Lagos’ Governor Babatunde Fashola said on Tuesday that the 2015 general election campaigns almost divided Lagos along ethnic line and civil service administration. This comment came as the Lagos State Governor-elect, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, urged the civil servants in the state to continue giving support to his incoming team in order to continue the work in the state. Fashola said that the task ahead is daunting both at the national and state level and noted that 2015 election campaigns recorded unprecedented hype compared to previous elections in the country. ‘I have been involved in four elections, but in none of those elections have I seen a campaign that tried to divide our public service. I have never seen posters in front of the state secretariat that distorted the reality of our condition in service’.
Pray: that the new Governor will run an open administration that would thrive on the contributions of residents from different backgrounds but who are united with the best interests of the state at their heart. (Ps.110:1)
More: www.vanguardngr.com/2015/04/2015-election-campaigns-almost-divided-lagos-fashola/
News
Incumbent Goodluck Jonathan phoned former military leader Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday to concede defeat in Nigeria's presidential elections, he then followed the phone call with a written statement to his countrymen. Jonathan’s speedy action and words have hopefully prevented violent protests breaking out after calls for calm from the two main candidates and a warning by the United States and Britain against political interference amid earlier claims of vote-rigging and voter intimidation. ‘I promised the country free and fair elections. I have kept my word,’ Mr Jonathan said. A spokesman for Gen Buhari's All Progressives Congress party said, ‘Mr Jonathan will remain a hero for this move. The tension will go down dramatically.’ After a close election there will be many who are unhappy with this outcome but ‘democracy is deepening in Nigeria’ even though the poll has revealed dangerous religious and regional differences - violence still threatens.
Pray: for calm celebrations without supporters attacking opponents, so that Nigeria’s deepening democracy may be a tonic to other countries in Africa. Pray for God to move the heart of and speak through Mr Buhari (2 Ch 36:22)
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-32139858
NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ELDERS FORUM (NCEF):
POST ELECTION STATEMENT
The National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) wishes to join all Nigerians to thank God for the peaceful conduct of the Presidential elections. Despite the enormous tension and apprehension that preceded the election, Nigerians have demonstrated political maturity that elections can be won and lost without recourse to violence or acrimony.
The National Christian Elders Forum wishes to congratulate and commend the President and Commander in Chief of Nigerian Armed Forces, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for displaying quality Christian and democratic character by his peaceful concession of defeat at the polls and congratulating the winner General Muhammadu Buhari. We join all Nigerians, and indeed the entire world, to commend his act of statesmanship.
A picture conveyed by Dr. Oluwasayo Ajiboye, President or Redeemers Bible College and Seminary
I know that some of us are still feeling very Raw from the events of the past few days... We are on our own ROAD TO EMMAUS...; Yet God of Israel has not forsaken us. WE MIGHT HAVE ACHIEVED MORE THAN ANY PERCEIVED LOSS. So let us give Praise to Him who RULES OVER NATIONS.
I was in Prayer with my Team at the UN Plaza all day today (April 1, 2015) ... Around Evening Time (EST- USA) the Lord spoke: the words were simple "THE DESTINY OF THE NATION OF NIGERIA IS STILL IN THE WOMB OF THE CHURCH!"
God suddenly spoke in a parable that was not difficult to decode. We saw the picture of a ship totally encrusted with hardened Barnacles. Only a small portion of its hull was free of this Barnacle infestation. The portion that was free was however WHITE – TOTALLY WHITE! Someone was then given a Shovel and told to start removing the Barnacles. Any one that have had contact with hardened Barnacles knows the following: Removing Barnacles is one of the Toughest Job in the Universe. It is exactly the same as removing Concrete.
Some Personal Comments and Suggestions from Moses Gbenu
Dear Intercessors,
We want to appreciate your prayer burdens, labour and prayer investments for the nation and particularly for the just concluded Presidential elections in Nigeria.
First, we must thank the Lord for the relative peace we enjoyed during and after these elections. In a state like like Portharcourt, we heard of certain politicians alleged to have gone berserk to manipulate or resist manipulations and the burning of INEC office in the state. We also had places like Gombe/Bauchi or so where some terrorists killed some voters. Altogether, about 50 people were reported to have been killed just before and during the election. Generally, however, the atmosphere has been generally peaceful throughout Nigeria, even in the North East where war is going on against the Islamic insurgents.
A personal reflection from Victor Odunjo
Beloved,
Our GOD is mysterious. He decided to give us what we wanted. He gave us (as a nation) our heart desire. Lest we should ever turn around,like the Israelites, and say "If only BUHARI were our President".
Eru Olorun ba mi.( I stand in awe of God). He would rather give us Buhari, our heart desire, than allow a bloodbath that could greet a Jonathan re-election. The 2011 election was not this keenly contested, see how many lives were lost.
Nothing really has changed. My only prayer now is for Buhari to prove me wrong. But Let us continue to be alert and watch unto prayer.
A respondent shared the following scriptures following the election outcome:
1 Samuel 8: 4-7
4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah,
5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.
6 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.
7 And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.
1 Samuel 10: 23-25
23 And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward.
24 And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king.
25 Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house.
