Lokoja – Nigerians have been urged to continue to live in peace for the country to realise its potential.
A cross section of religious leaders who spoke with newsmen in Lokoja urged Nigerians to create an enabling environment for peace to reign in 2015 and beyond.
The clerics reminded Nigerians that no meaningful development could take place in an atmosphere of rancour and disunity.
David Popoola, the Provincial Pastor of Living Faith Church, Lokoja, urged Nigerian leaders to be honest and faithful in their responsibilities.
Popoola reiterated the need for politicians to shun all forms of violence and utterances that could cause disunity among people in the country.
He said “I urge politicians and stakeholders in 2015 general elections not to heat up the polity, but to allow peace and harmony to be their watch words.
“In spite of the insurgency and insecurity facing our country, we are still one indivisible nation, Nigeria will surely surmount all her challenges.
“We are a great people, a great nation; God loves our country and His absolute peace will reign in our nation this new year and beyond.’’
Malam Abubakar Mohammed, a Muslim cleric, said Nigerians should continue to celebrate the unity of the nation, irrespective of religious, tribal, cultural and political differences.
He commended the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan and stressed the need for Nigerians to give him total support to succeed.
He added that “no one can get to any leadership position in life without the consent of Almighty Allah.
“I urge all Nigerians to unite and support the President in the fight against insurgency and insecurity ravaging our nation.
“We must create an atmosphere that will allow peace and unity to reign,’’ Mohammed said.
Mr. John Aboyeji, the Presiding Pastor of The Potter’s Porch International Churches, enjoined Nigerians, irrespective of their affiliations, to learn to accommodate one another and embrace peace and harmony.
He advised Nigerians to live in peace with one another, pointing out that peaceful co-existence would engender rapid development of the country.
“I advise Nigerian leaders and government at all levels to get closer to God and have the fear of God in their hearts.
“Imbibing the spirit of love and unity will surely help us to surmount insurgency and other challenges facing the country.
“I am optimistic that the insurgents terrorising our beloved country will soon meet their waterloo,’’ Aboyeji said.
