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Nigeria’s Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province Plan Monthlong Prayer ahead of State Elections

Archbishop Valerian Okeke of Onitsha Archdiocese, Nigeria. Credit: Courtesy Photo

The people of God in Nigeria’s Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, which covers Anambra State, are expected to take part in a monthlong prayer initiative ahead of the November gubernatorial elections in the Nigerian State. 

In his Wednesday, September 29 pastoral letter, the Local Ordinary of Onitsha Archdiocese announces the prayer initiative toward the gubernatorial election scheduled to take place on November 6.

“The Archbishop and all the Bishops of the Catholic Dioceses in Anambra State call on our congregation to diligently begin a one-month prayer from 1st October to 31st October,” Archbishop Valerian Okeke says in the pastoral letter obtained by ACI Africa.

Archbishop Okeke explains, “The prayers will take the form of a special October devotion, asking the interventions and intercessions of our blessed mother, Mary and St Joseph, who are great intercessors on our behalf before God especially during this election period.”

Eligible voters in Nigeria’s Anambra State are expected to elect a new Governor on November 6. The incumbent, Governor Willie Obiano is completing his constitutional two-term mandate, and cannot vie for a third consecutive term.  

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According to The Sun, a Nigerian news media, gubernatorial elections in the West African country “are regarded as do-or-die or winner-takes-all contexts. The weeks before, during and after the Anambra election will be crucial. Democratic governance will be on trial and that election will mark the beginning of that trial.”

Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province comprises Onitsha Archdiocese and seven Dioceses, which include Awgu, Awka, Ekwulobia, Enugu, Nnewi, Nsukka, and abakaliki.

In his September 29 pastoral letter, the Local Ordinary of Onitsha Archdiocese says, "Extraordinary times demand extraordinary prayers and actions. In the history of our beloved state, Anambra, there have been extraordinary times that have driven us to our knees in prayer and supplication to God our loving Father."

He explains the nature of the prayer initiative saying the evening devotions will start by exposition of the blessed sacrament, followed by Holy Rosary, short reading from the day’s gospel, meditation and silent prayers, prayer of the faithful and then concluded by benediction.

The Nigerian Archbishop goes on to call for inclusion of other prayer petitions such as offering gratitude to God for the gift of life, and having the opportunity to cast “our votes and choose our governor.”

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Other prayer intentions highlighted in the September 29 pastoral letter include praying for peace and security in the Anambra State before, during and after the gubernatorial elections; as well as for orderly and fair processing of the election results.

“As the people of God in Anambra State, we are called to become agents of peace and progress in our society,” Archbishop Okeke says.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.