Nigerians should not give up hope, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged, stressing that God has not forgotten them.
In a statement he issued on Saturday, CAN President Archbishop Daniel C. Okoh reminded Nigerians of God’s steadfast and never-ending love.
He pointed out that Nigerians, particularly Christians, view this time as vital and crucial because they are looking forward to the arrival of new leadership that God has sent to turn around the nation’s fortunes.
Christmas this year, according to CAN, has been marked by unpredictability, anxiety, unimaginable misery, hardship, and anguish due to the difficult economy, record inflation rates, escalating poverty, and a weak security system as a result of poor governance.
The statement continued, “This precarious situation in our national life can be compared to the sufferings, helplessness, and hopelessness of the Israelites as a result of the decisions of their leaders to forsake God and pursue after their bellies, which they have converted into gods through greed, selfishness, and flagrant corruption.
However, the Christmas message “tells us that God will not leave us,” stated CAN.
“Our political leaders should utilize this Christmas season to think on the words of the newborn Messiah who, when it came time to launch His rescue mission in the world, voiced the awareness that, especially those vying for the chance to lead our country out of the woods in 2023.
“They should be prepared to uphold justice by demanding that posts in government and resources be distributed equally among members of all regions and tribes.
The amount of potential in our beloved nation can be fully realized for the benefit of the entire country if roles are distributed fairly.
“Christmas serves as a reminder that God has not abandoned us as we prepare to elect new sets of leaders at the federal and state levels in the first quarter of 2023.
Therefore, we ought to ask God to open our eyes so that we can recognize and elect leaders who will rule the country with godly awe and devotion.
“Let those running for public office understand that the next election is not a life-or-death struggle; rather, God bestows power on whomever he pleases.
While running for office, people ought to abstain from acts of violence and follow the path of honor and peace.