President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed the belief that Nigeria would bounce back from current trying period through collective efforts and prayers of the faithful.
Buhari expressed this, yesterday, in a message congratulating the new Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Henry Ndukuba.
The President, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, also welcomed the fifth Primate of the Church to Abuja, assuring him of his support.
The President also prayed for God’s guidance for the retired Primate of the church, Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, wishing him success in his future endeavours.
“President Muhammadu Buhari heartily congratulates Archbishop Henry Ndukuba on his presentation as the fifth Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
“The President also felicitates with all members of the Anglican Church across Nigeria on the joyous occasion that ushered in a new spiritual leader of the church, who has vowed to uphold the tenets of the Christian faith as espoused in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
“President Buhari prays for God’s grace, wisdom and guidance for the new leader as he leads Anglicans in Nigeria at a time of contending myriad of challenges for the church, the nation and the world.
“The President appreciates the contributions and solidarity of the church in encouraging the faithful to adhere to government and public health authorities-led efforts to limit the transmission of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Underscoring the important relations between the church and the state, and the roles of faith-based organizations in nation-building, Buhari is confident that as a nation that believes in the efficacy of prayer and the power of faith in God, Nigeria will bounce back from this trying period through collective actions.
“The President also takes this opportunity to wish the retired Primate, Archbishop Nicholas Okoh every success in his future mission.
“President Buhari welcomes the new Primate to Abuja and assures him of good wishes and support as he begins a new phase of ministry”, the statement said.
Meanwhile, the former lawmaker representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Shehu Sani, has said that Coronavirus should unite the people of Nigeria, since it’s a collective challenge.
In a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen, in Abuja, yesterday, he said, the reality of Coronavirus has shown the level of rot in Nigeria’s healthcare as a result of years of neglect by the elite and political leaders.
The former lawmaker did distribute items to some religious organisations and the Nigerian Correctional Service in Kaduna.
He wrote: “Coronavirus is a challenge to the wisdom, resilience and spirit of Humanity.
“Coronavirus should inspire us to stand together and fight together.
“Nigerian elite and political leaders have neglected and destroyed the public health care system over the years and we are now in the days of reckoning.
“Coronavirus will not bring an end to the World but will surely return it to its beginning and basics where love, brotherhood and compassion was its spirit.
“Mythical Islamic and Christian religious leaders preaching against medical advice represent a serious threat to combating the spread of the virus in Nigeria.
“If Coronavirus were to be a poor man’s disease, many could have perished and be buried in an unmarked grave.
“If Coronavirus had came during electioneering times, Political leaders could have distributed free and customized sanitizers, masks and ventilators.
“Nigerian political leaders should seek forgiveness from God and from their poor people.
“The World has forgotten God until Coronavirus came.
“Coronavirus in the villa is not just a medical issue but a national security problem.
“It’s callous and inhuman to tell people to stay at home without providing for them any form of palliative, relief or support to take care of their families.
“Don’t just tell people to wash their hands and wear masks with empty stomach.”