria’s Vice, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, is optimistic that the strength of Nigeria and her citizens will increase as Nigerians prepare to celebrate their birthdays of the Nigerian people.
Professor Osinbajo also prayed and said that Nigeria would be a great nation.
Highlights of the event are speeches, bible reading, choir renditions, intercessory prayers, and cutting of the National Cake.
S.O
