The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has bemoaned the challenges confronting Nigerians, saying the citizens are faced with uncertainty, fear and worsening poverty.
In a message issued yesterday by the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel C. Okoh, to mark this years Christmas celebration, the Christian body said political leaders, especially those jostling for the opportunity to lead the country should use the Christmas season to reinforce the hope of the masses in a better, more peaceful and secure Nigeria come 2023.
According to him, “This year, we are celebrating Christmas in Nigeria amidst uncertainty, fear, untold suffering, hardship and pain in the face of a harsh economy, record inflation figures, worsening poverty situation and a weakened security system due to bad governance.
This precarious situation in our national life can be likened 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 made into gods through greed, selfishness and blatant corruption.
Nevertheless, the message of Christmas informs us that God will not abandon us, rather, He will continue to intervene in the affairs of mankind through Jesus Christ, the Messiah He sent to save the world.
“We should resist the temptation to speak the language of despair and division over our lives and our nation. Let the story of Christmas inspire us to speak the language of peace to our neighbours regardless of differences in religion, ethnicity or political leanings, Okoh explained.
The CAN President said that Christians should use the Christmas season to reflect on the words of the new-born Messiah who, when it was time to inaugurate His rescue mission in the world, expressed the consciousness that He was anointed to preach the good news to the poor, proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, let the oppressed go free, and proclaim the year of the Lords favour.
They should be prepared to ensure justice by insisting that the resources and positions in governance are shared equitably among people of all regions and tribes. Equitable distribution of positions will help us to harness the abundance of potential in our dear country for national development”, Okoh stated.
