Church Leader Tasks Christians On Politics

The outgoing General Superintendent of Assemblies of God Nigeria, Rev. Charles Osueke has said that it is not sinful for Christians to participate in politics.

Rev Osueke made this known while responding to an address by the Honourable Minister of Information and Communication, Prof. Dora Akunyili, titled “Rebranding Nigeria: The Role of the Church,” presented at the 34th quadrennial council meeting of Assemblies of God Nigeria at the International Conference Centre, Ntezi/Okpoto in Ebonyi State.

Dr. Osueke called on members of the church with leadership charisma  to participate in partisan politics but with the fear of God.

He debunked insinuation that Christians who indulged in politics would necessarily be corrupt and backslide and called on pastors and  leaders of the denomination to encourage all members who have the necessary credentials to actively participate in politics.

The retiring clergy who has served in the capacity of the General Superintendent of Assemblies of God Nigeria for 22 and half years, noted that the involvement of the church in politics was essential to check anomalies in governance as being apolitical would portend counter-productivity.

He said it was mandatory for all members of the denomination who had attained the age of 18 and above to participate in the voter registration exercise so as to play a pivotal role in repositioning the country holistically.

The man of God noted that with president Goodluck Jonathan’s promise that every vote would count, it became imperative for the church and Nigerians to identify with the electoral processes to actualise government’s aspiration of a free, fair and credible elections in 2011.

He assured that Assemblies of God Nigeria would partner with government to ensure a hitch-free voter registration exercise and 2011 polls.

It will be recalled that within the period of the out-going General Superintendent’s leadership, the denomination recorded significant achievements which included emergence of two senate presidents, a governor, two Ministers of Education and several political appointees.