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.”