By Elizabeth ADENUGA
Some religious leaders in Lagos on Tuesday said that there would be a better future for Nigeria, if Nigerians would collectively pray to God to proffer solutions to the nation’s challenges.
Rev. Victor Paul of Assemblies of Church urged his fellow religious leaders to have hope and pray for the prosperity of the country.
”Our role as religious leaders is not to give prediction of 2019, but to give the people hope in the midst of their fears.
”We need to stand in the gap to be an intercessors for the nation and continue to pray for divine wisdom for our leaders,” he said.
To the nation at large, Paul advised citizens to put their hope and faith in God in order to overcome the various challenges confronting the nation.
”The challenges the nation and citizens are experience now is like storms but we will all survive them if we put our hope, trust and faith in God, the storm will cease and 2019 will be a successful year for us, Paul said.
Concerning the forth coming general elections, the cleric called onNigerians, irrespective of religion or tribe, to embrace love, peace and be in unity.
”As the nation prepares for election in February, love and tolerance are needed to achieve togetherness and peace in 2019 and beyond.
To the Christians, Paul urged the faithful to make sacrifice, love one another and be prepared to place the country above self.
”As Christians, we must be prepared to make sacrifice for the growth of the church and nation, because Jesus gave his life to us,” he said.
Mukalia Lawal, leader of the Muslim community in Ayobo, advised government to treat the welfare of the people as a matter of priority.
”The welfare of citizens should be prioritised in 2019, citizens deserve better quality of life and government must take it as its duty.
Commenting on the security situation in the country, Lawal called on the Federal government to ensure that the fight against insurgency is totally won.
”Government should continue to calm the situation in the country by investing heavily in the sustenance of our security and the protection of lives and property,” Lawal said.
He advieed Muslims faithful to pray to Allah for forgiveness of sins and be on the path of peace as well as shun all acts of violence.
While addressing the issue of corruption, Lawal appealed to the government to intensify effort in.the fight against corruption in 2019 to ensure a healthy nation.
”Corruption has eaten deeply into our society, it made some people in positions of authority to recycle their family members in order to cover their looting and misdeeds before leaving their offices,” he said.
The Senior Pastor, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Segun Imosa, enjoined Nigerians to have intimate relationship with God in the New Year for a perfect solution to the challenges in the country.
”Nigerians should forsake their sinful ways and turn to God so as to attract His favour by restoring the glory of Nigeria.
”We know that as we go toward 2019, tension will continue to rise, but in the end, no evil will befall Nigeria.
”Nigeria will not only continue but will be strong and grow better and powerful,” he said.
He also urged those responsible for acts of violence and other vices in the previous years to have a change of heart so as not to incur the wrath of God.
