The Catholic Diocese of Minna has urged Christian faithful in the country to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ in their daily lives in order to ensure peaceful co-existence.
Bishop Martin Uzoukwu, Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Minna made the call on Friday, during the celebration of the Stations of the Cross (Passion of the Cross) at the St Michael’s Cathedral in Minna.
“Let us follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ which says love one another as I have loved you, that you also love one another (John:13 verse 34).
“If we love one another as Jesus loved us, we will have a crime free society.
“Where there will be no banditry, Boko Haram and other forms of criminality ravaging the country today,” he said.
Uzoukwu said that the “Good Friday” being observed by the Church was to demonstrate how Jesus Christ gave himself in order to save mankind from sin.
“Today is called Good Friday because it is good for us but not good for Jesus Christ, except that Christ came to save us.
“Therefore Christ said that it is finished because he suffered for us, died for us, and we are hopeful that he will rise again and he rose,” he said.
He explained that the drama by the Church titled “Passion” was to demonstrate the sufferings of Christ for mankind.
The Clergy used the opportunity to pray God to touch the hearts of bandits, Boko Haram and other criminal elements across the country to repent to enable peace return to Nigeria.
“Let us pray that the Good Lord will touch the hearts of bandits, Boko Haram and other criminal elements so that peace will return to Nigeria.
“Let God touch them to repent, I believe that the Almighty God will touch them and make them to repent,” he said.
He said that the criminals have terrorized the country such that the people are now living in fear.
“There is no peace across the country today because of the activities of these criminals, we are all living in fear.
ALSO READ:An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Niger State, Alhaji Nma Kolo, has expressed optimism on the ability of the Acting Chairman of the party, Gov, Abubakar Bello, to organize and conduct a free, fair and credible National Convention of the party. Bello took over the leadership of the Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) on Monday in Abuja in an acting capacity from Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, who is said to have travelled outside the country for medical check-up. Kolo, Special Adviser on Political Affairs to Gov. Bello, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Friday that his principal has the political capacity and capability to organize a transparent and acceptable convention. He said that the task ahead for all progressives is to ensure political maturity during and after the convention “that will take the party to victory in 2023”. Kolo explained that the successful inauguration of state chairmen of the party as well as adoption of the party zoning formula has created a successful platform for the party. “Gov. Bello has laid a concrete political foundation needed for our great party to sustain elective structures in the forth coming general elections. “The present political structures in place will pave the way for a smooth conduct of transparent convention that will usher in new leaders to lead our party to victory in 2023. “We already know him. We know his political capability as a very tolerant, humble, listening leader. All these attributes will make him succeed in the task ahead,” he said. Kolo urged Bello to remain focused and deliver the National Convention as promised to “excite our loyal party members and disappoint our opponents and critics,” he said. The party chieftain advised the CECPC to restrict access to the national convention only to those prescribed by article 12(1); sub-section I to IX of the APC constitution. Kolo also called on party supporters to continue to support and cooperate with the leadership of the party in its effort to reposition the party for optimal political growth.
“Therefore, there is the need for us to call upon God to intervene,” he said.
Uzoukwu also quoted Mathew: 27 verse 45 to 54 to commemorate the celebration of the Stations of the Cross.
