To guarantee that 2023 is free from turmoil and anarchy, the Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, has asked all Nigerians to seek heavenly direction in their desire for peace.
The Archbishop believes that for the nation to regain its former enviable status as one of the world's most peaceful and rapidly rising economies, peace is still essential and unavoidable.
The prelate thanked Almighty God for the gift of the New Year in his homily at the 2023 New Year Mass, which was also used to commemorate the 56th World Day of Peace and was held at the Holy Cross Cathedral in Lagos. He also urged all Nigerians to take part in the upcoming general election by making sure they vote only for godly candidates who can steer the nation toward a prosperous future.
While acknowledging that Nigerians had some extremely trying times in the year 2022, Archbishop Martins observed that what the nation now needs is god-fearing leaders who will dry the citizens' tears.
He also gave the people the assurance that nothing was impossible for God, who is capable of reversing apparently hopeless circumstances.
“We need peace in Nigeria this 2023. Without peace, the forthcoming general elections would be a task in futility. I know many parts of the country are witnessing so much insecurity. That is why our security agencies must work round the clock to secure all parts of the country and ensure that all the criminal elements are brought to book.
“President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged that he will ensure that we have credible elections. I do not doubt that he means well. But he cannot do it all alone. We must all play our path by ensuring that we come out to vote for the right candidates and also make sure our votes count. That is a way of ensuring that our elections would be credible,” the prelate added.
He charged leaders of the various political parties to prevail on their supporters to adhere strictly to the provisions of the newly amended Electoral Act and avoid indulging in any form of electoral malpractices during the forthcoming elections.
On the recent shooting of Mrs Bolanle Raheem by a police officer now on trial, Archbishop Martins, while condemning the act, said it was very sad that the police officer not only killed the deceased but also two of her unborn babies through his careless action on Christmas Day.
He added his voice to the clarion call for urgent police reforms, noting that such inhuman atrocities perpetuated by some men of the police force should no more be tolerated in a civilized society like Nigeria.
The New Year Mass also had in attendance the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, Prof. Pat Utomi, the gubernatorial candidate of the ADC party, Mr Olufunsho Doherty and his deputy Governorship candidate, Mrs Rosemary Giwa-Amu.
It was concelebrated by the Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu and four other priests, including the Cathedral Administrator Very Rev. Fr Paul Ijasan.