As Nigeria continues to grapple with worsening insecurity, economic hardship and social uncertainties, the Sole Administrator of the United Evangelical Church (UEC) National Worship Centre, Rev. Chris Effiong, has called on Nigerians to return to God through sincere worship, fervent prayers and responsible civic engagement, warning that the nation is approaching a defining moment in its history.
Speaking during a special thanksgiving service to usher in the month of June, Rev. Effiong lamented what he described as the alarming rise in wickedness across the country, noting that the scale of violence, bloodshed and criminality being witnessed today has become unprecedented and increasingly difficult to comprehend.
According to him, the persistent attacks on innocent citizens, kidnappings, terrorism and banditry represent a direct assault on the peace, unity and collective aspirations of Nigerians. He maintained that no nation can make meaningful progress when fear, insecurity and lawlessness become the defining experiences of its people.
The cleric observed that countless families have been plunged into mourning while many communities continue to live under constant threats from criminal elements. He particularly decried the plight of innocent children and vulnerable citizens who have become victims of violent groups operating in forests and remote communities across the country.
“Parents are kidnapped and held hostage for ransom. Families struggle to raise money for their release, yet in many instances, victims are still killed after payments have been made. The level of pain, grief and anguish inflicted on innocent Nigerians is heartbreaking and unacceptable,” he said.
Rev. Effiong stressed that the continued carnage across various parts of the country must come to an end, declaring that those who have chosen the path of terror, violence and destruction should repent and abandon their evil ways before facing divine judgment.
He warned terrorists, bandits and all those who profit from the suffering of others that while human justice may sometimes appear slow, God’s judgment remains certain.
“The enemies of peace must understand that there is a God who rules in the affairs of men. Those who delight in shedding innocent blood should turn from their wickedness while there is still time. If they refuse, they should be prepared for the wrath of God,” he cautioned.
Beyond the security crisis, the church leader also turned his attention to Nigeria’s political future, describing the 2027 general elections as a critical turning point that could either accelerate national recovery or deepen existing challenges.
He urged citizens to become more discerning and politically conscious, warning against the culture of vote-buying and material inducements often deployed during election seasons.
According to him, politicians who seek to exchange bags of rice and temporary gifts for the votes of impoverished citizens are not offering solutions but perpetuating a cycle of dependency, poverty and bad governance.
Rev. Effiong described such practices as manipulative and destructive, insisting that Nigerians must resist the temptation of short-term benefits that often produce long-term consequences.
He admonished voters to carefully evaluate the character, competence, vision and track records of those seeking public office rather than allowing themselves to be swayed by gifts and empty promises.
“2027 presents Nigerians with another opportunity to make the right choices. Citizens must understand that elections have consequences. We must get it right with our votes or risk paying dearly afterwards,” he warned.
Despite the daunting challenges confronting the nation, Rev. Effiong expressed optimism that Nigeria’s current difficulties are temporary and surmountable. He said the nation’s future remains secure in God’s hands, emphasizing that divine intervention often comes when people sincerely seek God through worship and obedience.
The cleric further encouraged Christians not to allow insecurity, economic hardship or personal difficulties to weaken their commitment to worship. Rather, he argued that difficult times should deepen believers’ dependence on God.
Drawing from biblical teachings, he reminded worshippers that God inhabits the praises of His people and that true worship possesses transformative power capable of changing situations, healing broken lives and restoring hope where despair exists.
He explained that genuine worship goes beyond religious routine, adding that it requires humility, gratitude, surrender and complete devotion to God.
“In true worship there is no room for pride, shame or pretence. When people worship God sincerely, He arises and does the extraordinary. Miracles happen, lives are transformed and impossible situations are turned around,” he said.
He urged believers to worship God wholeheartedly with every gift and ability at their disposal, including their voices, hands, talents and resources, noting that everything possessed by humanity ultimately comes from God.
According to him, no sacrifice offered in sincere worship is too much because all blessings originate from the Creator.
Rev. Effiong maintained that sustained prayers, righteous living and genuine worship can contribute significantly to national healing and peace, expressing confidence that divine intervention can bring relief from the country’s security challenges and frustrate the plans of those opposed to Nigeria’s progress.
While calling for stronger efforts from leaders and institutions, he emphasized that spiritual responsibility must not be neglected, arguing that national transformation requires both effective governance and moral renewal.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain peaceful, hopeful and steadfast in faith, assuring them that the country would overcome its present trials.
“Nigeria will rise again. The challenges we face today are not permanent. God remains in control, and He is aware of everything happening in our nation. Let us continue to pray, worship and work for peace. Through God’s mercy, this season of warfare, pain and uncertainty shall pass,” he declared.
