Anglican bishop tasks Nigerians on general elections

Ahead of next month’s general elections, the Bishop of
Diocese of Lagos West, Anglican Communion, Rt Revd. Dr.
James Olusola Odedeji has called on Nigerians to beware of
who they vote for, stating that the outcome of the election will
determine how things are going to be in the country for the
next four years.
Odedeji, who made the call yesterday while delivering a
sermon at the 70th birthday celebration of Mr. Joseph
Abiodun Falode at St. Peter’s Anglican Church Idimu, Lagos,
also urged Christians to get involved in the politics of the
country.
However, he said clerics must remain apolitical.
According to him, the more Christians shy away from politics,
the more they put the country at the risk of being run by
unscrupulous elements in the society.
Odedeji also advised Nigerian politicians to put the country
first and treat their political opponents with respect and avoid
willfully hurting the people.
He said: “Men of God should be non-partisan. I don’t belong
to any party, but I preach to my people to choose a very
credible candidate. This election is the litmus test for how the
well being of the people is going to be in the next four years.
You should know that whom ever you vote for is going to
handle your life and that of your children.”
“It is high time Christians participated in politics. The problem
is that we christians see politics as a dirty business, therefore
we allow hoodlums to run the affairs of the country. I don’t
also blame the Christians because some things these
politicians do to get to positions are horrible. They dent image
of opponents just to see that they win. The politicians should
just treat each other with respect.”
Speaking about the celebrant, the Anglican Bishop noted that
Falode had been a committed servant of God and an
illustrious son of Ilesha in Osun State, who has committed his
time and resources to the growth of the diocese, such that it
has grown to be the largest Anglican diocese in West African.
He added that the church would forever be grateful to Falode.
“ With the help and commitment of Falode, we at this diocese,
we are proud of about five Archdeaconry, he contributed
immensely to their height. I still say it to my friends and
people that without Falode, Idimu diocese will not be where it
is today. I remember when I was a student pastor in this
church, he would take me on a tour to give sustenance to
other churches, now I am a bishop, I know how he is still
contributing to the church,” he declared.
Folade, who could not hide his happiness, said “ I am grateful
to God for keeping me alive and will make sure that I dedicate
the rest of my life for the good of the church and all.”
Bishop Anglican /mac hd
Anglican bishop tasks Nigerians on general elections
By NDUBUISI ORJI, LAWRENCE ENYOGHASU and CHIZOBA
IKENWA
Ahead of next month’s general elections, the Bishop of
Diocese of Lagos West, Anglican Communion, Rt Revd. Dr.
James Olusola Odedeji has called on Nigerians to beware of
who they vote for, stating that the outcome of the election will
determine how things are going to be in the country for the
next four years.
Odedeji, who made the call yesterday while delivering a
sermon at the 70th birthday celebration of Mr. Joseph
Abiodun Falode at St. Peter’s Anglican Church Idimu, Lagos,
also urged Christians to get involved in the politics of the
country.
However, he said clerics must remain apolitical.
According to him, the more Christians shy away from politics,
the more they put the country at the risk of being run by
unscrupulous elements in the society.
Odedeji also advised Nigerian politicians to put the country
first and treat their political opponents with respect and avoid
willfully hurting the people.
He said:”Men of God should be non-partisan. I don’t belong to
any party, but I preach to my people to choose a very credible
candidate. This election is the litmus test for how the well
being of the people is going to be in the next four years. You
should know that whom ever you vote for is going to handle
your life and that of your children.
“It is high time Christians participated in politics. The problem
is that we christians see politics as a dirty business, therefore
we allow hoodlums to run the affairs of the country. I don’t
also blame the Christians because some things these
politicians do to get to positions are horrible. They dent image
of opponents just to see that they win. The politicians should
just treat each other with respect.”
Speaking about the celebrant, the Anglican Bishop noted that
Falode had been a committed servant of God and an
illustrious son of Ilesha in Osun State, who has committed his
time and resources to the growth of the diocese, such that it
has grown to be the largest Anglican diocese in West African.
He added that the church would forever be grateful to Falode.
“ With the help and commitment of Falode, we at this diocese,
we are proud of about five Archdeaconry, he contributed
immensely to their height. I still say it to my friends and
people that without Falode, Idimu diocese will not be where it
is today. I remember when I was a student pastor in this
church, he would take me on a tour to give sustenance to
other churches, now I am a bishop, I know how he is still
contributing to the church,” he declared.
Folade, who could not hide his happiness, said “ I am grateful
to God for keeping me alive and will make sure that I dedicate
the rest of my life for the good of the church and all.”