Bode George seeks national day of prayers, fasting

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George yesterday called for a national day of prayers and fasting for the country to overcome its challenges.

He regretted that 59 years after independence Nigeria was still underperforming in all ramifications.

Speaking with newsmen yesterday, George who said his suggestion was nonpartisan restated that the national day of prayers and fasting should also be for reconstruction.

He expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its challenges as a ‘‘Godgiven country’’.

“I believe we need to set aside a day for national prayers. I see this country as a Godgiven nation. We need to set aside a day for prayers and fasting for national reconstruction. We would fast for a particular request from God,” he said.

George, who is a former military governor of old Ondo State, also restated his call for the scrap of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying President Muhammadu Buhari ‘s name would be written in the good book of history if he implements his suggestion.

“We must the INEC and scrap sack everybody. Let’s start over again; except this is done, it will never work,” he said.

The elder statesman also stressed the need for restructuring of the country ‘‘for the federating units in particular to unlock their potentials’’.

He said: “One major issue is that our constitution is defective. But we need to learn, we need to listen to people. Things can change, people are moving, you must ensure you move with the people. Why should all resources be moved to Abuja? Who decides that?

“There is no part of this country that God has not endowed with resources. They (states) would look for them and survive.”