Onitsha (Anambra) – The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke has appealed to politicians and journalists to allow peace to reign in 2015.
Okeke told newsmen in Onitsha, Anambra that Nigerians needed to maintain peaceful co-existence notwithstanding their obvious differences in terms of ethnicity and creed.
“When we look at the television, we see wars, violence, kidnappings and many more; we lament the fate of such people, we weep for them and pray for them.
“But here in Nigeria, we need to look inwards and keep our house in order.
“I call on the senators, the members of the house of assembly, the soldiers, the traders, the politicians, the priests, the bishops, the journalists, young and old, to join hands and ensure peace.
“Let us ensure peace because it is a duty that has to be done and it is a work that is ongoing.
“Let us pray for peace – it is God’s gift and if we pray, God the author of peace will grant us our request.
“Let us shun violence, discord, hatred, impunity and all that negate peace.
“I pray for our country, Nigeria; I pray for all of you, I pray that God will grant us peace especially in this our country.”
The archbishop stressed the need for peace between religious groups, sects, politicians and even rivals.
The cleric, however, reminded Christians that Christ lived an exemplary life of peace and enjoined them to be messengers and angels of peace.