Reverend Samson Ayokunle, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has urged Nigerians to return to God in repentance in order for the country to heal the Land and restore all losses in the past years.
Ayokunle made the appeal in a statement signed by the CAN’s Head of Media, Pastor Bayo Oladeji, on Monday in Abuja.
“As we begin a New Year together, I congratulate every Nigerian, both the leaders and the led, on being among the living who entered this New Year,” the statement read.
“As we enter into this New Year, it’s natural to reflect over the previous year and consider gains and losses.
“In spite of the economic recession, our God did not allow depression to consume us all.
“We feel with those innocents who met their untimely death within the year as a result of Communities, farms, Churches and Mosques attacks.”
The CAN president urged politicians to avoid hate and incendiary speech in order to maintain the unity, peace and tranquility enjoyed by citizens.
He also called for civic engagement, especially in the electoral process.
“If you are involved, you get the leader you demand. And if you fail to be involved, you get the leader you deserve,” said Ayokunle.
“My appeal to the security agencies is [for them] to be dedicated and loyal to the nation in their duties. Let there be room for gainful employment for our youths roaming the streets.
“They have what it takes to stop the needless bloodletting in the country. Let there be peace and unity.
“The three tiers of government should strive hard to make the much-awaited dividends of democracy available to the people.”
The reverend said that Nigeria would be a better country if only both the government and the governed upheld justice and the fear of God.
(Source: NAN)