Following the incessant spate of insecurity in the country and the adjunct unprecedented penury amidst abundant fallow resources, the Parish Priest in charge of St. Joachim and Ann Catholic Church, Ijegun, Lagos, Rev. Father Andrew Abhulimen, has admonished his congregants and other Christian faithful across the country to seek divine protection as Nigeria’s security architecture seems overwhelmed and hapless.
Speaking during the Harvest and Bazaar at St Mary’s Catholic church Ijagemo, Rev Father Amos Olenin who represented the Parish Priest urged Nigerians in the country to seek divine protection despite physical efforts by Nigerian security personnel to protect Life and properties, which has yielded little results.
“The insecurity problem is too much. We are asking God for divine protection. But there is hope in Nigeria. Spiritual protection is fundamental. But after seeking the face of God, we must do our bids”
Rev. Father Amos reminded the Judiciary arm of government, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other institutions that records of their actions are been taken in heaven and on earth, hence the need to be cautious of their the kind of decisions they take. He noted: “If there is good governance, there wouldn’t be need for Japa, all the ills in the country are consequences of bad governance”
On the mysticism of ember months, the Priest encouraged Nigerians to go about their normal businesses without fear, saying: “Ember months are like every other months of the year. Everyone should go about their normal business. There is nothing to be afraid of in the last quarter of the year. Just Pray to God, believe and trust in Him, and you are safe in His hands. We pray for God’s wisdom to navigate these challenges”
To the Christian community, the clergyman opined that people come to church not only to receive spiritual foods, but to be consoled and helped, therefore, clergymen should satisfy the needs of the congregants beyond spiritual foods. “The church should ameliorate the poverty of members of the church. We pray that God will raise more philanthropists to help the poor among brethren”
With hope alive he advised Nigerians to shun sentiments and choose credible leaders as 2027 general elections draw near. “We should not vote by popularity, but by capacity to deliver Nigeria from the current hardship. If the country is working, there won’t be need to indulge in crimes”
On his part, the Director, Board of Lectors of St. Mary Catholic Church, Mr. Kelechi Cyril, admonished Christian faithful to hold on to their faith, saying “We must hold on to our faith, if you persevere, you shall have a testimony” Exasperated by lack of empathy by the organs of governance he said what is happening today is not what Nigerians expected.
With doubt if if the nation could stumble on silver lining, he said: “With the current state of affairs, political systems, structures policy, documents and the foundation upon which this country was built, Nigeria would never be good, not in my time, unless we go back to the basis, the foundation. Unfortunately, the political leaders are not willing nor interested to make any change for the betterment of the masses, you can see why I made this statement” he added.
