The Vicar, St James Anglican Communion Asokoro, Venerable Ben Idume, has admonished Nigerians to shun hatred and unite towards building a peaceful country.
The vicar said that Nigerians must also ensure peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections and emergence of credible leaders who would put Nigeria first in all their actions.
Idume gave the advice in an interview with newsmen on Sunday in Abuja after the church’s 2022 Harvest and Thanksgiving with the theme “Harvest of Joyful return,“ derived from Psalm 126:5-6.
“Nigerians should shun politics of thuggery, hatred, victimisation, ill-feelings.
“They should concentrate on issues affecting the nation and it’s citizenry, especially the security challenges bedeviling the country,” he added.
According to him, the choice in 2023 should be for leaders who will provide dividends of democracy to people at the grassroots, alleviate their sufferings and ensure security.
Idume also advised politicians to campaign on issues affecting the nation, not divert people’s attention with issues that would add no value to the country.
The Vicar enjoined Christians to intensify prayers for peace and stability to prevail in the the country.
“We need peace to continue to stay in Nigeria, as we progress into the era of elections, we deserve a good country and leaders.
“Everyone vying for elective positions must know and have this at the back of his or her mind, that peace and progress is paramount in all endeavours,” he said.
Also speaking, Ifeanyi Okowa, the Governor of Delta and PDP Vice Presidential candidate, said it was time for all Nigerians to pray for the nation.
“We believe it shall be well, things will continue to happen, the challenges will continue to come, but there is nothing God cannot do,” he added.
According to him, the PDP will tackle the issue of insecurity, if elected to lead the country in 2023.
The chairman 2022 harvest committee, Mr Adelabu Adedeji said it was a season to offer charity and care for the vulnerable and less priviillaged people in the society.
“We are using the occasion to preach peace and ensure we reap bountifully for a better Nigeria,” he said.(NAN