The Prelate Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Samuel Kanu-Uche, has urged Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic, and religious affiliations to work together in peace and unity for the progress of the country.
The Prelate gave the advice at the church’s 48th and 13th biennial conference, with theme “Prepare for the second coming of Jesus Christ’’ being hosted by the arch diocese of Benue in Abuja.
He said the challenges facing the country could even be better solved if Nigerians, Muslims and Christians, pray and work together, adding that people of all faiths need to work for the sake of humanity.
“We need to work together for unity and peace of the country.
“We are to understand one another with love and respect, as our various religions teaches love and peace.
“We have serious security issues confronting us, we cannot be trading blames; we have a lot to do to curb this.
“What Nigeria is experiencing are signs of what has been recorded in the Bible for the second coming, we should be vigilant and ready, pray and be alert,’’ the prelate said.
He urged government to ensure fairness equity, justice and rule of law in the nation
“ Let there be peace, unity tolerance and let there not be dominance by any tribe or religion, because if there is, there will be resistance and there will be reactions, resulting to problems,’’ Kanu-Uche said.
For the forthcoming elections, the Prelate advised Nigerians to vote for integrity and not party, stressing “doing this will protect our future and that of the children and those yet unborn.’’
He said that the conference was his last as his successor would be elected before his exit in November and thanked God for sustenance all through his tenure..
Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue, in his remarks prayed for unity and peace of Nigeria.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr Benson Abounu, declared the conference open and urged the clergy and laity to pray for a return of peace in the country.
He said that there was need for leaders to be sensitive to things that worry the masses.
”Show sensitivity as far as our ethnic and tribal leanings are concerned, sensitivity as far as our religions and interest are concerned.
“Also, as far as our social engagements are concerned and our social cultural issues and interest are to be taken into consideration.
“No religion should have dominion over another; no ethnic group should have dominion over others.
” No social class should have dominion over the other as Nigeria belongs to everyone.
“Any choice anyone is making, he or she should put into consideration the aforementioned,’’ he said.
He advised the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to fashion out a new leadership structure where all Christians could come together as one in order for Christians to have one voice.
Also, the President of CAN, Rev Daniel Okoh, represented by Apostle Abiodun Sanyaolu, Assistant Secretary General of the Christian Council of Nigeria, commended the prelate for his support to the church and association.
He advised the church to be prayerful and steadfast as the siege was on, adding that the church needs to march forth.
The CAN president said that only prayers and commitment were the solution to challenges being faced in the country.
In his address, the former Senate President, David Mark, advised Nigerians and the church to continue to pray for peace in the country.
“These conference will preach peace to Nigeria and ensure there is peace, I am sure all religion preaches peace and none preaches violence.
”As Christians and Moslems, we are the two major faiths and we need to do what pleases God and would develop our nation,’’ he said.
Most Rev Joseph Job, the Methodist Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, urged Christians to prepare their minds on issues bordering the nation, through prayers
He advised that as the general elections draws near, it was the duty of all Nigerians to first create an enabling environment to enable the elections, which would be achieved through prayers.
Also the Archbishop, Archdiocese of Benue, Most Rev. Oliver Aba, said the conference was aimed at discussing the growth of the church and the nation.
“ We pray for Nigeria, the church we must work as a team to achieve these, as our generations yet unborn will ask what we did to salvage the country from collapsing.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Archbishops of Methodist Churches in some West African countries including Ghana, Togo and Mali were in attendance at the conference to felicitate with the church and country.(NAN)
