President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday called on Nigerians, particularly the clergy, to pray for the peace and stability of the country.

Jonathan spoke through the Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, during the third Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day celebration at Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre in Yenagoa, the state capital.

The President said, “I wish to urge all Nigerians to pray for the peace, unity and stability of the country. This is the time to reunite our country through prayers. Now that the 2015 general elections are approaching, people should shun do or die politics. Those seeking political offices should know that power comes from God.”

Speaking in his own capacity, Dickson said since the state House of Assembly passed the law on thanksgiving in the state, there had been peace between the lawmakers and the executive arm.

He also said the State Executive Council had also been peaceful, urging Bayelsans to continually pray for the peace and unity of the state to be able to achieve sustained socio-economic development.

Dickson urged those in leadership positions to always take service of the people seriously. According to him, power is transient.

The governor said, “We in leadership are instruments God has instituted to lead and salvage the country. Service to people is service to God. May I wish to remind all those in power to note that their sole motivation should be service to the people and not for personal gains and personal aggrandisement.

“When you leave office and flash back on your days in government, you will have cause to smile and be happy because you have led your people well. This is my advice to those in government.

“For those aspiring to various political offices, they should know that power does not come from the East, West, North or South, but from God.

“While it is the privilege of people to aspire to any office, let it be done accordingly. It should not be a do-or-die affair. Those holding office should know they are holding it in trust for the people.”

The General Superintendent, Deeper Life Christian Ministry, Pastor Williams Kumuyi, who was the Guest Speaker, stressed the need for Nigerians to continually pray for the peace and unity of the country.

He urged Nigerians to appreciate God’s goodness by being selfless and offer thanks all the time to God for His love for Nigeria.

Present at the thanksgiving service were former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, Chairman, Bayelsa Council of Traditional Rulers, Amayanabo Twon Brass, Alfred Diete-Spiff, the state Chief Judge, Kate Abiri, the Speaker of the state, House of Assembly, Kombowei Benson, and a host of others.

The auditorium was filled to capacity, with Bayelsans dancing and singing to the Glory of God.

http://www.punchng.com/news/pray-for-nigeria-jonathan-urges-nigerians/

SMH!