Gowon restates prayer is only antidote to myriads of challenges

Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has disclosed that prayer is the only antidote to the myriads of challenges in Nigeria.

He spoke as the Convener of ‘Nigeria Prays’ at the Chapel of Freedom International programme for the North Central zone, in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.

He explained that it is with utmost faith in God, that the fervent prayers and supplications of the citizens have been resolving many problems in the country.

According to him, the country has been weighed down by social, economic and political problems, as well as insecurity, kidnapping, armed robbery, murder and all other social vices.

He said: “I can say this, with every authority that prayer can solve problems better and faster than generals and soldiers can do with physical weapons of war.”

He explained that it was the prayers offered by Nigerians and his belief in the power of prayers that saw him through at a difficult time when he was the head of state.

He urged the churches and other religion institutions across the country to unit in prayers for God to continue to keep the people together in love and unity.

Gowon, who lamented the rise of kidnapping, armed robbery and other socio-vices in the country, called on political office holders and leaders to put the interest of the country above theirs so that the nation could remain united.

“God loves Nigeria and made us Nigerians. Nigerians must resist any circumstance that would lead to the division of the country. I enjoined the leadership of the country at all levels to rule the people with the fear of God.

Leadership is from God and must be people oriented,” he said. The Deputy Governor of the state, Simon Achuba, said no nation could stand without prayers, stating that prayers have continue to hold Nigerians together.

He commended Gowon for taking the part of peace, and urged him to maintain the tempo for the good of the country.