From Onwuka Nzeshi in Abuja, 09.27.2006

The Presidency, Gowon contended, appeared to be haunted by some demonic spirits seeking to tear Nigeria apart.
He said: “There seem to be some demonic spirits haunting the presidency. We are praying that the demons be arrested. We also pray God to give the National Assembly the wisdom to deal with the rift between the President and his deputy.

"We are asking God for his divine intervention because what is on the ground goes beyond politics of 2007 and anti corruption war. It has a lot to do with individual differences. But we believe that even when it appears difficult for men to intervene, we believe God can resolve that which man fails to resolve.”

The former military ruler who is also the leader of a non-denominational Christian group, Nigeria Prays, urged all well meaning Nigerians and friends of Nigeria across the world to pray fervently for the nation in view of the unwholesome accusations and counter accusations emanating from Aso Rock, the seat of government.

Gowon who set up Nigeria Prays ten years ago, also urged the National Assembly to look beyond the physical in its mediation in the crisis, adding that the parliament needed divine guidance in its bid to resolve the crisis amicably.

The call for prayers came at a media interaction to herald the 10th anniversary celebration and annual lecture of Nigeria Prays.
Gowon, represented by the Assistant National Director, Nigeria Prays, Reverend Raphael Opawoye, lamented that the disagreement at the nation’s seat of government was a manifestation that Nigeria was yet to attain the spirit of brotherhood, which is a prerequisite for the attainment of nationhood.

He lamented that forty-six years after independence and more that three decades after the Nigerian civil war had remained just a country and not a nation bound by brotherhood.

Nigeria, he said, may have witnessed some physical reconstruction and rehabilitation but was yet to achieve reconciliation since the civil war ended in 1970.

Nigeria Prays has, since October 1996, continued to mobilise and sensitise Nigerians on the need to pray for the nation, her leaders the citizenry. The group has provided a veritable avenue for every burdened Nigerian irrespective of his denominational affiliation to join several other citizens across the country to pray for Nigeria.

As part of the 10th year anniversary, Nigeria Prays will on Saturday, September 30th 2006 hold a public lecture on The Role of Prayer in National Reconciliation and Transformation. The National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving will follow this. Both events will hold at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.