Fear not, despair not – Osinbajo, CAN tells Nigerians

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has urged Nigerians not to be afraid or disheartened by the country’s current challenges.

According to him, there was hope that the difficulties would be overcome and that the upcoming elections and census would be held peacefully next year.

Mr Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, read Osinbajo’s message at the National Christian Centre Abuja on Sunday evening during the 2022 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols.

The Vice President delivered a message of hope, encouraging people to change their perspective on the country’s current problems and to always expect the best.

“This year’s celebration theme is ‘Fear Not.’ This is an extremely important topic for all of us, especially as we approach 2023, which has been described as a year in which Nigeria appears to be at a crossroads. As the year 2023 approaches. Yes, there will be elections, and there will be a census. All of these issues raise many questions, but we have assurance from our Lord and Saviour. He will not allow our hearts to be troubled. “We must believe in Him and in God,” he said.

In the same breath, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, stated in a sermon titled “Lay Down Your Fears,” that citizens are more terrified than at any other time in the country’s history due to the high level of insecurity and uncertainty within the country’s political economy.

He, however, urged the people not to let fear cause them to speak the language of despair and division in the run-up to the 2023 general elections, saying Nigerians should not lose hope and act in ways that would stymie the country’s development and progress.

“As Nigerians prepare for the General Elections 2023, many people are unsure of the outcome,” Okoh said. Some fear that if the elections do not go their way, they will resort to violence. It is a time when arsonists have already destroyed election materials in certain locations with the intention of halting the election process in 2023. We are in a precarious situation because people who have been displaced from their homes due to insecurity are unsure how to vote in the upcoming elections.

“These situations are extremely frightening, but how should we respond to these circumstances?” Fear may cause irreversible mistakes. Should we be afraid? No, even in the face of all these challenges, we should not be afraid.”

Taking his scriptural text from Matthew 1:20 – 21, the CAN President explained that the Christmas story addresses the country’s circumstances, people’s fears, and the nation’s future. As a result, he said, “Let the Christmas story move us to speak the language of peace to our neighbors, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or political leanings.”

“We must not let fear prevent us from fighting injustice.” Allow resources and positions in government to be distributed equitably among people from all regions and tribes. Equitable position distribution should not jeopardize the existence of any ethnic or religious group; rather, it will assist us in harnessing the abundance of potentials in our dear country for national development.

“We must not allow the fear of losing elections to drive us to violence and rigging in the run-up to, during, and after the 2023 elections.” Politicians should conduct electioneering campaigns and elections with the mindset that after all genuine efforts are made, we should leave the final decision to God.

“We must resist the temptation to deceive the unsuspecting public with fabricated and disjointed stories.” Religious and political leaders, as well as the media, must present Nigerians with the truth about issues in order for them to make informed voting decisions for the good of all.

“We must not allow fear of the unknown to drive our young people to migrate to other countries in search of greener pastures.” We can turn our pastures green again. It necessitates dedication and consistency.

“People should not steal public funds because they are afraid of living in poverty.” Fear motivates people to amass wealth illegally. It is important to note that those who witness corrupt activities but do not speak out are either afraid of being exposed as accomplices or fear for their lives. Fear does not lead to progress.”

Okoh also urged Nigerians to use the holiday season to strengthen themselves and others, to give hope to the hopeless and harassed, and to be the voice of the voiceless.