- Yakubu Gowon, a former head of state, says the church must provide a moral compass for the nation to make the people imbibe the fear of God and to follow righteousness
- Gowon says there is great need for Nigerians to come together to pray and intercede for the nation and its people in the light of insurgency and politically motivated violence
- The former head of state says God’s solutions to the problems of the country is not in guns, retaliation or physical weapons but in prevailing prayers of the church
Former head of state, Yakubu Gowon, on Sunday, November 25, held a prayer session for Nigeria at the headquarters of Deeper Life Bible Church in Lagos.
Gowon said that Nigeria’s problems would be resolved through unrelenting prayers by the church, rather than resorting to violence, retaliation and unforgiveness.
The former head of state who is the president of the Nigeria Prays Movement, was in the company of the chief host, Pastor Kumuyi, the general superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry and his wife, Pastor Esther.
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The annual event brings together Christian faithful from various denominations as well as political office holders.
Gowon, who took his reading from 2 Chronicles 7: 14, urged the congregation to pray for the nation, saying that God is interested in the Nigeria situation at all times, The New Agency of Nigeria reports.
Yakubu Gowon in the company of Pastor Kumuyi and Femi Adesina, photo credit: Femi Adesina - Facebook
“The church must provide a moral compass for the nation to make the people imbibe the fear of God and to follow righteousness.
“Brethren, it is important to remind us that the church is God’s House of Prayer. With the general elections coming ahead, it is natural for people to become anxious and fearful of what the future holds for Nigeria.
“In the light of the wanton killings in the land– be it politically motivated or instigated by the dark agents of insurgency like Boko Haram, armed herdsmen or rustlers, there is great need for us to come together to pray and intercede for our dear nation and its people.
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“God’s solutions to the problems of this country is not in guns, retaliation or physical weapons but in prevailing prayers of the church.
“May I ask the people of Nigeria to embrace of the spirit of love, patriotism and commitment to the good of our nation, irrespective of political parties or religious affiliation or tribal differences.’’
According to him, citizens of this hold important role of maintaining peace and unity for the progress and prosperity of Nigeria.
He cautioned Christians against reprisal attacks, retaliation, vengeance and religious intolerance in the guise of self-defence.
“Whatsoever the provocation, whatsoever the threat, for the sake of our country, Nigerian Christians should never resort to retaliation that could lead to a religious war.
“I call on the authorities to provide the necessary physical protection for all. We must continue to demand for the government to be alive to its primary responsibilities of protecting lives and properties of poor citizens.’’
Gowon said that the mission of Nigeria Prays was to mobilise all Nigerians to offer prayers for the healing and transformation of the nation.
The general commended the host minister, Pastor William Kumuyi, for his love and commitment to nation growth and development.
In a message, President Muhammadu Buhari also commended Gowon and Kumuyi for their passionate love for national cohesion.
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Buhari, whose message was read by his media aide, Mr Femi Adesina, said that love and commitment of Gowon and Kumuyi to the unity and cohesion of the country was unparalleled.
“Prayer is the right thing to do and the way to go. Nigeria is not a mistake. God that brought us this far won’t abandon us.
“It is right that we pray to God for the unity and prosperity of Nigeria. None of Nigeria’s challenges is greater than God. In God we trust and He will take us through the challenges.’’
Also speaking, Kumuyi, who spoke on “Divine Assurance When Nigerian Prays’’ said that God will answer if His people, faced with national perplexity can pray.
“Nigeria won’t disintegrate, we are just starting.’’
According to him, if God can turn around and show mercy to Nineveh, Egypt, Assyria and others countries as well as various individuals in the Bible days like Rahab, there is hope for Nigeria.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, was represented at the event by the minister of industry, trade and investment, Okey Enelamah, while President Muhammadu Buhari was represented by his media adviser, Femi Adesina.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has told Nigerians to stop politicising the deaths of soldiers who were killed after a recent attack by Boko Haram insurgents on their base in Metele, Borno state.
In a tweet on Sunday, November 25, the president described the soldiers as heroes who were fighting on the frontline to make Nigeria safe.
Buhari assured Nigerians that the circumstances that led to the deaths of the soldiers will be addressed.
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Source: Legit.ng
