Christian Clerics Mourn Yar’Adua, Task Jonathan On Good Governance

In a statement, President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, said although death is inevitable, the President, despite challenges, was able to demonstrate love and commitment for the well-being and development of the country, through some of his policies and programmes.

“People from the Niger Delta region would forever be grateful to President Yar’Adua for the Amnesty programme and the creation of the Niger Delta Ministry

“These two steps shown by Yar’Adua to the course of the Niger Delta area was an indication of his sincere commitment and tender heart,” he said.

He also commended the late President for his respect towards the rule of law and faithfulness in implementing some crucial judicial verdicts and decisions, particularly during the conclusion of some election cases handled by the electoral tribunals.

The cleric added that this was a time for Nigerians to be fervent in prayers for the nation and for divine intervention in its democracy.

He admonished newly sworn-in President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure that some of the laudable programmes by Yar’Adua were implemented to the letter, especially the Niger Delta issue, electoral reforms and war against corruption.

Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Dr. Mike Okonkwo, described the death of President Yar’Adua as a big loss to Nigeria, Africa and the world in general.

He enjoined Nigerians, particularly members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to give Jonathan all the support he needs towards taking the country to its Promised Land.

He called on Jonathan to use this opportunity to write his name in gold in the heart of the people, within the short time he has, adding that posterity will remember him for the legacy he leaves behind irrespective of his short tenure.

In the same vein, Secretary-General of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and Senior Pastor of Guiding Light Assembly, Pastor Wale Adefarasin, has commiserated with the family of President Umaru Musa and the entire nation on the untimely death, saying his passing away has dealt a big blow on the country.

In a press release, Pastor Adefarasin lamented the demise of a man, he said, many believed to be a lover of peace and a bridge builder through many crises in Nigeria, most especially in the Niger Delta region.

He congratulated President Jonathan on his substantive appointment and prayed for the success of his administration.

Secretary General of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Elder Saidu Dogo and its Pubicity Secretary, Reverend Joseph Hayap, said Christians in the North”received the news of the passing away of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua with great shock but with total submission to the will of God, who decreed that all lives must taste death.”

Hayap pointed out that “there is time for everything and as such, while we are mourning the late President and praying for the repose of his soul, we are also mindful that the late President has in his capacity demonstrated courage and sound leadership within the last three years, during which he held sway in office.”

He said among legacies left behind by Yar’Adua was “the rapt attention the Niger-Delta received, leading to the Amnesty initiative, alongside the creation of a ministry to manage the lingering crisis.

“The death of Mr. President, at this time, calls for sober reflections and a turning point in our national life. It also calls for prayers for continued peace and harmony in our country,” Hayap added.

The Director of Social Communications, Archdiocese of Lagos, Very Rev. Msgr Gabriel Osu, described the death of Yar’Adua as tragic and a big loss, not only to the ruling party, but also to Nigerians and Africa in general.

He noted that the late President was a Godly man, who would be remembered for his forthrightness and firm commitment to good governance and the restoration of peace to the troubled Niger-Delta region.

Describing the circumstances leading to his death as unfortunate, Osu prayed that God would grant the family and the nation the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.