Lent/poll: God ready to heal us, says cleric

That Christians started the Lenten period on Wednesday, a few days to Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly election, is an indication God has begun the process of healing Nigeria.

Nigerians were also told to emulate the life of Jesus Christ – purity, patriotism, sacrifice and selfless service to humanity – while voting on Saturday.

Chairman of Board of Trustees of Motailatu Church of God (MCG), Senior Superintendent Gabriel F. Akinadewo (Omo Jesu II), said these at a special Lenten/Ash Wednesday/Anointing service at Restoration Parish of the church in Akute, Ogun State.

Ash Wednesday – beginning of Lent and a season of fasting and prayer – is one of the most popular and important holy days in the liturgical calendar.

Ash Wednesday takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday.

Quoting from II Chronicles 7: 14, Akinadewo admonished Nigerians to seek God’s face “as we start the Lenten period and prepare for the elections”.

“It is obvious a few things are wrong in Nigeria and God will only heal this country if we humble ourselves, pray and turn from wicked ways”.

Akinadewo declared that Nigerians can use the Lenten period and elections on February 25 and March 11 to restore Nigeria to its place in the comity of nations.

“It is not a coincidence that these two important dates – February 25 and March 11 – fall within the Lenten period. God is telling us that better days are ahead if we do the right thing. We must not only vote but vote right.

“Remember that God used Jehu to destroy prophets of baal. Also to fix Nigeria, God is ready to use you and I. To destroy prophets of baal tormenting Nigeria, go out and vote on February 25 and March 11”.

Akinadewo also urged Christians to use the Lenten season to intensify prayers, abstain from sin, fast, give alms, reflect on their lives and make necessary amends with God.