It is Nigerians’ duty to pray for their leaders and the country, says the General Overseer of the United Apostolic Church of Christ (UACC), Bayo Owoyemi, noting that other countries’ citizens “bless” their leaders.

“It is the responsibility of government to ensure the safety of citizens. It is the duty of citizens to pray for their country and its leaders rather than abuse them,” said the UACC spiritual leader. “In other countries, the citizens bless their leaders, and this translates into better governance.”

The cleric also called for a united and stronger Nigeria devoid of religious, ethnic, or parochial sentiments.

The church leader spoke on the sidelines of the church’s 56th Supreme Executive Council meeting that ended on Sunday in Lagos.

According to Mr Owoyemi, God is interested in the unity of Nigeria and is aware of its travails that would soon give way to a better society.

“The nation under God will make progress at the end. The problems of Nigeria are not insurmountable but need to be tackled with sincerity of purpose by the country’s leaders,” noted the cleric.

He called on leaders at all levels to shun nepotism and other vices that tended to tear the country apart, noting that when human actions fail, it is time to seek the face of God for solutions.

Mr Owoyemi reiterated that the “God factor” was key to the success of any government and was optimistic that every “evil bedevilling” Nigeria would fizzle out.

He added that the pandemic of 2020 hindered the church from gathering for services as usual but made up by having online services, including meetings via Zoom.

Mr Owoyemi called on youths to shun evil, imitate good role models, and embrace peace to build a society that engenders harmony.

(NAN)