Don’t Shed Human Blood to Win Elections, Bishop Warns Politicians

Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

Politicians have been urged not to shed the blood of innocent Nigerians with the intention to win elections, calling on them to put God first in whatever they do because life is vanity and accountability before their Maker is inevitable.

The admonition was given by the Bishop of the Diocese of Ekiti, the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Christopher Omotunde, Saturday during funeral service held in honour of the late Mrs Comfort Aduke Ogunleye, at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Okesa, Ado-Ekiti.

He admonished those seeking power and wealth to be wary of their actions, warning that “you don’t have to be desperate in life” but to use their time on earth for the service of God and fellow human beings.

“If you become president, governors, senators or whichever high position you might get to, the ultimate is that you will die one day. So, why killing to win election or get positions of influences; all is vanity,” he warned.

The deceased, who died on January 19, was the mother-in-law of the Bishop of the Diocese of Ekiti West, the Rt. Rev. Rufus Adepoju.

Omotunde advised Nigerians to stop the pursuit of vanity because “nobody can take his wealth, power, fame and property out of this world when he dies”.

He said: “If you are here and you don’t spare a thought for the day of death, you are a fool. If you have thousands of clothes at home, only one will be used to bury you.

“If you swindle to acquire wealth, embezzle money to build mansions, doctor records in office, you are not taking them to heaven, they will all be left behind here.

“No matter how beautiful your mansion is, when you die, you will not be buried inside of it. The best your children will give to you is to bury you outside your house.

“When you die, all your belongings will be shared without your input. All the positions and offices you are holding tight unto will soon be taken away from you.

“In fact, when an office holder dies in Nigeria, people will be struggling to take over his seat even when his mourning has not been concluded.”

Omotunde urged the children of the deceased not to depart from the legacies of prayer, dedication and service to God handed to them by their late mum.