The Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, Anglican Communion, the Most Reverend Emmanuel Chukwuma, has called on Christians to use the occasion of Christmas to remain in fervent prayers for a new Nigeria.
Archbishop Chukwuma made the call in Enugu, while delivering his Christmas message themed: “Hope and Faith in God of All Possibilities”.
The Most Reverend Chukwuma said that the various challenges of the country were surmountable, stating that there was a need to get leadership right in the country.
According to him, everyone must get involved in the quest for a new Nigeria to liberate the nation from the economic and social challenges confronting it.
“We want agile men with good character and integrity to lead this nation; we are sick and tired of those that divide us under any guise.
“It starts from collecting your Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and voting wisely as prayers are good but it must be backed up with action in the right direction.
“I call on all Nigerians to also use this period to go to the INEC local government offices close to them to collect their PVCs.
“This 2023 election is important and strategic to all Nigerians as the hardship is biting hard.
“I call on churches, mosques, and other faith-based groups, civil societies, associations and unions to mobilise all their members’ en masse for the PVC collection.
“No one should be left out in this mass movement to get Nigeria right and people should not vote for a party but individuals that have the vision, capacity and integrity to move this great nation forward,” he said.
The Archbishop appealed to the wealthy to remember the poor and less privileged around them, not just in this Christmas but always.
“There is a need for us to be our brothers’ keepers and make the essence of Christmas, which is sharing love, to permeate all within the various neighbourhoods and communities we find ourselves in.
The cleric also called on security agencies to redouble their efforts to stem the rising security problems in the nation.
“The government at all levels and security agencies should step-up mechanisms to protect our people.
“The government should do more to fund education as we pray that the strikes of 2022 will never be seen or experienced in 2023.
“We must do more to fund our healthcare in all its ramifications and check the exodus of our doctors abroad and the current high rate of medical tourism,” he said.
