By Gabriel Enogholase
BENIN — AS the 2011 elections approach, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), said  Nigerian leaders at all levels need prayers for God to direct them on the right path.

General Gowon, who was a guest to the Edo State Governor, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, in Benin, yesterday, said, “we are here to pray for Nigeria and particularly, for our leaders at the federal, state and local government levels, including religious leaders.

“We will also pray for the country and the well-being of the people. We will pray for the leadership that God would guide them right to do the right things for the people.

“We are going round to sensitise the people and ask them to join us. I assure you that the body of conveners of “Nigeria Prays” appreciate what you have been doing and hope that God will answer our prayers and wish you well in everything you do.”

In his response, Governor Oshiomhole agreed that Nigeria needed a lot of prayers to confront the challenges facing it, saying, “I believe what you are doing sir, in a way sends down several messages to our people.

“First is the fact that being out of office does not mean you cannot find an enviable role to play. Outside governance, you have continued to impact very positively on the lives of the people and you have continued to inspire us to recognise that we can all carve a role for ourselves,” Oshiomhole added.

“Secondly, there is no question in my mind that Nigeria needs a lot of prayers for God to redirect the thoughts of Nigerian leaders and give them courage and wisdom.”

Noting that power belongs to God and the power, “we exercise is on behalf of the people and can only be justified when it is used to touch the lives of the people positively”.

“At this time in Edo State, we are facing a lot of challenges including some of our people who have resorted to criminal activities including kidnapping. We must continue to enforce the law and pray that the good Lord touches their hearts to recognise that whatever challenges they face cannot be resolved through criminal acts,” he noted.

Oshiomhole acknowledged that there was the need for citizens to rise and challenge leaders to keep their promises.

While identifying with “Nigeria Prays”, Governor Oshiomhole thanked the Chief Convener for the programme and expressed the hope that the nation would benefit immensely from it.