At 2022 DIVCCON, Okowa, Okoh, Ndukuba, others seek better Nigeria

The Delta State Governor and Vice Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has urged the church to pray for God’s divine direction and intervention in the 2023 general elections.

Okowa, who spoke at the 12th edition of the Divine Commonwealth Conference (DIVCCON) of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) in Abuja, said: “We are gathered to pray for the Church and nation; a praying church cannot get it wrong. We cry on the name of the Lord to give us direction and to take charge. God alone knows what is best for the nation, and may his will be done, as we call on Him.”

With the theme: “At The Name of Jesus,” Okowa urged Nigerians to pray and vote for people that will redeem the nation.

In his goodwill message, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, assured Nigerians that God is aware of the country’s predicaments and as such they should submit to Him in prayers and supplication, so that there will be a turnaround for good.

The CAN President noted that even though there was a clear manipulation to subdue the country spiritually, Nigeria is going to break free from all the strongholds and dark powers with the people’s common understanding and faith in God.

Stressing the importance of utilising the programme to pray for the peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections, Okoh said: “This year’s DIVCCON is also coming at a critical time when we are commencing the process of choosing our leaders and deepening our democracy. We are at a time when all hands must be on deck to ensure that the process results in sustainable growth and good governance in the country. We are at a time when every stakeholder must rise to be counted and make their voices heard through prayers, intercession and supplications for our land.”

Acknowledging that the divine purpose of knowing Jesus Christ and serving Him together promotes peace and unity, the cleric appealed to the Anglican Communion to be more visible in CAN activities, saying their morale, spiritual and experienced hands are needed for the growth of the association.

He commended the Anglican Communion for opposing immoral acts, including same-sex marriage and homosexuality and for providing solid education foundation, which he benefitted from as a product of Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha.

The host, Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), and Convener of DIVCCON of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba also called on Nigerians not to relent in their prayers for safety and security of Nigeria, especially during the electioneering period, adding that they should not sell their votes, but to do the right thing during the elections.

Urging Nigerians to vote for candidates that will free the country from the grip of slave masters and opportunists, Ndukuba said: “Do not sell your voters Card and do not let anyone buy your vote. Your vote is your power. Do the right thing by participating on election days.

“We desire the birth of a new Nigeria where every citizen belongs and can contribute to grow. Vote for integrity; respect the rights of every citizen, the determination to free Nigeria from the slave masters and opportunists.

“Vote for leaders who will not weaponise religion, tribe, poverty, and insecurity for their selfish political advantage. Determine to bring about a change in our suffering by voting the people who will truly represent the aspirations of the common people.”

“Be part of the new dawn for Nigeria. We specially appeal to all our youth not to engage in violence. Work for peaceful election,” he added.

The Primate disclosed that God brought DIVCCON to bless and equip the church, and commission it, as His agent of transformation.

Other prominent Nigerians who spoke at the conference included, the former Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh; Bishop of Guildford, Church of England, Rt. Rev. Andrew Watson; Archbishop of Niger Province and Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Alex Ibezim; Bishop of Nsukka, Rt. Rev. Aloysius Agbo, who led the Bible studies.