Bishops at Christmas, urge Nigerians to embrace peace

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Bola Ayorinde and Bishop of Ibadan Diocese (Church of Nigeria), Anglican Communion, Rt. Revd. Joseph Akinfenwa, have urged Nigerians not to exchange their votes for money during next year’s general elections.

They made the call yesterday at the Cathedral of St. James the Great, Oke-Bola, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Akinfenwa, in his Christmas sermon in the church, said: “Christmas is the season of incomparable relationship with God, an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God and an opportunity to remind ourselves what God Has taught us.”

He said if the nation had been filled with God-fearing people, there would not be wasting of scarce resources, senseless killings, insecurity, crises and other vices.

Ayorinde, on his part, said the season was a renewal of hope for the people, urging leaders to imbibe the attributes of Jesus Christ.
He said: “If leaders imbibe the attributes of Jesus Christ, governance will be easy. If they don’t mix up people’s money with theirs, there will be enough to govern with.
“As 2023 approaches, people should stand firm and vote right. They know the people to vote for. The days of voting to collect N500 should be over.”

Similarly, the Anglican Bishop of Lagos Mainland Diocese, Rt. Revd. Akinpelu Johnson, has urged Nigerians to embrace peace as Christmas is celebrated and also for the forthcoming general elections.

Bishop Johnson, who stated this at the Cathedral Church of Jude, Ebute-Metta, yesterday, said the church as an institution should play a role in restoring peace in the political affairs of the nation and also ensure there is highest ideal of democracy.

“So, to encourage whatever we do, especially during the 2023 presidential election, the electorate should shun violence, choose credible leaders and not be influenced by what they get or what they are promised for personal gratification,” he said.