In acknowledgement of a relatively peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections across the country, Muslim and Christian clerics under “Interfaith Mission for Unity and Progress of Nigeria” (IMUPN), have held Interdenominational prayer sessions to glorify God and appreciate the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
The prayers were simultaneously held across the six geo-political zones of Kano, Ibadan, Porthacourt, Yobe, Plateau, Enugu to encourage the INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu to do more in future exercises.
In a five-point communique issued after the prayer sessions with the theme: ” Let’s Work Together to Make Nigeria a Better Country”,
the Interfaith Mission for Unity and Progress of Nigeria noted that this critical period of dearth leadership, they have reached a point where they must seek God’s intervention and guidance for a solid sustainable electoral process that will produce visionary and credible political leaders across all tiers of government.
The communique says the decision to mark the One year anniversary of conducting the 2023 elections with prayers, is basically to thank God for keeping Nigeria a united country after going through an election year.
“As clerics we are duty bound to pray for for the peaceful coexistence of our dear country and leaders as well , thus we singled out the Chairman for conducting the election against all odds.” They stated.
The communique signed by Mallam Uzairu Bamalli, Sheikh Sabiu Jaafar, Sheikh Mohammed Musa as well as Rev’d Pius Garba, Pastor John Anekwe, Pastor Lazarus Adesami respectively also underscored the need for Muslims and Christians as well as people of other faith to pray for the country’s leaders, saying that since only God puts leaders in their positions, they need to be supported always, especially, with prayers.
While commending the INEC boss for conducting “One of the most peaceful elections in recent time, especially on the account that the process was rancour free with lives loss reduced to the barest minimum before, during and after the exercises, the Communique scored the 2023 election process high, because of the good number of opposition parties that won some critical Seats and States.
“It is our joy that all the threats and predictions against our unity didn’t come to pass. Instead we are waxing stronger as an independent nation.” They added.
They prayed to God to grant Nigeria economic buoyancy and for peace and tranquility during future elections.