By Anayo Okoli
THE new Prelate of Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim World-wide, His Eminence, Lazarus Onyeleonu, has said the April 2011 election will be peaceful and successful.

Onyeleonu made the prediction in Umuahia, while speaking with journalists.

Onyeleonu, the first Easterner and Igbo to head the Cherubim Church since it was founded in 1925, was on his maiden pastoral visit to Umuahia Province.

He dismissed fears that the April elections could be derailed by incessant religious and communal clashes in some parts of the country, saying the elections will go well.

He expressed optimism that the polls would be generally peaceful.

He said: “Our prayer is that the elections will come and go without bloodshed. Even if we see vision and it portends bad omen, we will pray against it.  Nigerians should have the fear of God and no crisis will affect the 2011 elections. The Church has been praying against any form of violence during the polls.”

The cleric urged Nigerians and politicians to work together in harmony and cooperate with the electoral commission to ensure the success of the polls.

The new Baba Aladura also blamed the emergence of many white garment churches on indiscipline.

He said many former members of Cherubim and Seraphim church, who had acquired spiritual powers, moved away from the church because they could no longer put up with the strict disciplinary measures of the church.

He also expressed regret that some of them misuse such spiritual powers and portray the church in bad light.

Onyeleonu is the 7th Successor to the founder of the Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim. He expressed gratitude to God for elevating him to the headship of the Church, saying, “I am very happy to occupy this privileged position”. Highlights of his visit to Umuahia,included a seminar and ordination of some faithful as ministers of God.