The church should continue to pray for the peace and unity of the country ahead of the 2023 general election, former President Goodluck Jonathan has said.
The former president said the current state of affairs in the nation did not give room for the blame game.
He spoke at the re-dedication of the remodeled Methodist Cathedral of Unity in Zone 3 area of Abuja
He advised the church to constantly stand in the place of prayer for Nigeria.
“We need to connect our faith back to God. I want to encourage every one of us to pray because the time to blame is not there, but we need to do the needful.
“I want to encourage everyone to pray for this country. We must agree as a nation and as a people that we should continue to work together as one. God will see us through,” Jonathan said.
Also, the Managing Director of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Femi Odumosu, who represented Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, expressed optimism that God would prevail over those he described as the “troublers” of the nation.
Singing a song titled, ‘We are grateful, oh Lord’, Odumosu said that the remodeled church building would aid the act of worship and strengthen the bond of brotherhood among the faithful.
“We have to pray for leaders of the country that God will give us victory over the troublers of this country. The forces of evil and hate are more vehement than ever. The battle between light and darkness is more intense than ever, but we will prevail,” he said.
The Secretary to Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, explained that the country was in dire need of prayers, especially as it approached the election year.
He said, “Auditorium such as this offers the right atmosphere for the faithful servants of God to the congregation, and seek the face of God towards the emergence of the right set of leaders that will take us to the promised land.
“I, therefore, want to encourage you to pray and deliberate on the important issues concerning the promotion of human dignity, human rights, true justice, reconciliation, peace, and wholesome development of the Nigerian society.”
Mustapha also urged the people not to neglect their constitutional responsibility of participating in the electoral process.
“Every Nigerian should endeavour to obtain his or her Permanent Voter Cards and vote wisely during the upcoming general election so that good and God-fearing leaders that have the interest of our nation at heart will emerge.
“I covet more of your prayers to enable this government to fulfill its dreams for the country,” he added.
Speaking also, the Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Hajiya Ramatu Aliyu, said, “The church keeps people grounded by providing a bedrock of faith and answers to humanity’s deepest needs.
“I, therefore, urge the body of Christ to provide services, counselling, and advice to those in need and above all pray for the peace of the nation, especially as we draw closer to the 2023 general election.”
While re-dedicating the remodeled church edifice, the Methodist Prelate, His Eminence, Dr. Samuel Kalu-Uche, urged the faithful not to deploy the building for any unworthy and unhallowed use contrary to the will of God.
“Our marvelous God deserves the best. I pray that the Almighty God Himself will bless us for sacrificing time, intellect, and resources to carry out the wonderful and spectacular work that we have come to behold and celebrate,” he said.
