Over the years, there has been an argument as to whether Christians should be involved in politics or not. Why many claim that politics is a dirty game, very few people have drummed support for Christians to join politics.
First, in Prov. 29:2, the scripture says: “when the righteous is in authority the people rejoice”.
On the strength of the above Biblical injunction, Pauline Joyce Meyer, an American Charismatic Christian author, speaker, and president of Joyce Meyer Ministries, once said: “When you need to make a decision, don’t let your emotions vote”.
Before the end of this article, it would have been established whether Christians should participate not just mere participation but actively involved in politics or not.
Where there is no vision, the people perish, Proverbs 29:18, this is the reason Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.
And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves. Exodus 18:25-27
From the above Scriptures, it is worthy of note to understand that God wants the righteous to be in authority. This is because when the righteous are in authority, they will make policies that would bring transformational changes and thereby bring joy to society.
The candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the March 11th gubernatorial election, His Excellency, Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi OON, FNIM, has proven to be the only one with the scriptural characteristic of what is said in Proverbs 29:2: “When the righteous is in authority the people rejoice”.
Before he stated this journey of the governorship race to liberate Delta State, he invited three ministers for prayers and to seek the face of God, if he is to venture into the political scene. One from the Pentecostal Church, the Orthodox and the Catholic faith.
What you see as a social movement which culminated into the Social Democratic Party (SDP), is the foundation of the prayers equally offered by righteous men of repute.
Unless Christians like Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi, takes the lead for all Christians in the State, just as David, took the bold steps for the Israelites, the Goliaths and by extension, the Philistines and in this context, the wicked politicians from the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Labour Party (LP), and their likes would continue not only to challenge God’s people but to continuously deny us our freedom.
If you remember the case of Mordecai. There was a decree that God’s people be wiped out. Mordecai and the entire Jewish race prayed that God should intervene. But God intervened by sending Esther to the throne.
As we pray in Church and as Christians, we must also encourage Christians to participate in politics because if we are not involved, we must also not complain about bad leadership. This is because you can only change a system from within the system, not outside the system.
The desire to liberate Delta State, has been the drive of Gbagi, to chest out for the rest of us who the wicked politicians have caged otherwise, with his (Gbagi’s) investments, his generations will not beg for bread before they would eat.
Had Esther not gotten involved in the politics of her day (which came in form of a beauty contest), the entire Jewish race would have been wiped out in her day.
In Esther 4:14, Mordecai told Esther ”For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?
The popularity and wealth God gave to Gbagi, is actually for such a time as this, to deliver Delta State from the Philistines who will not allow us to reap what we planted on a fertile ground given to us by God full of natural resources and human capital development.
The statement of Mordecai to Esther spurred Esther into making a difference in her own day. We must also not forget that the reason God brings us into great positions is to affect lives positively and not for personal interest and selfishness. There is so much decay in Delta, Nigeria and African society today because very few politicians have the interest of the masses at heart while many are so selfish and corrupt.
The decision of Gbagi, to visit the church, was well received with ovation as if the Church was actually waiting for someone who would come and present himself like Prophetess Deborah, in the Book of Judges who performed wonders in war front by joining armies of Israel to the war. Truly, Gbagi, will go to the warfront for the living and yet unborn Deltans.
On Monday November 22nd 2022, he had interactive session with the Christian Women Association in Asaba, who unanimously endorsed him as their sole governorship candidate.
In fact, the Master of Ceremony, Mrs. Joan Nwanji and others who spoke during a town hall meeting with Christian Women Association, Delta North Senatorial District, held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Asaba, said the largest private investor in the state who is of the Catholic faith, should be given massive support to emerge governor come 2023.
Mrs. Nwanji, who was also part of the organizers of the event, said, “vote for our brother and our son. This is our own. He is a Catholic”, she stated.
They disclosed that the Catholic Church has been given a matching order to support all Catholic candidates in the 2023 general elections.
In her address, Dr. Mrs. Christie Akako, pointed out that the church’s stand in politics, democracy and good governance cannot be overemphasized.
While noting that the former Chairman, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Olorogun Gbagi, has started well by reaching out to Christian Women, she said: “It therefore becomes imperative for us to look out for Christian candidate who will redeem God’s people” stressing that good governance would enhance the quality of life of the people.
