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

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.