Archbishop of the Presbyterian Church, Most Rev (Dr) Uche Dan Okafor, has admonished Nigerian military against overthrowing the civilian administration or carrying a coup plot against democratically elected civilian government in Nigeria.
Archbishop Okafor, who spoke on Sunday at the Inter-Denominational church service as part of activities marking this year’s Nigerian Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, said his advice was based on developments in a number of West African countries where soldiers have overthrown civilian administrations.
Most Rev (Dr) Okafor, who heads the Presbyterian Church in Abuja, said while delivering the message at the Church Service, noted that Nigeria’s democracy should be left to grow and that the people should be allowed to correct whatever anomalies are presently being noticed in the civilian administration.
“The way things are happening other West African countries, the way the military are taking over governments, I appeal to you, don’t plan coup, don’t’ overthrow the democratic regime. Let us allow it grow and correct itself”, Okafor advised.
Okafor, whose sermon was titled: “Gratitude, Encouragement and Spiritual Protection” praised the soldiers for putting their lives on the line in defence of the entire Nigerian citizens against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements terrorising the country.
In line with gratitude, he praised the Federal Government for adding Celebration of living service personnel as key part of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day activities emphasising, that it was very good to celebrate the living.
“Let me from the dept of my heart and on behalf of the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on behalf of ordinary Nigerians like me say thank you to you all members of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’
“Where there is danger, people run away from there but you soldiers, where there is danger, they send you there.
“We civilians run away from terrorists, kidnappers, bandits, unknown gunmen, but you soldiers run to them to confront them.
“I travel to many parts of Nigeria, as far as Gembu (in Taraba State) and every where I go, I see military checkpoints with soldiers providing security for people to move around,” he said.
Most Rev Okafor said that Nigerian Armed Forces need encouragement because according to him, “what we are facing in Nigeria today can be discouraging.
“Many of you soldiers have lost friends and relations just because they are serving Nigerians. Don’t be discouraged. Your sacrifices are not in vain.”
Prophesying on spiritual protection for the soldiers, the Man of God said that God will give our soldiers spiritual protection, urging the military men to be strong and courageous.
He revealed that God told him that He had a hand in the appointment of the Minister of Defence and the Chief Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and General Olufemi. Oluyode respectively, urging the two men to take the assignment God has given them seriously.
Turning to Nigerians, Most Rev Okafor said: “God has started doing something in Nigeria. Don’t lose hope. Don’t run away. Nigerian soldiers will soon conquer all the evil men.”
He prayed that God will expose, disgrace and destroy all the sponsors and sympathizers of those terrorising Nigeria.
In his vote of thanks, Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd) praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Federal Government’s efforts in ensuring that the Armed Forces of the country are funded and motivated to carry out their duties.
