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 long-awaited year.
I do urge all and sundry to return to God in repentance with a view to healing our Land and restoring all our losses in the past years.
As we enter into this New Year, it’s natural to reflect on the previous year and consider gains and losses. Despite that the economic recession was severe, 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 and Churches’ attack by herdsmen.
God says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” (Joel 2:12&13).
God says, “Return to the LORD your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and filled with unfailing love. Then the LORD will pity his people and jealously guard the honor of his land.” (Joel 2:18).
It is only in our repentance that God will look down from Eternity to heal our land and send to us grain, new wine and olive oil in abundance to satisfy our needs.
I urge the politicians to avoid hate and inciting speeches, Every eligible voter should go and register. Voters Card is the power of the electorate to elect whoever you want. If you are involved, you get the leader you demand and if you failed to be involved, you get the leader you deserved.
Furthermore, my appeal to the security agencies is to be dedicated and loyal to the nation in their duties.
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. Let there be rooms for gainful employment for our youths roaming the streets.
Nigeria will be a better country if justice and the fear of God are upheld by both the government and the governed.
My prayer for Nigeria is; You will no longer be an object of mockery among the surrounding nations. He will direct our leaders to get it right in every facet. He will give us peace and instill His fear in the hearts of our leaders. 2018 will be better than the departed 2017 in Jesus Name.
Wishing all Nigerians and the foreigners amidst us a prosperous Happy New Year.
God bless Nigeria.
Thank You.
Signed
His Eminence,
Rev Samson Olasupo A. Ayokunle, Ph.D
The President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)
