All Nigerians have been advised to seek divine guidance in the search for peace in 2023 in order to ensure that the New Year is free from chaos and anarchy, according to the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins.
According to the archbishop, maintaining peace is necessary and unavoidable if the nation is to regain its formerly enviable status as one of the world's most peaceful and rapidly rising economies.
The prelate thanked Almighty God for the gift of the New Year in his homily at the 2023 New Year Mass, which was also used to commemorate the 56th World Day of Peace and was held at the Holy Cross Cathedral in Lagos. He also urged all Nigerians to take part in the upcoming general election by making sure they vote only for godly candidates who can steer the nation toward a prosperous future.
While acknowledging that 2022 was a very turbulent year for Nigerians, Archbishop Martins observed that what the nation now needs is god-fearing leaders who will dry their citizens' sorrows.
The priest also gave the people the assurance that nothing was too difficult for God to handle because He has the power to redeem circumstances that appear hopeless.
According to him, “We need peace in Nigeria this 2023. Without peace, the forthcoming general election would be a task in futility. I know many parts of the country are witnessing so much insecurity.
“That is why our security agencies must work round the clock to secure all parts of the country and ensure that all the criminal elements are brought to book.
“President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged that he will ensure that we have credible elections. I do not doubt that he means well. But he cannot do it all alone. We must all play our part by ensuring that we come out to vote for the right candidates and also make sure our votes count. That is a way of ensuring that our elections would be credible.”
The prelate charged leaders of the various political parties to prevail on their supporters to adhere strictly to the provisions of the newly amended Electoral Act, and avoid indulging in any form of electoral malpractices during the forthcoming elections.
On the recent shooting of Mrs Bolanle Raheem by a police officer now on trial, Archbishop Martins, while condemning the act, said it was very sad that the police officer did not only kill the deceased but also two of her unborn babies through his careless action on Christmas Day.
The New Year Mass also had in attendance the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi; Prof. Pat Utomi, the gubernatorial candidate of the ADC party, Mr. Olufunsho Doherty, and his deputy governorship candidate, Mrs Rosemary Giwa-Amu.