The new Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Oliver Ali Aba has urged Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to intensify prayers as the country prepares for the 2023 general election.
He made this call in Lagos on Sunday during his investiture as leader of Methodists in Nigeria and some parts of West Africa.
In a statement released by the Church’s Media, Public Relations and Strategic Communications Advisor, Very Rev. Oladapo Daramola, the Prelate also called on the political class, candidates of various political parties and their supporters to desist from making comments capable of setting the Nation on a path of destruction.
He said electioneering campaigns should be more civil and issue-based, considering the fact that the singular purpose of governance which they are all aspiring to do is to serve and bring succour to the citizenry.
“We must address the challenges confronting our Nation with prayers and more prayers. While, it is the responsibility of Governments at all levels to develop policies capable of solving the mirage of problems facing us as a country, we as citizens have the corresponding responsibilities of praying for them not to be derailed by selfishness and greed. While it is right to pressure them and demand good governance, we cannot take away the place of prayer and this we must do intently, with purpose and without ceasing. As Nigerians, we cannot afford to give up hope at this time. Rather, we must hold tenaciously to our belief that with God, all things will turn around. I urge the political class, especially in this season of electioneering to inspire the citizens not only with words but with their actions and deeds because Nigerians are getting tired.”
As the new leader of the Methodist Church, he promised to partner with other religious leaders and stakeholders to pray for the well-being of the Nation and Nigerians everywhere.
The cleric formally took over from Dr Samuel Kanu-Uche on November 13, 2022, after his emergence as the new leader of the Methodist Church Nigeria in August.
