Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has advocated for greater involvement of Christians in partisan politics, as a way of deepening democracy and development in the country.
Governor Oyebanji stated this on Tuesday in his office in Ado Ekiti when he received the General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev. Sam Aboyeji, and his wife, Rev (Mrs.) Olabisi Aboyeji.
He said that more inclusive political landscape would lead to policies that better reflect the values and concerns for the people.
The governor said that a good number of Christians who could add value to the system would rather stay out of politics, because of their belief that politics is a dirty game, meant for a certain group of people.
But he said that those who avoid politics are not removed from the effect of bad policies.
Rather than see politics as a dirty game, Oyebanji said that Christians should consider it a viable opportunity to contribute to nation building, make positive impact on the society and promote the values aligned with God.
He opined that more Christian’s participation in politics would also provide moral leadership in politics, promoting honesty, integrity and ethical behavior among elected officials and be a voice for right decision-making and accountability in governance.
While urging ministers of God and churches in general to play a pivotal role in inspiring and educating their congregation about the importance of civic participation, the governor encouraged the general overseer not to relent in praying for more development in Ekiti State and the country in general.
“Most Christians don’t want to come near politics, but the Bible says that when the righteous is in authority, the people rejoice. And to get to authority in Nigeria you have to be involved in politics and so when the Bible says the righteous must be in authority, there must be a path to get to it and the only path we have now is through political office or appointment. So, we should continue to pray and encourage Christians to participate in politics,” the governor said.
Earlier, the General Overseer of Foursqare Gospel Church, Reverend Sam Aboyeji, who appreciated the governor for receiving him and his team despite his busy schedules, commended the governor’s leadership style, saying that the governor is representing God very well in governance.
Rev. Aboyeji explained that the visit was to intimate the governor about the activities of the church in Ekiti, especially the newly planted church and skills acquisition centre.
The general overseer said that an important aspect of his visit was to pray and pronounce God’s blessings on the state, adding that God’s hands is upon the state as evident in the level of peace and development being enjoyed.
Also present at the meeting were Commissioner for Budget, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun and Special Adviser Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode.
