The Catholic archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese, Ignatius Kaigama, has admonished Christians to pray fervently for credible elections, peace and unity of the nation.

The cleric gave the admonition at the evening mass at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church New Site Estate Lugbe, Airport Road, Abuja, to celebrate Ash Wednesday.

According to the Archbishop, some issues can be resolved through fasting and prayers.

“Our nation’s elections are one of such difficult issues, and I believe prayer and family can do a lot. We pray we have an election not manipulated or teleguided by anyone that people are free and safe to vote, and their votes should count,” said the Catholic cleric.

He advised INEC officials, security and the judiciary to refrain from manipulating the results, urging Christians to cultivate humility, forgiveness, and respect for others during Lent.

“When a Christian passes through the period of Lent, his or her lifestyle should change for good, and I expect that when a Christian passes through Lent, he should not be the same,” stressed Mr Kaigama. “He should be a new person because Lent should be a period during which we are renewed; we are recreated; we become new people, and being new people, certainly our relationship with God improves.”

The Catholic priest in charge of the church, James Ali, reminded Christians that, despite their sins, God always gives man the privilege or chance to seek repentance, adding that such an opportunity should not be abused.

Mr Ali urged Christians to return to God and see the moment of lent as a retreat to do better, fast, pray and give alms.

The Catholic priest advised voters to vote for credible candidates who would turn the country from consumption to production.

(NAN)