2019 Polls: CAN Declares January 10 National Day of Prayer

By Jide Afolabi, Jos

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has declared January 10, 2019, as National Day of Prayers for peaceful, free, fair and credible elections as 2019 general elections approach.

The day will also be used to pray for the freedom for Leah Sharibu and others in the captivity of the Boko Haram terrorists. The declaration was made by CAN President, His Eminence Rev Dr Samson Ayokunle in a statement released by CAN Acting General Secretary, Joseph Daramola, Esq. on Saturday and made available to CityMirrorNews.

According to the release, the prayer meeting will hold in Abuja and all the State capitals nationwide between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm prompt, “with a view to asking God to prevent violence, manipulation, intimidation of voters and other electoral crimes with a view to having a credible election.”

Expected at the prayers were Christian politicians especially those contesting for any of the elections, all Christian groups or organisations, and all stakeholders are invited to participate in the programme.

CAN however urge all Christian Groups, denominational, church and block leaders of CAN or their representatives to assemble at the National Christian Centre, Abuja on 10th January for this all-important prayer meeting. All Christian candidates for all the elective offices or their representatives are also invited as they will be prayed for to be good Ambassadors of Christ before, during and after the election.

“CAN ask all State Chairmen and all denominational leaders to organize similar programme and Christian candidates who could not make it to Abuja, especially those who are contesting for State Assembly or positions of Governor to attend the one being organised at the State level.” He said.

According to the release, CAN will specifically pray for the immediate release of all captives in the den of the terrorists like Leah Sharibu and the Chibok girls; that the general election should be free, fair and credible; that it should be violence – free and without any bloodshed; that God should use the process to give the country good and godly leaders at all levels; that every evil plan against Nigeria be frustrated; that 2019 should be a New Dawn for Nigeria; and that God should stop all groups behind the killings in Nigeria and their financiers.

CAN urge all churches and all Christians in the country to participate in the programme to usher in the country into a new era of peace, unity, safety and all round prosperity. “We urge you to please attach utmost importance to this prayer program for 2019 elections.” He said.