*urges ECOWAS to adopt diplomacy, dialogue to address coup d’etat challenges
By; USMAN NASIDI, Kaduna.
Pastor Yohanna Buru, the General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry in Kaduna, has rallied his friends, including Christian and Muslim scholars from across West Africa, to embark on a collective journey of ceaseless prayers and fasting which according to him, the goal is to urgently seek peace and stability across all African countries.
Pastor Yohanna on Thursday, made the call during a conversation with journalists in Kaduna.
He urged religious leaders from across Africa, both at home and in the diaspora, to join in continuous prayer and fasting, seeking divine intervention for unity and peace across the black nations worldwide.
He emphasized the significance of prayer in our lives, stating that, “it enables us to receive God’s peace that transcends our understanding. in life’s most challenging moments, as well as in times of joy, prayer helps me remain aligned with what matters most to God.”
Pastor Yohanna firmly stated that what the 54 African nations require in this critical period is heartfelt prayers and devoted fasting, rather than resorting to military coups or actions.
He expressed belief that by entrusting all the issues disrupting peace and stability in the region to the Almighty, genuine solutions can be obtained.
He lamented that many of the black nations are grappling with setbacks in various aspects of human development, despite their abundant natural and human resources.
Buru noted that through the power of prayer and fasting, the challenges related to diseases, insecurity, and economic regression that affect all ECOWAS member countries can be harmoniously resolved.
Highlighting Nigeria’s significant role, Pastor Yohanna mentioned that one out of every five Africans is a Nigerian.
“With a population of 218 million, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, with its citizens dispersed around the world,” he pointed out.
He reiterated that majority of African nations are currently grappling with high living costs and economic challenges.
“Moreover, some countries are battling the detrimental effects of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, which have hindered their progress,” he added.
Pastor Buru underscored the merit of democratic governance as the best system that upholds freedom for humanity.
He explained, “Prayer is a profound means through which religious believers can establish a connection with God. By laying their troubles before Him, seeking forgiveness and aid, they draw nearer to the Divine. Christians believe in the potency of prayer as a direct channel of communication with God, and this teaching was bestowed upon them by Jesus Himself.”
He called on all nations of African descent, scattered throughout the world, to embrace the potency of prayer and fasting as a pathway to resolving diverse conflicts.
Additionally, he urged ECOWAS to adopt diplomacy and dialogue to address challenges stemming from coup d’etat across African countries.
He ended by by calling on all imams and pastor’s in Nigeria and Niger Republic to embark on ceaseless prayers, while appealing to ECOWAS to use diplomacy, wisdom, dialogue and negotiate with all stake holders toward restoring peace and stability in the region.
