Join politics and reshape governance, Pentecostal pastor tells Christians, church leaders
From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka
Senior Pastor of the Bible Base Miracle Assembly, Nkpor-Agu, Anambra State, Rev. (DR) Jerry Nwachukwu, has called on religious leaders, and of course, leaders of different Christian denominations and congregations, to join active politics, and reshape the face of governance in Nigeria.
Rev. Nwachukwu, who spoke exclusively with our reporter at the headquarters of his church located at No. 19 Ezendu Street, off Mercedes Avenue, Nkpor-Agu, Anambra State, on Sunday, May 19, noted that politics should not be left for people, who cannot lead in line with God’s plan.
He said, “Governance and leadership belongs to God. Therefore, whether you’re a pastor, reverend, bishop archbishop or whoever, if you had the ability to lead, and resources to contest political positions, go ahead and do so.
“To vote and be voted for is the constitutional right of everyone. No place in our constitution forbids religious leaders from contesting elective positions. The church and religious leaders must not be pushed to the side as far as politics is concerned.
“As a pastor that has followers and congregation, I encourage and compel them to play active roles in politics of Nigeria. If they had the opportunity, they should contest political positions – and, when they get there, they should represent God by delivering quality democracy dividends.”
The cleric gave instances of states of Nigeria that had or have clergymen as their governors at different times – including Benue, Awka Ibom, and others; and encouraged other priests to emulate same.
“All the priests that served as governors in Nigeria at different times did well. Them who are serving currently in different capacities in the political arena are also doing well in governance,” he said.
Speaking on his assessment of President Tinubu’s performance so far, Nwachukwu said that nothing has actually changed positively so far; as promised by APC when they were seeking for votes in 2023. He said that Nigerians were not only hungry and angry, but were also terribly disappointed; the reason he encouraged church leaders to go into politics.
