Raising religious and tribal sentiments over Nigeria’s present political situation has been described as a dangerous trend that can lead to civil unrest and irreparable long-term damage.
Bishop Olumakinde Alawode, General Overseer, Maranatha Chapel, Ibadan, Oyo State, made this assertion while speaking on the state of the nation.
Alawode called on Christian fathers not to take an open stand in support of a candidate against another, adding that it is dangerous if a president has no regard for church leaders. Rather, he urged them to meet with the two major presidential aspirants, to get their words that they won’t propagate rules that are anti-gospel.
“The church should stand in such a position that whoever wins will still ascribe his victory to her and hence can never go against us. Corporate interest must override personal agenda.
“Our Christian fathers must remain fathers to our political leaders, so they can correct them when the need arises and vice versa. Political leaders can consult them on national issues as it was in the Old Testament. It is dangerous for the church if a president has no regard for our leaders.
“The Church and our fathers must not take an open stand in support of a candidate against another. The Church and our fathers should meet the two major presidential aspirants and get their word that they won’t propagate rules that are anti-gospel,” he stated.
Rather than take sides, Alawode advised the church to put her energy into correcting whatever is anti-christ in the nation’s constitution and other issues that will move Nigeria forward, adding that they must also continue to pray for God’s will to be done.
The cleric also observed that the present political situation has caused major cracks in the wall of the body of Christ in the country.
His words: “It has divided pastors sharply along two opposite opinions. What could have served as a situation to portray the church in Nigeria as one strong invisible determinant of national issues is going otherwise.
“I’ve seen couples divided over the two presidential candidates. I’ve even seen twins toeing opposite routes on this same matter. I’ve been to high-powered church leaders’ meetings where those on the high table are singing a song and the people they are addressing are singing another tune. I am seeing pastor’s giving political instructions on their pulpit and their very church members are saying the opposite immediately after the service.
“I believe strongly that Nigeria must never be Islamised, but the undeniable truth is that Nigeria has always been a multi-religious and multi-cultural nation ruled over the years by both Christians and Muslims. For the sake of one nation, it will continue so.
“Even if Nigeria divides today into six nations, the Muslim/Christian issue will still continue, and leadership will continue to be rotated between this divide; from the local government level to state and up to national levels. It is time we woke up to this stark reality upon this great nation.”
He called on Christians to see the issue beyond the natural.
“Let us pray that God’s will be done. Don’t let us forget that even the most spiritual among us can only know in part. No prophet is 100 per cent reliable. Every human being, no matter the level of anointing, is fallible,” Alawode stated.