Psalm 81: 11-16
11 ... But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.
12 So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels.
13. Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways!...
14 I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries.
15. The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves unto him:but their time should have endured for ever.
16. He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat:and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.
Muhammad Buhari wants to replace the current Christian President of Nigeria. Buhari has said in the past, ‘Sharia should be introduced across Nigeria. I will continue to show openly and inside me total commitment to the Sharia movement. God willing, we will not stop agitating for total implementation of the Sharia in Nigeria. God has given us a legal responsibility to continue to uphold the practice of Sharia wholeheartedly and educate non-Muslims that they have nothing to fear. What remains for Muslims in Nigeria is for them to redouble their efforts, educate Muslims on the need to promote the full implementation of Sharia law.’ Buhari’s comments were interpreted as a call for the imposition of Sharia even in the mainly Christian south. Also in the run-up to federal elections Nigerian journalists have been attacked and beaten at political rallies, and fear attack from militants. See:
Pray: for peace in Nigeria’s election season that finishes on 11 April and for Mr Jonathan to repeat his 2011 presidential election result (22 million votes against his major rival's 12 million). (Ps.109:21)
More: http://pointblanknews.com/pbn/exclusive/buhari-calls-total-sharia-nigeria/
As Boko Haram brings death and destruction to Nigeria, a radio ministry is reporting miraculous testimonies of salvation and protection in the midst of terror. The Tide radio talks about Jesus in the language they were born to speak. One Muslim listener heard a programme in the Hausa language, the official language of Islam in Nigeria. Although a believer in Jihad, he was challenged by the message of hope and peace that only Christ can offer. He responded to the Gospel message, called the number at the end of the programme and is now a follower of Christ. Another listener said, ‘I’m a Nigerian soldier with the 15th armoured brigade in the war against Boko Haram and listen to your radio programme. Thanks for your prayers. God has kept me alive. By God’s grace Boko Haram will be defeated and the northeast border will witness the flushing out of the terrorists.’
Pray: that those opposing God in war zones would instead run to Him and accept His offer of salvation and reconciliation. Ask God to remove the principality behind terrorism in Nigeria. (Eph.6:12)
The Nigerian Islamist sect Boko Haram released a video on Monday showing militants beheading two men. It’s their first online posting using the advanced graphics and editing techniques associated with IS. Past Boko Haram films have been cruder, often featuring a man identified as the leader Abubakar Shekau discussing local gripes. The latest one preaches ‘global jihad.’ The footage will stoke concerns that Boko Haram, which evolved out of a clerical movement focused on north-east Nigeria, is expanding its scope and seeking inspiration from global militant networks including al-Qaida and IS. Nigeria’s president, Goodluck Jonathan, said ‘Boko Haram is allied to both al-Qaida and IS’, though it has not been confirmed by the militants who have killed thousands and kidnapped hundreds in a drive to carve out an Islamist state in Nigeria.
Pray: against the spread of terror in Nigeria, and the cross-border raids into Cameroon, Chad and Niger. (Ps.3:7)
More: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/03/boko-haram-beheadings-video-isis
Nigeria’s Election commission chief delayed Nigeria's election until 28 March because no troops were available to protect voters. All available military personnel are fighting against Boko Haram in north-east Nigeria. The opposition described the delay as a ‘setback for Nigerian democracy’. Police in Abuja and other cities are on the alert for unrest. The delay is highly contentious and will be seen by many as foul play. What is not clear at this stage is whether it will favour President Goodluck Jonathan or his rival, Muhammadu Buhari. It is unlikely that the conflict will be brought to an end within the next few weeks, so will the election be held at all? That may depend on whether some powerful personalities feel President Jonathan is well placed for a victory. Please pray for Nigerian police providing security. Pray against violent demonstrations due to the postponement. Pray for a breakthrough in the war against Boko Haram.
Pray: for a new Nigeria in 2015, for peace to flow across the nation and, for God to comfort those carrying war wounds spiritually, emotionally and physically. (Is.66:8-13)
Boko Haram and other militants have stepped up attacks in the run-up to Nigeria’s election on 14 Feb. On Monday a suicide bomber killed one bystander and injured 18, just minutes after the President left a campaign rally in the north. He addressed the rally after two blasts killed five people the previous day at the same location. Last week the African Union backed plans for a 7,500-strong regional fighting force to be deployed against Boko Haram. However Boko Haram is not the only challenge to Nigeria’s future. Explosions also ripped through court buildings in three towns in oil-rich southern Nigeria in coordinated attacks. Boko Haram is not known to be active in the oil-producing region, but there are militants there who are living in poverty and demanding a greater share of Nigeria's oil wealth who have carried out attacks in the past For INSIGHTS into key influences on Nigeria’s most momentous election since 1999 click the 'More' button:
Pray: that violence and fear of violence will not prevent people voting in this tightly contested election.
More: http://site.prayer-alert.net/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=556&Itemid=93
If my people...
Resources
Download an e-copy of our 30 Day Prayer Guide
Website Images for promoting your participation in Pray4Nigeria
