14th December, 2022
Rukayat Moisemhe
Catholic clerics have charged Nigerians to show love, embrace forgiveness and seek divine guidance in choosing the right leaders for the country during the coming polls in 2023.
They gave the advice in a communique from the Church of Assumption 2022 Christmas concert signed by Mr Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Dangote Group, on Wednesday in Lagos.
Archbishop of the Metropolitan Sea of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr Alfred Martins, in the communique urged Nigerians on reconciliation in the spirit of Christmas.
Martins enjoined Nigerians to be deliberate about listening keenly and with a critical mind to what politicians have to say and seek to know what was behind whatever was being said.
He also called for citizens’ full participation in the electoral process and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the proper distribution of Permanent Voter’s Cards to enable Nigerians to carry out their civic duties.
“We are here today to celebrate a Christmas concert, the 62nd anniversary of the parish and the 10th anniversary of my predecessor’s retirement and of my assumption of office, so this makes this celebration unique.
“As the country moves into the election year, one thing that we must all do, all Christians and indeed all people of goodwill, is to pray for guidance in choosing the right leaders to lead us at different levels”, the cleric said.
The Catholic Church of the Assumption Parish Priest, Very Rev. Francis Ike, pointed out that the concert gathering was more than a carol as it called for love and peace to reign in the country.
“We should build a country where we see one another as brothers and sisters, where someone from the north can relate freely with someone from the south, and someone from the east can also relate freely with a person from the west,” he said.
The Christmas concert committee chair, Dame Marie Fatayi-Williams, stated that Jesus Christ was the reason for the season, and urged Nigerians to leave no one behind but recognise the interconnectedness in the love of God, man and creation.
“Going into the new year which is an election year, we should seek reconciliation, forgiveness and peace as these are the messages that will be forever preached.
“We can restore peace and harmony back by embarking on actions of simple lifestyle changes as a family both at home and in the church to restore harmony to creation”, she said.