A former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, on Saturday urged Nigerians to intensify prayers for the successful conduct of the March 28 and April 11 elections.
Gowon, the founder and Chairman of a Christian prayer group, Nigeria Prays, made the call when he and other members of the group visited Gov. Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State in Bauchi.
He appealed to every Nigerian to pray for lasting peace in the country, saying that there could not be any meaningful development in an atmosphere of insecurity.
“I call on every Nigerian, irrespective of his religion, to intensify prayers for the peaceful conduct of the nation’s general election.
“Government at all levels are doing their best; the security agencies, the electoral body are preparing very hard for the success of the elections.
“It is our responsibility to pray for peaceful, credible, free and fair elections that will make us proud as a nation”, he said.
He equally appealed to Nigerians to support whoever emerged victorious at the polls in the interest of the nation.
Gowon said the prayer group was in the state for the North East Zonal Prayer Rally, adding that prayer sessions would also hold in the remaining five geo-political zones after every two months.
He said the group was established 19 years ago with the sole aim of praying consistently for Nigerian leaders and particularly for peace and tranquilly in the country.
Gowon said that leaders need prayers for them to lead with divine wisdom so as to meet the aspirations of the people who look up to them.
“We pray for our leaders, from the president down to the councillor at the local government level, we pray also for our religious and traditional leaders and everyone in position of leadership.
“Our desire is for God to grant our leaders wisdom and the ability to lead based on equity and justice and together we can move this country to greater heights”, Gowon said.
Responding, Yuguda acknowledged that prayer remains very crucial in sustaining Nigeria as a nation, particularly with the elections and the current security challenges.
Yuguda, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Saleh, called on all Nigerians to join the prayer group and pray intensively for peace, love and unity in the country.
At the palace of the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Adamu, Gowon commended the traditional council for maintaining good relationship among the multi-religious and diverse ethnic groups in the state.
He said the current peace being enjoyed in the state would not have been possible if not for the exemplary leadership being demonstrated by government and the traditional rulers in the state.
In his remarks, Adamu commended Gowon for the visit, saying Nigeria needs prayers to entrench the desired love, peace and tranquility.
“We need God’s intervention in whatever we do; as such, prayer remains our only means of inviting God to take charge in our affairs if we hope to succeed”, the emir said. (NAN)
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