NEW YEAR MESSAGE: Catholic Archbishop Urges Nigerians To Seek Divine Guidance For Peace To Reign In 2023 Says peace crucial to ensure rapid progress

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Reverend Alfred Adewale Martins has urged all Nigerians to seek divine guidance for a peaceful 2023, to ensure that the New Year is free from chaos and anarchy. In a statement by Francis Awowole – Browne, Media & Comm Relations, Branding & Comm, Dangote revealed that In a homily delivered at the 2023 New Year Mass which was also used to celebrate the 56th World Day of Peace held at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, the Prelate thanked Almighty God for the gift of the New Year and charged all Nigerians to play active roles in the forthcoming general election by ensuring that they vote in only God fearing leaders who are capable of leading the Country towards the path of prosperity. While admitting that Nigerians went through very turbulent experience in 2022, Archbishop Martins noted that the Country needs God fearing leaders who will wipe away the tears of the citizens. The Cleric equally assured Nigerians that there was nothing too difficult for God to do as He can turn around seemingly hopeless situation for Good. “We need peace in Nigeria this 2023. Saying Without Peace, the forthcoming general elections would be a task in futility. I know that many parts of the Country are witnessing so much insecurity. That is why our security agencies must work round the clock are safe safe and ensure that all criminal elements are brought to book. He stated that “President Muhammad Buhari has pledged to ensure that we have credible elections. I do not doubt that he means well. But he cannot do it alone, we must play our path by ensuring that we come to vote for the right candidates and also make our votes count. He charged leaders of various leaders of various political parties to prevail on their supporters to strictly adhered 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 not only killed the deceased but also two of her unborn babies through his careless action on Christmas Day. He added his voice to the clarion call for urgent police reforms noting that such inhuman attrocities perpetual by some man of the Police Force should no more be tolerated in a civilized society like Nigeria. . The New Year Mass also had in attendance the Presidential Candidate of Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, Professor Pat Utomi, Gubernatorial Candidate of ADC, Mr. Olufunsho Doherty and his Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate, Mrs. Rosemary Giwa – Amu. It was concelebrated by the Director Of Social Communication, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu and four other priests including Catholic Administrator, Very Rev. Paul Ijasan .