General elections’ll be violence-free ─ Clerics

By Sesan Olufowobi

Some clerics have said the Saturday and April 11, 2015 general elections will be violence-free irrespective of the tension generated by the hate speeches of the candidates and their supporters.

The clerics, who included the General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev. Felix Meduoye, his Christ Royal Ambassador counterpart, Bishop Tom Samson, and Bishop Bola Odeleke of Agbara OlorunkibatiWorldwide, added that the country would soon witness “great transformation”.

The men of God, who spoke at the 19th Anniversary Convention and Annual Thanksgiving Service of the Overcomers Pentecostal Prayer Ministry, however, urged Nigerians to be positive in their thinking about the nation.

Meduoye, while delivering the anniversary sermon, noted that a large percentage of Nigerians had endured “great sufferings”.

The Foursquare church leader implored such people not to be discouraged, saying it would soon be well with the country.

He added that God had a good plan for Nigeria.

He said, “The elections will be violence-free; there will be no problem. People have suffered a lot; Nigeria will be well again. Nigerians should not be discouraged.

“Let us all believe that very soon, our better Nigeria will arrive. Nigerians must be positive in their thinking about the country; nothing will happen outside the will of God.”

Samson, in his speech, said he was convinced that God was in charge of Nigeria, hence the general elections would be devoid of bloodbath.

He urged Nigerians to have the fear of God irrespective of political affiliation, tribe and religious belief, pointing out that people without the fear of God would not have peace of mind.

Odeleke said God had perfected what concerned the country, adding that the general elections would be peaceful.

She said, “As regards the general elections, they are going to be peaceful, there will be no bloodshed. Nigeria is going to move forward.”

In his welcome address, the Senior Pastor of the Overcomers Pentecostal Prayer Ministry, Rev. Sam Ogedengbe, said Nigerians must also pray for the country and for violence-free elections.