Catholic bishop urges Nigerians to make 2023 year of peace

Catholic Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, Alfred Martins, has called on Nigerians to seek divine guidance in their quest for peace this year to ensure it is free from chaos and anarchy.

According to the archbishop, peace is a sine qua non, if the country hopes to reclaim its enviable position as not only one of the most peaceful, but also one of the fastest developing economies in the world.

In his homily at the New Year Mass, yesterday, which was also used to celebrate the 56th World Day of Peace at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, the prelate thanked God for the new year and charged Nigerians to play active roles in the coming general elections by ensuring that they vote only credible and God-fearing leaders capable of leading the country towards the path of prosperity.

While admitting that Nigerians went through very turbulent times in 2022, Martins noted that the country needed God-fearing leaders that will wipe away tears from the citizens’ face.

There is nothing too difficult for God, as he can turn around hopeless situations for good, he sermonised.

His words: “We need peace in Nigeria this 2023. Without peace, the forthcoming national elections would be a task in futility. I know many parts of the country are witnessing so much insecurity. That is why our security agencies must work round the clock to secure all parts of the country and ensure that criminal elements are brought to book.
“President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged to ensure that we have credible elections. I do not doubt that he means well. But he cannot do it all alone. We must all play our part by ensuring that we come out to vote for the right candidates and make sure our votes count. That is a way of ensuring that our elections would be credible.”

He charged leaders of the various political parties to prevail on their supporters to adhere strictly to the provisions of the newly amended Electoral Act and avoid any form of electoral malpractice during the elections.

While condemning the recent murder of Mrs. Bolanle Raheem by a police officer (now on trial), the most reverend said it was very sad that the police officer not only killed the deceased, but also two of her unborn babies through his careless action on Christmas Day. 

He added his voice to the clarion call for urgent reform of the police force, noting that such inhuman acts perpetuated by some in uniform should no more be tolerated in a civilised society like Nigeria.

The New Year mass had in attendance the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi; Prof. Pat Utomi and the Lagos State gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Olufunsho Doherty.

It was concelebrated by the Director of Social Communications of the Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu; the Cathedral Administrator, Very Rev. Fr. Paul Ijasan and other priests.