Dr. Akako, who acknowledged the philanthropic gestures of the former minister of State for education towards the church and humanity, said: “We the Christian Women are praying that God will give us someone to revive our economy, industrialize our state so that Delta State will become another Dubai.
Continuing, she said: “We are praying for leaders who will make positive changes so that God’s kingdom can come here on earth. Then insecurity will be curtailed.
“Your Excellency, we are not unaware of what you have been to the church or what you have been doing. We pray that God will use you more for the greater glory of his holy name. It shall be well with you and your lovely wife. We pray that God will bless and empower you more through Christ our Lord”.
Similarly, Catholic priests have described the SDP gubernatorial candidate as a “pendulum of hope” to the poor, aged and the less privilege.
They made the statement on Thursday October 27th 2022, during the “Annual Good Governance Lecture”, organized by Justice, Development and Peace Commission with the theme: “Democracy and Effective Systems: Contradictions of our current State and Pathway to our prosperity. while presenting an award of
recognition for his contributions to nation building and generosity to the Church.
According to them, “”We are celebrating you today, sir, in recognition of your generosity to the church and the industrialization of Delta State.
“Few weeks ago Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, donated to the Catholic Diocese of Warri, a fully built and equipped hospital”.
The Organization of Africa Instituted Churches (OAIC), also has declared support for Gbagi, as the religious group said that it envisions a state in which a universal commitment to the well-being of all its people is fuelled by successful movements for political and social justice.
The group said it has given serious consideration to all candidates that have declared interest in the governorship in the forthcoming election in March 2023 and found the industrialist the most credible and qualified candidate to occupy the position.
It said it considers that giving Gbagi, the opportunity in office will stabilize the economy and the social system.
Speaking on Tuesday November 13th 2022, at St. Lazarus Christ Church, Ughelli, the administrative headquarter of Ughelli north local government area of Delta State, Primate Jonathan Arhawanrien, revealed that OAIC is an international body well recognized across the African continent.
“By the grace of God, you are here today in a church called St. Lazarus Christ Church founded by a man called St. Lazarus in 1930. That is why I said today that you are at home because I know vividly that your father is from CAC.
While presenting a copy of the Holy Bible to Gbagi, as a mark of acceptance by the group, Primate Arhawanrien said: “this is the word of God, read it, study it, it will guide you, it will protect you, it will inspire you and it will direct you.
“OAIC is one of the biggest bloc. In January, a bigger programme is coming where we will put 10, 000 people together from the 25 local government areas for you to address them.
“A brand has no hidden place, we are in a society where honesty does not pay. But thank God that honesty will pay in this 2023, honesty and integrity will be rewarded.
“When you see your own, you welcome him. There is an adage that when an orange sees a righteous man, it falls. You are our own”.
Another striking move was at the gathering of the Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN) Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), headed by Bishop Dr. Kingsley Enakirerhi who led hundreds of other church leaders to pray for the election victory of Gbagi.
Gbagi, was at the Secretariat of CPFN/PFN on Tuesday November 13th 2022, at Orhokpokpor along Agbarho/Ughelli expressway as part of his efforts to mobilize for the support of the church ahead of the general election.
Enakirerhi, who is the founder of Heros of Faith Bible Church, Ughelli charged Gbagi, to ensure he partner with the Church when he becomes governor of the state.
Bishop Enakirerhi, who doubles as the President, Ughelli Day of Prayers and Thanksgiving, demanded that if Gbagi becomes governor, the CPFN and PFN should be fully involved in his government.
“Just as you have spoken, I am here today, that if God gives you the chance to be a governor of the state, this body, we want to be fully involve in your government.
Highpoint of the town hall meeting, was a prayer session led by Bishop Dr. Kingsley Enakirerhi and other clergy men in CPFN and PFN blocs for the election victory of the biggest private investor in the state.
Earlier in his message, the International gospel preacher, who laced his sermon with scriptural passages, pointed out that when the righteous are in authority, the outcome is that the people rejoices.
“But when the wicked, the lawlessness, the ones that love money over their country. They try to take the money out of the country and keep it somewhere so that in eventuality, when there is trouble, they run and secure their family abroad (the wicked), are on the throne, the people mourn”.
According to him, King Solomon as we all know, is the wisest and richest president that has ever lived.
