At Lent, Buhari, Motailatu Church urge prayers for nation

President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Christians in Nigeria on the solemn occasion of the commencement of this year’s Lenten season.

The President urged Christian brothers and sisters as they joined their counterparts worldwide to emulate the worthy example of Jesus Christ who fasted 40 days at the beginning of His earthly ministry, to pray fervently for the country’s unity and progress.

Buhari, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, yesterday, said that Nigeria’s existence as one united country is a divine arrangement and nothing should be done to put it asunder.

He enjoined all Nigerians to intensify love, brotherliness and concern for the less privileged members of their communities to strengthen the bond of togetherness.

“As Christians begin the period of increased prayers, piety, sacrifice and selfless services, the President wishes them and all Nigerians well,” the statement added.

Also, Nigerians have been urged to pray fervently to God for financial, physical and spiritual healing for the nation.

Chairman, Board of Trustees of Motailatu Church of God, Senior Superintendent Gabriel Akinadewo (Omo Jesu II), made the call at a special anointing service to start the Lenten period at Restoration Parish of the church in Akute, Ogun State, yesterday.

He said: “What Nigeria needs now is total healing.

Obviously, the land of Nigeria is troubled. Nobody seems to know what is going on anymore. Atrocities are being committed and people behave as if everything is normal. Abnormality has now become the norm in the polity.

“Under-age voting in the recent Kano election, with the video displayed on social media, is a vivid example of how the land is troubled politically, economically and socially. In fact, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had to issue a statement dissociating itself from that embarrassment. Days after that charade, people have moved on, waiting for the next embarrassment.

“Our country cannot continue like this. This is the Lenten period, a time for sober reflection, a time to pray and seek the face of God and a time for Nigerians to turn from their wicked ways.”