President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Samson Ayokunle, has urged Nigerians to return to God in repentance with a view to heal the land and restore all losses in the past years.
Ayokunle made the appeal in a statement signed by the CAN 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.
“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, however, urged politicians to avoid hate and inciting speeches to maintain the unity, peace and tranquility enjoyed by citizens.
He called on every eligible voter to register for the voters card, adding that it would empower them to elect the right people.
“If you are involved, you get the leader you demand and if you fail to be involved, you get the leader you deserve.
“My appeal to the security agencies is to be dedicated and loyal to the nation in their duties. Let there be room for gainful employment for our youth 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.”
He noted that Nigeria would be a better country if only both the government and the governed uphold justice and the fear of God.
Ayokunle prayed for God to direct the leaders to get it right in every facet of life and wished the country peace and unity in 2018.
(NAN)