“His throne was established in fairness, justice and equity. He never fought any battle in his days, in his days the economy of Israel was more than any other economy in the world, his wisdom supercedes all the kings that ever lived.
“When the righteous; a man with a good heart, a man with the fear of God, a man who believes in accountability, a man that believe that there will be judgement. Heb. 9:28-29, ‘It is appointed unto a man once to die, after death, the judgement.
The CPFN and PFN Leader, added: “the state is looking forward to righteous governor”.
However, Deltans should note that the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ovie Omo-Agege Omo-Agege, who was equally invited by PFN, bluntly refused to come over to the altar for prayers perhaps because of his father’s African Traditional Religion.
Also, candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA), Sheriff Oborevwori, on Saturday December 17th 2022, equally appeared before the apex decision making body of the church.
Oborevwori, did not address the gathering as he practically did not have anything to truly tell the body of Christ.
According to an insider source, when he (Oborevwori), was invited to come over to the altar for prayers, Oborevwori, equally declined.
The duos blunt refusal to knee on God’s altar for prayers, is a clear evidence that they have/believe in other gods than the Almighty which is a clear deceit to the Urhobo Nation and Delta State in general.
However, all hope is not lost with the SDP gubernatorial flag bearer, Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi, a devoted christian, who finds pleasure in the things of God with interest in fervent prayers, Delta State would be truly LIBERATED!
On Sunday October 30th 2022, during a meeting of the Catholic youth of Warri Diocese under the auspices of Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria, (OLEH REGION), held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ozoro, Isoko north local government area of the state, the Youth Chaplain, Rev. Father Tega Ogbeni, commended Gbagi, who thought it wise enough to visit the Church.
Hear him: “Before now, those vying for political positions will just visit the palace and visit some few persons and they go away, believing that they will win. I thank God that you have ernest need to be here that the youths are needed.
“The awareness is beginning to be there. The political awareness is now getting to the minds of the individual and that is why we are all seated here today, listening to you.
“We have listened and it has been our prayers as Catholics especially in Delta State for a Catholic to be a governor so that the Church can have a direct impact on governance.
“In the history of Delta State, I am aware that the Catholic Church has never produced the governor and the Catholic Church has been trying to liaise with the government but sometimes, it may not scale through because even those governors have their own churches and agenda.
“As Catholics, we believe in good governance and we don’t believe in words only, we believe in action. I want to assure you that these are Christian faithfuls who are gathered here and I believe they have good conscience and they can make the right choice.
“As a church, we pray for you that you will be successful and that God’s grace will be with you and that just as you have this good heart to lead the people of God, I pray that God who works miraculously, will do it for you”.
Also, the President of the body, Peter Ijesah, assured him (Gbagi) that the youths would do the needful come 2023.
He said; “We the youths of Catholic faith, we have the structure for leadership, yet the state government has failed to recognize our leadership qualities.
“At this time, we need a leader who will attend to out challenges. As you embark on this mission, as you take the lead, we will follow.
“We need somebody who will represent us and represent us well. We will go to the pulling units and cast our votes”, he added.
Rev. F. Tega Ogbeni, Spiritual Director of CYON, Warri Diocese added; “Before now, those who are aspiring for political positions just visit the palace and visit some few persons and they believe they will win.
“I thank God that the political awareness is now getting to the minds of each and every individual. And that is why we are all seated here today listening to you despite the fact that some have come from very far but we have said, let us sit down this time to listen to you.
“We have listened and it has been our prayers as Catholic, especially in Delta State for a Catholic to be a Governor so that the church can have the direct impact of governance.
“As you have been asked to lead the people of God, I pray may God who works miraculously will do it for you through Christ our Lord”, he affirmed.
Also, the Chairman, Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN), Delta State chapter, Pastor Nathan Onokpanu, has said that the Christ Apostolic Church wants Gbagi, as governor of the state in the 2023.
Onokpanu said this on Thursday December 29th 2022, during a Superintendents meeting held with Heads of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), blocs, PTI Road, Effurun, Uvwie local government area of the state.
He pointed out that the former minister of State for education and largest private investor in the state remains the most courageous and an incorruptible politician cum businessman that cannot be manipulated by crooks.
