The President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Reverend Samson Ayokunle, has urged politicians in Nigeria to be decisive in their leadership role and tackle various sensitive issues affecting the country.
Reverend Ayokunle stated this during the interdenominational Church Service marking the 2022 Democracy Day at the National Christian Center, Abuja, Nigeria.
With this year’s theme: “More than Conquerors” the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, who was also the Guest Speaker at the event, Bishop Francis Wale-oke, reiterated the urgent need to address the recurring issues as Nigeria proceeds towards 2023 general elections.
According to him, political leaders should express concerns on issues affecting the nation such as ASUU Strike, the nation’s health system, the need to gainfully engage the nation’s teeming youths, insecurity, corruption that has been dignified, religious intolerance amongst others.
“We need at this time more than ever before courageous Leaders that can take just and bold decisions in the fear of the Lord to avert the impending calamity that stars us in the face as one nation. This is why the Church is calling on our political leaders to make decisions at this time that will galvanize all Nigerians to unite and build a prosperous nation that will be a pride to all of us.
Currently, Nigeria is in pain and can be felt in every part of the nation and in every sector of our national life. We call on Political leaders particularly those who are presenting themselves to be elected into the leadership positions in 2023 to pay attention to our pains, concerns and to address them and making bold, fair and just decisions and to bring Nigeria together as one united nation”
He further advised them to be fair in their dealing with the polity of the nation as he reminds them to eschew Muslim- Muslim or Christian- Christian Ticket as such undermines the multi religious nature on the country.
Speaking also, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, described the gathering as an integral aspect of promoting justice and fairness in this democratic dispensation.
“ I believe an interdenominational gathering of this sort is an important way to mark this special anniversary of our nation’s democracy largely because the values of justice, equality, fairness and inclusion which underpin democratic governance are also at the heart of our Christian Faith. A day like this set aside to commemorate Nigeria’s transition from Military rule o Democratic governance gives us an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come as a people. It also allows us to remember the decades characterized by lack of freedom, suspicion and uncertainty and calls to mind the prayers, faith and courageous actions that brought us to a turning point in 1999, one accompanied by hope” .
With the first reading taken from Psalm 20: 1–8, by the Honourable Justice Somali of the nation’s Court of Appeal, reminds the Citizens of the assurance of God’s saving work for the country.
Also, the Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Bar Nkiruka Onyejeocha took the 2nd reading taken from Romans 8:31-39 which centers on God’s Everlasting Love for Nigerians.
There were intercessory prayers for the nation on political programmes, good governance, security and economic transformation, for peaceful coexistence and Nigerian Families and prayers for God to defend the Church and make her united.
Different song renditions from conglomeration of choirs in attendance with emphasis on the need to lean on God especially at this period the nation is faced with different challenges
Other dignitaries in attendance are the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, Members of the Diplomatic corps, the Ambassador of Jamaican Republic, Republic of Venezuela, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Bokina Faso and Republic Angola amongst others.
Nnenna.O
