Obi urges Methodist Church to sustain advocacy for justice, good governance

Politics

IBADAN, Nigeria (NPA) — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has urged the Methodist Church of Nigeria to remain steadfast in speaking truth to power and advocating justice, good governance and accountability in the country’s democratic process.

Obi made the call after attending the opening ceremony of the 50th/15th Biennial Conference of the Methodist Church of Nigeria in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

In a statement on Wednesday, the former Anambra State governor said he joined Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Methodist faithful from across Nigeria and abroad at the conference.

He expressed gratitude to God for His faithfulness to the Methodist Church over the years and reflected on what he described as Nigeria’s enormous potential despite its current challenges.

According to Obi, the Church has continued to serve as one of the nation’s strongest voices of hope, moral leadership and national conscience.

He urged the Church and its delegates not to relent in defending the interests of ordinary Nigerians by speaking out on issues affecting the country.

“I encourage the Church and its delegates to remain steadfast in speaking truth to power, standing with the suffering masses, and continuing to advocate for justice, good governance and a better Nigeria for all, especially in these challenging times,” he said.

The NDC presidential candidate commended the Methodist Church for its longstanding contributions to national development and thanked its leadership for inviting him to the conference.

He also appealed to the Church to continue praying for Nigeria and its leaders.

Obi specifically urged religious leaders to pray that God would guide political office holders to always place the interests of the people above personal or political considerations.

“I urge them always to pray that God Almighty would touch the hearts of politicians and leaders so that they will always think and use public resources for the public good,” he said.

He wished the delegates a successful and fruitful conference, expressing hope that the deliberations would further strengthen the Church’s role in promoting national unity, justice and good governance.

Obi concluded by reiterating his belief that “a New Nigeria is possible.