An Appeal to Christians and All Nigerians

It is about a month now that the nation Nigeria has been in a pensive mood concerning the over two hundred young school girls that were kidnapped in Borno State by the Boko-Haram sect. This has led to calls for the release of these girls from various groups like Christians Association of Nigeria, Muslim Council in Nigeria, human right activists and different countries of the world.

It is heartbreaking to hear people wailing and weeping at the loss of their loved ones. In my heart I hear the echoes of our children saying ‘Please let us go back home’. As the adage goes, ‘only the directly concerned know exactly what the experience is’. I am sure that most of us are eating, drinking and laughing, but the relations of these girls find it difficult to eat or even sleep well. If care is not taken we won’t only be talking about loss of lives of the girls but also of their family members which may result from anxiety disorders and high blood pressure.

I therefore seize this medium to appeal to as many that are God fearing, to arise and call on God to intervene. God can use anybody, not only to deliver these girls, but also to restore peace to Borno State and the nation as a whole.

The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.

                                                                             Proverbs 21:1 ESV

From the above bible verse it means God can turn the hearts of the leaders of Boko-Haram. If the word of God never fails then let us call on Him. God will act in Jesus’ name. If Saul became Paul and God has not changed (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8) then He is bound to do it again. He has the authority to end it all.

However, God can also use this occasion to EXALT Himself as He did before in the case of Pharaoh the ruler of Egypt (Exodus 15:1-7). The cry then was ‘let my people go that they may serve me’. But Pharaoh refused. At the end God proved that He alone rules over the affairs of men.

Nonetheless, whatever the grievances are, it is best to remember that love covers a multitude of sins. Moreover, when you love your fellow man, you will not want to hurt him/her. No one that truly cares will kill his neighbour. Let peace reign again.

As Gowon a former Nigerian Head of State once said “there is no victor no vanquished”. I believe it is time to embrace this statement again, because every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation. Let us think of our children.

Uprightness and right standing with God (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation) elevate a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.

                                                                    Proverbs 14:34 AMP

Any country that nurtures sin is in danger of reproach/disgrace. Righteousness must be promoted. Nigerians should be in right standing with God. For this to be done, we need to ask God for forgiveness of sins committed and make restitutions. Spiritual leaders should show moderation in all they do (Philippians 4:5) and our focus as Nigerians should be ‘Peace and Unity’ as declared in our National Anthem. Peace! Peace!! Peace!!! This is the cry of passion. Let us return to God and He will give the country rest in Jesus’ name. SHALOM.

Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.

                                                                                    Matthew 11:28 GNB