As Nigeria approaches the 2015 general elections, religious leaders have been called upon to pray for the nation to overcome the daunting challenges posed by insecurity in some parts of the country to ensure continued peace and stability.
The FCT Minister, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, made this call on Wednesday while declaring open the National Executive Committee meeting of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lugbe, Abuja.
The Minister who was represented at the occasion by the FCT Permanent Secretary, John Obinna Chukwu, recognizes the importance and inestimable contributions of the Christian Association of Nigeria to the development and growth of Nigerian state through fervent prayers, useful suggestions and constructive advice.
His words: “It is against this backdrop that we expect CAN to among other things, utilize the platform offered by this meeting for a sober reflection and mediation on the state of the Nation”.
According to him, “Nigeria needs your prayers to overcome the daunting challenges posed by insecurity in some parts of the country so as to ensure continued peace and stability”.
Mohammed reminded the religious leaders to also pray for Nigeria as the country is at the threshold of another political transition in a few months from now; adding that “your prayers and advice to ensure a peaceful electoral process are most needed at this moment”.
While remarking that religious organizations remain one of the most potent channels of sensitization and mobilization, he admonished CAN and other religious bodies to help in the sensitization of their faithful on the need to eschew violence and maintain a culture of peaceful co-existence.
The Minister assured that the FCT Administration on its part would continue to provide the required infrastructure and services to make Abuja a world-class city as envisaged by its founding fathers.
Speaking earlier, the President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor said “what is happening in the North East is totally unacceptable to us”.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the FCT CAN, Rev. Israel Akanji appreciated the FCT Administration, particularly the FCT Minister for his uncommon effort to raise the standard of living of the residents of the Territory.
The President of CAN, Vice President CAN, General Secretary, CAN, All Directors of CAN, President of WOWICAN, President of YOWICAN as well as the Zonal Chairmen and Heads of various Churches in the country attended the NEC meeting.
