From Abraham Akpabio
LAGOS
The president of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has advised Nigerians not to panic nor dismay on any political development especially as 2023 general elections approaches, as God has shown up to raise young people that have never been politicians and give them the spirit to rewrite the history of this country at various levels of government.
Bishop Wale Oke gave the advice at the 12th Annual Thanksgiving of Independent Newspapers Limited (INL) held at its corporate headquarters in Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos on Thursday.
He said the 2023 general elections will be a shocker to many as God will prove desperate politicians wrong but bring the unqualified to qualify and give them the right spirit to rewrite the history of Nigeria at various States of the federation.
He advised political office holders in particular to look beyond their tenure and be ready to leave a legacy that others will emulate.
Oke, who was represented on the occasion by the national chairman, State Inauguration Committee of PFN, Archbishop Joseph Ojo, called on the Nigerian electorate, particularly Christians, not to be docile but to be actively involved in the political process and be ready to choose wisely.
According to him, “God is raising a crop of new leaders that are His, humble and patriotic. They may not be qualified but God will qualify them. 2023 general elections is in the hands of God because He rules in the affairs of men and gives power to whomever He wills.
“Nigerians should not panic nor dismay. I believe God is going to raise young people that have never been politicians and give them the spirit and directions to rewrite the history of this country at various levels of government.”
Speaking on the theme of the thanksgiving, “Lift Up Your Heads O Ye Gates”, the clergyman, who was the guest minister, however, asked Nigerians not to fret but to see through the eyes of faith and be patriotic, as God was at work and would cause them to surmount all challenges facing them and country.
The cleric stated further that, “In PFN, we have an arm tailored towards educating Christians to belong to a political party, get their permanent voters card and get ready for the election. When things are done the way it should be it is the voters who determine who their leaders should be and you cannot be a voter without the voters’ card, we encourage you to be actively involved.”
In line with the programme’s theme, Pastor Funso Odesola, assistant general overseer (Admin and Personnel) and Continental Overseer Africa Continent 3 (Southwest Nigeria and Middle East), The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), spoke on “Gates”, which he said could be a source of blessings by God and could be used by the enemy to hinder progress.
He emphasised the need for obedience to God’s words as a gateway to progress.
Odesola, represented by Pastor Femi Olunuga, Pastor-in-Charge, RCCG Province 70, Region 1, as well led prayers for the progress of the company and the staff while cautioning against laziness and procrastination.
Managing director and editor-in-chief, Mr. Steve Omanufeme, appreciated God for His mercy and also thanked the guest ministers.
In his remarks, he asked INL staff to be hopeful and brace up for the progress and opportunities ahead.
Omanufeme, represented by Mr. Don Okere, daily editor, stated: “I see hope, what we just demand is all of us reciprocating the gestures of the management. People are already pessimistic. This is our year of progress, opportunities. Let us persevere, work, not be lackadaisical, and key into the progress that is coming.”
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