Speaking on other governorship candidates, Pastor Onokpanu, noted: “We have seen them, we have heard from many if them. We know where we will direct our people to because when you see something that is straight, you have to move to that area.
“When the blocs meet, we know where we will go to because we have heard from all of them, we know who they are”, he added.
In his prayers for Gbagi, a former Chairman, Delta Development Property Authority (DDPA), Pastor Onokpanu, said: “God should stand for him. We want him to take over Delta State because we know that if he is there, the church will rejoice.
“If he is there, our youths will be gainfully employed, if he is there, everything will move well, if he is there, those who have worked and retired, will get their money.
“If he is there, corruption and looting of the treasury will stop. Let us pray for our father that God should announce him, God should publicize this party and make him win this election.
Also in his prayers, Pastor Ewoma Itoje, DCC Superintendent of CAC, said: “Almighty and everlasting King of kings, we thank you for the grace you have given to your son
“I pray that what he is aspiring to become in Delta State, whether powers of darkness likes it or not, it will come to pass.
“You have good records in Delta State and I pray that those records will speak for you.
“As you move from place to place to campaign, the Holy Spirit, will protect you. Anybody that wants to fight you in one way or the other, the Holy Spirit will frustrate them.
“When you were coming, you arrived here safely, as you are going back, you will get home safely. It is well with you.
“What you are aspiring to become, God will make it possible in the name of God the father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost”, and the Church echoed a loud amen.
The story was not different as the Archbishop of African Church, Warri Province, the Most Reverend Isaac A. Obie, has cautioned the electorates to place priority on credible and competent candidate while making a choice instead of political parties.
Archbishop Obie, a very blunt clergyman with the truth, said this
on Monday December 26th 2022, during the 2022 Annual Convention of African Church held at African Church Grammar School in Ekakpamre, Ughelli south local government area of the state with the theme: “Ye are the salt of the earth”.
The African Church leader said Deltans ought to have learnt their lessons and henceforth vote for integrity, a change and a better State.
He charged the congregation to vote for candidates based on their personal attributes and not for political party considerations.
In his message, drawn from Matt. 5:13-15, Archbishop Obie, called on Deltans to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) and vote individual with credibility, integrity, character.
The cleric who spilled the bitter truth, warned the church that anyone without his/her PVC is an enemy of the church.
Hear him: “Have your PVC and vote wisely, this suffering, if you don’t have your PVC and vote wisely, you will be the only one to suffer it.
“Money is not everything, you must have your PVC and vote in good governance.
“Have your PVC and if you don’t have your PVC, you are an enemy of the Church. The time has come for us to know the truth and vote for the truth.
“The election of 2023 is not about party, it is about individual, credibility and integrity.
“When you vote don’t vote for party but vote for a candidate who can govern the people well, make sure you vote wisely”, he stressed.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Vice Lay-President of Warri Province, Barr. Ezekiel Okorode, declared the SDP governorship candidate as the most competent among the flag bearers jostling to govern the state come 2023.
Okorode, said, he was not in doubt of the ability of the former minister of State for education, to turn the fortunes of the state around.
Barr. Okorode, who is an evangelist in the African Church, lamented that some of the candidates are unable to express themselves, affirmed Gbagi’s exploits during his time as minister of State for education.
Hear him: “We are not in doubt of your competence sir. I believe you are here to seek our support and prayers. Sir, prayers, you will get. This is where prayers are answered.
“Sometimes ago, the Rt. Hon. Waiver, came at a time like this. He danced and prayed with us and the men of God here poured prayers on him, the rest is now history.
“The God of the African Church, answers prayers and we believe that our God will answer your prayers.
“That you have come sir, I am not trying to flatter you. Of All the candidates, I won’t talk about the one that can’t even speak English, I am sorry about that, you are more than competent.
“I know you are competent and I know you can do it, I don’t have any doubt about that sir, that you can deliver Delta State.
“There is no doubt that Delta State is living in abject poverty and we are suffering in the midst of plenty. Not that we are not rich, we are buoyant but why are we suffering?
“I know that you have come to the rescue. God answering our prayers, poverty in Delta State, will be a thing of the past under your watch because we don’t have any business with poverty in Delta State.
“And so sir, haven come to see us, we believe that our God will answer your prayers and when your prayers are answered sir, do not forget us.
