Pray for security, peaceful elections, cleric pleads with Christians at Easter

The Catholic Bishop of Minna Diocese, Martins Uzoukwu, has appealed with Christians to use the Lenten season to intensify prayers against banditry, kidnapping and for the country to conduct peaceful elections in 2023.

Uzoukwu gave the charge in Minna in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.

He also called on political leaders to use their talents and potential to proffer lasting solutions to the present security challenges.

The cleric said that it was the only way leaders of the nation’s affairs could prepare an enabling political ground for the smooth implementation of the electoral process in 2023.

According to the Bishop, seeking divine intervention will save the country and ensure that ‘’Nigeria becomes a better place for all to be.”

He explained that Lent ought to be an opportunity for Christians to practise Christ’s extolled virtues of alms giving, prayer and fasting.

“The three virtues must be done secretly as they are not shows of piety or holiness, but humility before God,’’ he said.

The Bishop, however, advised people to shun unrighteousness to attract mercy from God, saying “prayer is justice toward God, fasting is justice toward oneself, while alms giving is justice toward others.”

He also called on Nigerians to intensify prayers for the current administration’s fight against corruption, kidnapping, militancy and cattle rustling.

Uzoukwu said that the prayers of the governed would pave way for God’s intervention in the nation’s affairs for peace, progress and political stability.

The cleric told Nigerians to shun sentiments and support the government to move Nigeria out of its present predicament.

He said that Nigerians must assist the government and security agencies to tackle other crisis situations in Nigeria to ensure peace, progress and political stability.