A NATION UNDER SEIGE

That Nigeria is under siege and perhaps, experiencing one of her worst moments in recent times is not in doubt. This is despite the success of the World Economic Forum on Africa (WAFA) which took place at Abuja from the 7th to the 9th of May, 2014.

The foremost threat now to our national stability comes from terrorism, and the widespread insecurity in the country.  Insecurity has escalated in recent times especially since over 300 school girls were abducted from their school in Chibok, Bornu State by the terrorist group, Boko Haram. Apart from 50 girls who managed to escape from their captors, the whereabouts of the rest is still not certain. Worse still, is the impunity shown by the captors who boasted publicly that they will sell their victims in the slave market.

Apart from the problem of insecurity, the state of the economy is no better. The rate of unemployment is so worrisome. The so-called job creation by the Federal Government has not shown much impact among the youths, and has hardly alleviated the rate of crime. Apart from unemployment, there is also the problem of the lack of power. The so- called privatisation of the electricity companies has not improved the supply of electricity to the public.

The political situation does not give room for much cheer either. The indiscipline, thuggery and corruption of our political leaders continue to add to the tension and anxiety in the country.

Instead of despair and apathy the times we are in calls for serious intercession from every Christian. The usual reaction when we call for prayer is for someone to ask, "for how long shall we continue to pray without action." Much as this may be correct, the argument seem to imply that we have even prayed enough. If we all turn to social activism who will do the praying. We need prayer, just as we need activism to mount appropriate pressure on the government and on world leaders.

We sincerely urge every Christian to step up the tempo of their prayers at this time, especially for the abducted girls.

PRAYER POINTS

• Pray and ask for God's mercy upon our nation.
• Pray for our military and security personnel who are obviously ill equipped and not skilled in fighting terrorism. They need help from experts and advanced countries of the world.
• Some Western countries including America have pledged to assist track the abducted girls and to assist us fight terrorism. Pray that God will help them to track and release these girls. Pray for the parents of the victims.
• Prayer for the National Conference that is still going on in Abuja.
• Prayer for God's judgement on Boko Haram, their sponsors and supporters.
• Pray for peaceful elections in 2015.