As the nation celebrates Democracy Day, some Nigerians have called for prayers for the attainment of peace and progress in the country.
In Kaduna, a former member of the Federal House of Representatives, Jonathan Asake, called on Nigerians to pray for peace, progress and political stability of the nation.
Asake made the call after a Thanksgiving service to mark the Day.
He said prayer was essential for the nation to overcome the current challenges facing it.
On his part, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, urged Nigerians to always pray and not to curse government, notwithstanding the challenges facing the country.
Okowa gave the advice at an Interdenominational Thanksgiving and Praise Session to mark his one year in office and the Democracy Day on Sunday in Asaba.
He said that whatever the challenge the country was facing, Nigerians should have faith in God as the only one that could deliver the country and bring the desired Change.
“One year down the line, we have reason to thank God, though times are challenging, those who trust in the Lord will not see shame.
“Do not curse government but pray for her, even when there are challenges for God knows our challenges and He would bring the Change,” Okowa said.
Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia said the state government had recorded some achievements in various sectors in the past one year and urged the people of the state to support the government to enable it to record more successes.
Ikpeazu said this in Umuahia on Sunday in commemoration of the 2016 Democracy Day celebration.
“Governance is a partnership between the government and the governed,’’ he said.
From Abeokuta, Alhaji Kamal’deen Akintunde, the National President, National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), commended President Buhari for his efforts to check corruption in the country in the last one year.
In Lokoja, Mr John Adeoti, the Resident Pastor, Overcomer’s Light Chapel International (OLCI), urged Nigerians to be patient and support the Buhari administration.
Adeoti gave the charge while delivering a sermon entitled: “Walking into Greatness” during a Church service to mark this year’s Democracy Day celebration.
Quoting from the Bible in Zechariah 9 verse 12, the Cleric said: “Turn you into the stronghold, you prisoners of hope: even today do I declare that I will render double unto you”.
He said Nigerians should exercise more patience and give their unflinching support to the administration in rebuilding the nation’s economy.
He charged the people to be steadfast in prayer for leaders and those in authority at all levels for the wisdom of God to be impacted upon them for outstanding performance.
“The path to greatness is not always an easy task as it is often accompanied with pains and unpleasantness, but with the help of God, Nigeria would surely become great again.
“We must learn to give thanks to God in spite of the current situation in the country. The fact that we are alive is enough reason to be grateful to God.