Cleric Asks Nigerians To Forgive Leaders Who’ve Disappointed Them, As Jonathan, Osinbajo Worship Together

The Primate of the Anglican Church in Nigeria,Archbishop Nicholas Okoh has called on Nigerians to forgive the leaders who might have disappointed them in their stewardship. He said that it is only a free conscience, not burdened perpetually by guilt that can move the nation forward as God, the creator, always readily forgives sinners.
Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, in his sermon at the interdenominational inauguration service at the National Christian Centre today as part of the activities for the inauguration of the incoming Muhammadu Buhari’s government also asked Nigerians not to despair no matter the state of affairs in the nation, but to daily endeavour to count their blessings and give thanks to God.
The service also doubled as a Presidential Thanksgiving service for out-going President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience who was in attendance with some members of his cabinet. Vice President-elect, Professor Yemi Osinbajo was also at the service.
The inauguration activities kicked off last Friday with a prayer service at the National Mosque, Abuja where former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, represented the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari.
The theme of the service was “Give Thanks in all Circumstances’.”
The service was well attended as the venue was full to capacity. In attendance were representatives of most Christian denominations, women groups, communities, voluntary organisations and students representing many educational institutions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Archbishop Nicholas Okoh whose message substantially dwelt on the theme of forgiveness by Nigerians for one another and for the leadership, called on Nigerians to support the incoming Buhari government and to allow it time to put in place the changes and prosperity they would want to see.
The first reading at the service taken from Isaiah 62: 1-7 was taken by out-going Senate President David Mark while the Vice President-elect, Professor Osinbajo took the second reading from the gospel according to Luke 17: 11-19.
Prayers were held by select Christian churches for the incoming and outgoing leaders and their families as well as the various arms of government.
Also present at the service were the wife of the Vice President-elect, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and a number of Ministers as well as Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah, an APC stalwart and Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
The Choir of the host organization, the Christian Organisation of Nigeria (CAN), rendered several popular and interesting Christian songs that entertained the congregation. There were also the Bayelsa State Choir and the Port Harcourt Men’s Ensemble in attendance. [myad]