Uduaghan, cleric, at democracy day service, urge positive attitude

[TGD]

 AS the nation braces up to mark the yearly Democracy Day on May 29 with an inter-denominational church service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, a cleric, G.O. Olutola, has warned that citizens need to work for righteousness as the only condition for permanent peace, unity, security and development of the country.

Speaking on the theme, "Righteousness Exalts a Nation," Olutola observed that righteousness is to do justice and protect the lives of the people, and that the absence of justice leads to insecurity.

And at Enerhen in Delta State, during an inter-denominational thanksgiving service to mark the 2013 Democracy Day and the second anniversary of his second term held at the Flock of Christ Mission, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan sued for unity among Deltans, imploring them to shun destructive rumours.

Speaking about the rumour of his death, he said he had a health challenge recently and rather than pray for his quick recovery, some persons were wishing him dead and planning to buy a casket for his burial.

At the Abuja service, which had the wife of the President, Dame Patience Jonathan, and Senate President David Mark, among others, in attendance, Olutola pointed out that any nation that does not practise righteousness will face disgrace, just as Nigeria is rated as one of the most corrupt nations in the world.

He tasked Nigerians to show love, concern and compassion, especially to the poor of the society. The event, which recorded large turnout of worshipers, largely women in uniforms, included intercessory prayers for the nation and its people.

However, President Goodluck Jonathan was absent, as he was said to be attending the ongoing African Union conference in Ethiopia.

Meanwhile, Uduaghan urged Deltans to do away with "ethnic hatred," which he said leads nowhere but destruction, adding: "There is too much hatred for one another in the state and too much rumour mongering.

Recalling his "stormy election," Uduaghan thanked all those who prayed for his victory. In a statement from the Government House Press Unit, he urged all Nigerians to pray for President Jonathan as he tackles Boko Haram and other national problems, noting, "we are all potential victims of Boko Haram and this is why we must support the President to win this war."

Meanwhile, Rev. Simeon Okah said that man was created in the image of God, and for that alone, man should be thankful to God. He stressed "We must love one another and be united as a state, and together we shall make it as a state."



The Guardian