Two clerics on Thursday called on the Federal Government to stop the ongoing mass sack of bank workers, arguing that it could worsen the nation's socio-economic life.

Thousands of bank workers have been sacked in the past one month as a result of financial problems being experienced in the banking sector.

In separate Christmas messages to Nigerians the President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, and the Anglican Bishop of Lagos Diocese, Most Rev. Ephraim Ademowo, called for government's urgent intervention.

Oritsejafor advised that other measures be taken to address the problems in the banking sector rather than throwing many more Nigerians into unemployment.

"Sacking workers at this period of the year might have its own social consequences at a time the world is lamenting an army of unemployed youths in Nigeria," he said.

The cleric also urged the government to make resolution of all Niger Delta problems a priority in 2010.

He further said; "The world hailed the government for its amnesty programme for militants in the region.

"However, almost two months after the disarmament, there appears not to be any visible plan in place to develop the region.

"The government should not keep the boys idle for too long because, like they say, an idle hand is the devil's workshop."

The cleric appealed to the government to be more committed to providing power to facilitate economic activities.

"We hear that Nigerian enterprises are migrating to neighbouring Ghana because of high cost of doing business here.

"This disturbing phenomenon has caused our citizens to lose their sources of livelihood; thousands are thrown into the labour market as a result of epileptic power supply," he regretted.

He urged politicians to use the period of Christians for sober reflection, saying that they should think of how to serve Nigeria better.

The pastor urged Nigerians to dedicate themselves to the service of God and humanity to be able to build a stronger Nigeria in 2010.

He called for prayers for the quick recovery of President Umaru Yar'Adua currently receiving treatment in a Saudi Arabian hospital. (NAN)