Former Nigerian Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, has called on Christians to avoid the temptation of revenge against extremist, but demostrate love.
Gowon made the call on Sunday during an interdenominational service at the headquarters of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Gbagada, Lagos.
According to him, “More than ever before, there is the great need for us to come together to pray and intercede for our dear nation. Whatsoever the provocation or threat, for the love of our country, Nigerian Christians should never resort in a retaliation that would or could lead to a religious war in the future.
“I call on the authorities to provide the necessary physical protection for all, while your prayers and Christian love and charity provide the ultimate solution for the peace accord of our country. God’s solution to the problem of this country is not to be found in guns, retaliation and physical weapons, but only in Holy Spirit directed prevailing prayer from his people, the church, who are willing to confess and forsake sins and embrace righteousness.
“As citizens of this great nation, we must seek to live in peace with all men and deliberately work at achieving reconciliation among our people. I say this mindful of the concerns that have been raised by Christians across the country of the growing spate of killings of our brethren that have been recorded and reported nationwide and internationally. Truth be told, these are genuine concerns. Should this lead us to contemplating retaliation or reprisals?”
According to the Punch, the service was attended by the Deeper Life Superintendent, Pastor William Kumuyi, and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Femi Adesina.