“Remember the African Church at every point in time sir. You are welcome to the African Church, the African Church will pray for you, we wish you well and we believe with our prayers, you will succeed and I say again sir, when you succeed, remember the African Church”, he added.
Similarly, the Bishops of the Anglican Dioceses in the State, did not allow the Gbagi, train to leave them behind.
From Asaba Diocese, to Bishop Blessing Erifeta, of Sapele Diocese, to Bishop Christian Ide of Warri Diocese, to Bishop Victor Ebipade Okporu, of Patani Diocese, to Oleh, where Bishop John Usiwoma Aruakpor, holds sway, Ika Diocese, Archbishop Cyril Odiboghene Odutemu, Bendel Province and Bishop of Ughelli Diocese.
The Archbishop of Bendel Province, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Bishop Cyril Odiboghene Odutemu PhD, JP anointed Gbagi, as the successor to the incumbent, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa in the March governorship election.
Archbishop Odutemu, who is the Bishop of Ughelli Diocese, during the Prayer Convocation and Silver Jubilee celebration at the Anglican Girls Grammar School (AGGS) field, took up the jar of oil, called on famous gubernatorial candidate in the state and poured the anointing oil on him with a charge to take over government and bring the much needed development.
The Anglican Bishop who invoked the charismatic part of the Anglican faith said the over 50, 000 worshippers should cast their votes where they would not regret it.
Hear him: “Gbagi promised and he has fulfilled his promise, that means, he will do what he says. Anybody who can deceive the church, will never fulfill any promise to the state.
“I will not hide anything from you, we said that we will announce to the people, that the Holy Spirit must guide you to vote rightly. We will not mislead you, God will guide your hearts so that where you put your votes, you will not regret it”.
Leading the mammoth crowd into a session of prayers, he charged the people to commit the gubernatorial ambition of Gbagi, former Chairman, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, his family and Campaign Council to the hands of God for divine direction.
Bishop Odutemu, who doubles as the Chairman, Delta State Pilgrim Welfare Board, prayed thus: “Lord Jesus, there will be a vacancy at the government house on the 29th of May that somebody must occupy and Deltans will decide that in March.
“Father, your son has told us his programmes, we pray for him. God grant him success and let your will be done in him. Jehovah, your will and let the Devil be put to shame.
“That which he proposed for good, empower him to fulfill in the name of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit”.
Continuing in his charge to the people, he told the prominent gubernatorial candidate of SDP that the congratulation are the battle axe for Jesus and that they must vote for a God-fearing candidate.
“With them, we will remove every corruption and Satanic agenda from the country. With their PVC, they will axe every enemy of progress, they will determine the election and may God grant you success” Archbishop Odutemu, declared.
Now, in Matthew 5:13-16, the Bible calls us the salt and the light of the world. As you know, salt’s value is seen only when it is added. This means that the usefulness of every salt is in adding value.
Also, light is useless if it does not give light.
Salt is a preservative which means as believers we have been raised by God to preserve the societal value and norms of our day. Light brings illumination thereby expelling darkness. So, as believers, we must make a difference when we get elected, appointed, or promoted into high offices
The key point is to realise that we are involved anyway; we have no choice about being political because if we choose not to engage, then, it is the vote for the status quo- the way things are.
Christians need to be involved in politics because we believe in a God who cares passionately about His world and His creation and consequently how it is run. The Bible is hugely political- in that it is about how God wants people to behave and act toward Him and toward each other. This involves economics and law because these are tools that need to be used to build justice.
As believers in God, we have much to bring to politics- a deeper commitment to justice and compassion which throughout history has made a difference in the political sphere.
Christians should join politics so they can bring righteous public service governance because righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach.
Also, Christians should be involved in politics to correct the wicked errors of our day. When we allow dirty people to play politics, society decays and their evil policies affect us gravely.
So, Jesus is commanding us to be ‘salt’ and ‘light’ in the world, encouraging us to influence our society rather than isolate ourselves from our society.
Let us all rise as believers and get involved directly or indirectly in politics. Directly when we run for political offices and indirectly when we encourage godly people to join politics and also when we go out and fulfill our civic responsibility which is to vote.
The future is in our hands if we all rise and do the needful if not the Church should not blame Gbagi, for the devastation ahead if it does otherwise. The ball is in your court.
