Nigeria @55

The Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Wednesday expressed hope for a better Nigeria under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Association’s Secretary in the state, Rev. Sunday Ibrahim, said in Kaduna that at 55, Nigeria was still faced with security, socio-economic and political challenges.

Ibrahim said the country was yet to exploit its abundant human and material resources to transform the nation due to the lack of political will, corruption, ethno-religious and political crises and insecurity.

He, however, expressed confidence in the President Buhari-led administration, saying the government’s commitment in the fight against corruption had rekindled hope for the nation.

The CAN scribe then urged Nigerians to put their country first, instead of religion, ``as currently being used as weapon by some politicians to divide, destroy and disintegrate the country for their selfish interest.

``Religion had been used in the 55 years of Nigeria as a country to destroy lives and property; to cause division and disintegration among the people, which in turn slows the country’s development.

``We should learn to put Nigeria first; do away with pride, ethnicity, religious and political differences and embrace peace and patriotism, so that together we will achieve the desired growth and development for our dear country.’’

Also, the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), English Service, Sabon Tasha, Kaduna, had organised a special prayer for Nigeria at 55 to seek God’s intervention over the prevailing security challenges affecting the country.

The Senior Minister of the Church, Rev. James Moore, told NAN that the Church would also pray for the nation’s leaders for God’s guidance.

Moore said Nigeria at 55 still had a long way to go, particularly in addressing the high rate of unemployment, social and economic backwardness and underdevelopment.

He said that the Buhari administration needed intensive prayers to successfully transform the fortune of the country.

He explained that prayer would be held from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Thursday at the Church premises.

``The security situation in the country demands serious prayer for God’s intervention.

``We want to pray for the aggrieved ones to lay down their arms and embrace the path of peace through dialogue, as effective means of resolving our differences.

``On the part of leadership, we want to pray that those at the helm of affairs should lead with fairness, justice and righteousness, without discrimination.

``We want to also pray and call on all stakeholders to be cautious and respectful in dealing with human beings, particularly in crisis-ridden areas.’’

The cleric appealed to Nigerians to join in praying for lasting peace in the country, adding that there could be no meaningful development in an atmosphere of insecurity.

``Nigerians should join us in prayer as we seek for God’s intervention on the prevailing security challenges affecting our country Nigeria.

``Government is doing its best, but it needs our prayers to succeed, especially in tackling the security issues in the country, particularly in the north-east zone,’’ he said.