By Henry Umoru
ABUJA – WORRIED by the security challenge in the country, especially activities of Boko Haram, Senate President, David Mark, has pleaded with religious leaders to pray for Nigeria.
According to him, if Nigeria must triumph over the myriads of challenges, especially insecurity in the land, prayer had become very imperative.
President, Nigerian Guild of Editors and Chairman of the 2012 Harvest Planning Committee, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, noted that the challenges facing the nation demanded that "we return to God for guidance and protection."
They spoke at the 2012 adult harvest of Catholic Church of Transfiguration, Arepo, Ogun State, weekend.
Senator Mark stressed that Nigeria was passing through a difficult phase in its political history, a trend he added required God's intervention.
He said that the unabating security situation in the country called for total supplication to God "because God is able to do what we humans are incapable of doing."
Represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, the Senate President expressed optimism that with prayers, honesty and unwavering commitment to the ideals of nationhood, the nation could surmount its problems.
Mark told the religious leaders across the divide not to be deterred by the challenges but to remain steadfast so that the forces of darkness would be defeated.
In his remarks, Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on Liaison Matters, Lady Ucheoma Chukwudum, urged Christians of all denominations to come together and pray against evils plaguing the nation.
In his Homily, Rev. Fr. Godwin Patrick Akpoh, underscored the importance of harvest in Christiandom, saying "we must learn to sow good seed in order to reap bountifully."
Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Charles Soyombo, urged the faithful to seek the grace of God as it would help the nation through its spiritual, socio-economic, political and cultural weaknesses.
"We draw strength to forge on in life because the Grace of God is sufficient for us," he added.
Vanguard Nigeria