N’Assembly Christian Chapel ‘ll Foster Unity, Prayer – Deputy Speaker, Kalu
...Says chapel a sanctuary for reflection, prayer amid legislative pressures
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has said that the newly built National Assembly Christian Chapel will serve as a chamber for prayers for national unity, intercession for peace across the federation, and moral courage in moments of difficult decision-making.
Kalu in his remarks during the commissioning on Sunday in Abuja emphasized that the Chapel is a tangible affirmation that lawmakers do not operate alone but under the guidance of the Almighty, whose authority underpins every human institution.
Citing Psalm 127:1: “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain,” the Deputy Speaker stressed that all legislative efforts risk becoming empty activity without divine guidance.
He acknowledged the vision of previous assemblies, the perseverance of the Christian Legislators Fellowship over past legislative terms, and the support of Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in bringing the project to fruition.
Kalu prayed that the Assembly be guided by wisdom and continually experience leadership that fears God and serves the people.
The Deputy Speaker said, “The commissioning of this Chapel within the hallowedprecincts of the National Assembly is a declaration thatas we make laws for over 200 million Nigerians, we donot do so alone. We do so in the presence of theAlmighty, under whose sovereign authority every humaninstitution exists.The Christian Legislators Fellowship has long been a conscience within this legislature. In chambers where debate can become combative and politics can become consuming, the Fellowship has kept alive the reminder that we are first and foremost accountable to a highercalling.
“This Chapel is the physical expression of thataccountability. It is a place where a senator burdened bythe weight of a difficult bill may kneel in prayer. Where arepresentative wrestling with conscience may find clarity.Where the noise of politics gives way to the stillness of God. It is fitting that the 10th Assembly completes what faithconceived years ago. History will record that thisgeneration, this legislature and this administration didnot abandon vision; we fulfilled it.
“We legislate, wedebate and we represent, but unless the Lord builds thisnation, unless He guides our deliberations, unless He steadies our hands and purifies our motives, our effortsrisk becoming mere activity without enduring impact. We must acknowledge with gratitude the visionaries ofearlier Assemblies, the perseverance of the ChristianLegislators Fellowship across the 7th, 8th, and 9th Assemblies, and the commitment of all who sacrificed tosee this project completed.
“This Chapel belongs to history, but more importantly, itbelongs to the future. May it host prayers for nationalunity. May it carry intercession for peace in every state ofour federation. And may it become a refuge for leaders burdened by responsibility and most importantly, may itstrengthen moral courage in moments when difficultdecisions must be made. If this Assembly kneels well in prayers, Nigeria will standstrong in faith.As we commission this first Christian Chapel within theNational Assembly, we affirm that faith and public serviceare not in conflict. They are companions in the pursuit ofjustice, equity, and national progress. May this house be a house of prayer.”