Outgoing Makinde urges prayer for a worthy successor

By Olayinka Latona
OUTGOING Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, Most Rev. Sunday Ola Makinde has declared the month of August as a period for prayer and fasting for God’s direction towards electing his successor who will pilot the affairs of the church to a new height.

Makinde, who is due for retirement after seven years as the prelate of the church, in his prelate’s address to the church for the year, said he had done his beat and will quit the stage for a successor in due course, urging members to pray fervently and de-associate themselves from politicizing the position of prelate, adding that members should not allow people to sell any candidate to them.

“I have done the little I can within the last seven years; hence let us leave judgment to God and posterity,” Makinde said, thanking all the members of the church for their co-operation and support during his tenure.

Meanwhile, Lagos North diocese of the church yesterday called Nigerians to remain steadfast and keep hope alive despite various challenges facing the country.

Speaking during the second Synod of the diocese with a theme: “What if the Lord had not been on our side”, the diocesan bishop, Rt. Rev. Olu Akinola said it has been the grace and mercy of God that has sustained the country through thick and thin, noting that Nigerians should not lose faith in the country.

Akinola stressed that Nigeria would make progress no matter the challenges; urging Nigerians to rekindle hope in the country and pray for divine help for those who are charged with the responsibility of providing good governance.

Similarly, the Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev J.S Ajayi called on Nigerians to do away with their differences, seek peace and progress of the nation, adding that no nation can progress in the midst of anarchy and unrest.

Said he: “I want us to know that two forces are at war; one is going to overcome the other. What is happening in Nigeria today shows that the more we pray the more the forces of darkness try to overwhelm us. And by the special grace of God Nigerians will win this battle against Satan. But I am sure the Lord is always on our side.”