The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has issued another statement regarding the president, Muhammadu Buhari’s health after he informed Nigerians for the second time that he will be extending his medical vacation in the United Kingdom till doctors certify him okay to return to power.
CAN in a statement issued addressing the president’s health challenges urged its members and Nigerians to keep praying for the president until he returns to the country hale and hearty.
Recall that Buhari had in his recent letter to Nigerians seeking the extension of his medical vacation in the UK thanked Nigerians for their prayers adding that there was no cause for alarm as he is hale and hearty.
The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Femi Adesina had also on Tuesday in Abuja noted that the president had to remain in the UK to carry out some more tests and to rest properly.
In reaction to the latest extension of Buhari’s medical vacation which started since January 10, 2017, the CAN President, Rev Dr Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, on Thursday in Abuja said: “I call on all well meaning Nigerians, especially Christians not to cease praying for President Muhammadu Buhari as he takes further rest as advised by his doctors until he returns back to the country hale and hearty to continue his good works.
“It is needless reminding you that as Christians, our responsibilities include but not limited to making supplications, prayers, and intercessions, and giving thanks for our leaders and for all that are in the position of authority, ‘that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour…’” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
He further urged Nigerians to be calm as there have been fears that the president’s continued absence from the country had created a vacuum in the presidency.
Allaying fears and urging Nigerians to trust the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo who is up to the task, Rev Dr Samson Olasupo Ayokunle said: “We don’t see the need for any hue and cry being made by some people that his unprecedented absence could create a vacuum in the Presidency since President Buhari has done what is needful by transferring power to the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo who is up to the task.
“The Church should also continue praying for him for divine wisdom, knowledge and understanding as he discharges his constitutional responsibilities.”