The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked Nigerian clerics not to succumb to blackmail but continue to hold public officials accountable at all times.
The party said “Clerics should not be silent when politicians go wrong,” adding that religious leaders should continue to “holding the political class accountable to the people that we can have the kind of society we desire.”
Speaking at the 80th birthday thanksgiving and book launch of Venerable Emmanuel O. Ajayi (rtd) held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Oboroke, Ihima Kogi state, Secretary of the APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Committee, Sen. James John Akpanudoedehe, also charged the clerics to uphold Biblical injunction to pray for their leaders.
Akpanudoedehe, who was represented by the APC Assistant Director of Media, Hon. Edegbe Odemwingie, said “May I use this opportunity to urge religious leaders in the country to continue to talk to those of us who are politicians, to do the right thing.
“Clerics should not be silent when politicians go wrong. For, it is by holding the political class accountable to the people that we can have the kind of society we desire. Religious leaders must be true examples to their followers.
“Also, I want to appeal to Christians to continue to uphold the biblical injunction to pray for their leaders. Power comes from God alone and He gives it to whoever He wills. As leaders, we do not know it all. We certainly require your prayers at all times for spiritual strength and divine wisdom to navigate the very complex art of governing a diverse nation like Nigeria.”
While declaring the event open, former governor of Akwa Ibom, Victor Attah, called on religious leaders to be united in forging the way forward for Nigeria.
Attah said: “This is the time for religious leaders to be united in forging the way forward for the country. I want to urge them to support the calls for the Devolution of Powers or True Federalism or Restructuring, whichever way we want to call it. For, that is the surest way out of the present quagmire we have found ourselves as a country.”
Many speakers at the event described the celebratory Ven. Emmanuel O. Ajayi, as true man of God who should be emulated by the upcoming clerics.
The book, The Gardner Chronicles the practical experiences of Ven. Emmanuel O. Ajayi (rtd).
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