Gowon: Use prayer not violence, retaliation to resolve Nigeria’s problems

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), said on Sunday that Nigeria’s problems would be resolved through unrelenting prayers by the church, rather than resorting to violence, retaliation and unforgiveness.
Gowon, who is the President of the Nigeria Prays Movement, made the statement at a special prayers session at the Deeper Life Bible Church Headquarters in Lagos.
The annual event brings together Christian faithful from various denominations as well as political office holders.
Gowon, who took his reading from 2 Chronicles 7: 14, urged the congregation to pray for the nation, saying that God is interested in the Nigeria situation at all times.
“The church must provide a moral compass for the nation to make the people imbibe the fear of God and to follow righteousness.
“Brethren, it is important to remind us that the church is God’s House of Prayer. With the general elections coming ahead, it is natural for people to become anxious and fearful of what the future holds for Nigeria.
“In the light of the wanton killings in the land– be it politically motivated or instigated by the dark agents of insurgency like Boko Haram, armed herdsmen or rustlers, there is great need for us to come together to pray and intercede for our dear nation and its people.
“God’s solutions to the problems of this country is not in guns, retaliation or physical weapons but in prevailing prayers of the church.
“May I ask the people of Nigeria to embrace of the spirit of love, patriotism and commitment to the good of our nation, irrespective of political parties or religious affiliation or tribal differences.’’
According to him, citizens of this hold important role of maintaining peace and unity for the progress and prosperity of Nigeria.
He cautioned Christians against reprisal attacks, retaliation, vengeance and religious intolerance in the guise of self-defence.
“Whatsoever the provocation, whatsoever the threat, for the sake of our country, Nigerian Christians should never resort to retaliation that could lead to a religious war.
“I call on the authorities to provide the necessary physical protection for all. We must continue to demand for the government to be alive to its primary responsibilities of protecting lives and properties of poor citizens.’’
Gowon said that the mission of Nigeria Prays was to mobilise all Nigerians to offer prayers for the healing and transformation of the nation.
The general commended the host minister, Pastor William Kumuyi, for his love and commitment to nation growth and development.
In a message, President Muhammadu Buhari also commended Gowon and Kumuyi for their passionate love for national cohesion.
Buhari, whose message was read by his media aide, Mr Femi Adesina, said that love and commitment of Gowon and Kumuyi to the unity and cohesion of the country was unparalleled.
“Prayer is the right thing to do and the way to go. Nigeria is not a mistake. God that brought us this far won’t abandon us.
“It is right that we pray to God for the unity and prosperity of Nigeria. None of Nigeria’s challenges is greater than God. In God we trust and He will take us through the challenges.’’
Also speaking, Kumuyi, who spoke on “Divine Assurance When Nigerian Prays’’ said that God will answer if His people, faced with national perplexity can pray.
“Nigeria won’t disintegrate, we are just starting.’’
According to him, if God can turn around and show mercy to Nineveh, Egypt, Assyria and others countries as well as various individuals in the Bible days like Rahab, there is hope for Nigeria.