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  • 2019: CJN urges judges to be wary of politicians’ antics

    2019: CJN urges judges to be wary of politicians’ antics

    CHIEF Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen has urged judges to be wary of the antics of politicians to avoid being led into acts capable of ruining their reputation.

    Onnoghen spoke in Abuja yesterday during the opening session of the Annual Justices of the Court of Appeal Conference.

    He noted that as the nation moves closer to its electioneering season, politicians have become desperate and would do anything to attain power.

    He said: “Let me remind us that our salvation remains in our hands; so in the approaching frenzied political activities leading to the 2019 general elections, let us continue to watch the company we keep, the people we open our doors to lest we unwittingly open ourselves to ridicule and embarrassment as the politicians will do anything not necessarily legal, to have their way, including destroying our hard-earned reputation and integrity.

    “I therefore say to all of us, be strong, courageous, fair but firm. Stick to the constitutional provisions, the law and doctrine of precedents (stare – decisis) and you cannot go wrong.

    “Even when you are wrongly accused, as we very much are, be patient and remain assured that ‘truth crushed to the earth shall rise again the eternal years of God are hers.”

    The CJN, who was silent on their names, said 14 new Justices have formally been appointed for the Court of Appeal.

    Onnoghen preached against corruption on the bench and urged judge to respect the decisions of the higher courts.

    He said: “As you may be aware, the National Judicial Council at its just concluded meeting, approved the elevation of 14 judges to the Court of Appeal to fill in vacancies that had existed hitherto in the court.

    “This will certainly help to reduce the work load for the justices of the court, as well as help in your preparations as we approach election year in our country.

    “Your level of preparation, coupled with the determination of Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR to bequeath to Nigeria a legacy of credible election process, will guarantee the peace and stability we all desire.

    “The fight against corruption must be holistic. Consequently, we must address those issues that tend to distract the judicial officer, as well as removing from our midst, undesirable persons of questionable character.

    “It is my firm believe that if we identify and remove them at the lower courts, the appellate courts would have men of integrity, which in turn elicits confidence in the litigants who come before you.

    “I urge you to change your attitude towards your obligation to stare decisis. The benefits are far-reaching and far out-weigh the few and feeble disadvantages.

    “On judicial precedents as it relates to election and pre-election matters, I want to remind us that the Supreme Court has decided in a number of cases that the principles of Judicial review such as Mandamus, Certiorari, Prohibition etc do not apply because election and election related matters, such as pre-election causes are suis generis.

    The CJN said: “There is an emerging trend whereby a party in a pre-election or election matter, after exhausting his remedies sometimes up to the Supreme Court still pursues a parallel cause of action under the guise of judicial review hoping that one of such parallel actions may succeed, thereby making the court to contradict itself resulting in great embarrassment to the system.

    “Much injustice is thereby created particularly in matters that may not get to the Supreme Court for correction.

    “Where, however, the matter gets to the Supreme Court and the right thing is done, much injustice would have been occasioned by not following the principles of stare decisis.

    “I am saying these because soon the tempo of political activities will pick up and some lawyers will stop at nothing in their effort to outsmart the Bench; so be very very careful and as I have always said, be on top of your game by mastering the principles of laws and facts relevant to the case or issues involved in the dispute so as not to allow legal practitioners to mislead you to the embarrassment of the Judiciary.

    “Always be consistent by following the principles of stare decisis and the law. If you stick to this simple piece of advice, you will not go wrong in your determinations/decisions.”

    The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, who also confirmed the appointment of new Justices for her court, said those appointed were solely on merit.

    She said: “I would also like to seize this opportunity to straighten the fact on the ongoing process of elevation of judges to the Court of Appeal.

    “It is strictly based on merit with particular preference for judges who have distinguished themselves by the quality of their judgements in the lower courts and to fill in vacancies created by the death, retirement or elevation to the Supreme Court of our former justices.”

    Bulkachuwa, who spoke about the many innovations to be introduced into the court’s operations in the new year, urged Justices of the court to shun corruption.

    She said: “Sometimes back, the judiciary came under heavy attacks on allegation of corrupt practices.

    “As judicial officers, it is not enough to simply talk about corrupt practices but one must believe in the fight against corruption and we must work at it together. “

  • Don charges politicians to shelve differences to salvage Nigeria

    Don charges politicians to shelve differences to salvage Nigeria

    A don at the University of Ibadan, Professor Ademola Aremu has called on political leaders in the country to shelve their political difference to salvage the future of the country.

    He stated this while speaking at the inaugural lecture of Kwankwasiyya Consultative Forum, a political ideology as exemplified in the leadership qualities of the former governor of Kano state, Senator Rabiu  Musa Kwankwaso.

    The Forum members who came from all the 33 local government councils in the state, adorned in traditional Forum regalia – white and red cap to fit, with the former Kano state governor red trademark cap.

    The guest lecturer, who was represented by Dr Kunle Odedokun, while delivering a lecture titled “Leadership and its role on national development”, warned that if the country continues as it is going, there might not be any future for the incoming generation, urging the political leaders to come together  and do something meaningful urgently to save the future generation.

    He reasoned that if all the states across the country can take advantage of the natural endowments and resources which abound in them, no state would wait on the federal government for any monthly allocation, which has retarded the growth and development of many states.

    Noting that the challenge with the country is the lack of good leadership, he lamented that many of those parading themselves as leaders are “highly unwilling and unable to rise up to the challenges of leadership in the interest of the people and the country when the occasion arises.”

    Some of the attributes of leadership he gave include, accountability to the electorate, integrity, call to service, transparency, availability for public scrutiny, commitment, selflessness and high level of emotional intelligence.

    Earlier, the Chairman of the event, former governor of Oyo state, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, promised his support to the Forum, affirming his support to the cause of the group.

    The former Governor who was represented by his aide, Alhaji Audu Marafa, commended members of the Forum for coming out to support the political aspiration of the former governor without hesitating any fear.

    In his speech, Honourable Umar Mukhtar Yerima disclosed that “Kwankwasiyya as a socio-political movement was not established because of the coming presidential election. It is a vision beyond 2019, it has come to stay and it has become part of our political culture.

    “It is a vision for those who believe Nigeria can be better for you and me , it is a vision for those who believe the rich will help the poor , it is a vision for those who believe the strong will help the weak ,  it is a vision for those who believe the powerful will help the  powerless, it is a vision for those who believe in equitable distribution of resources and finally it is a vision for those who believe more in human resources as a contributory factor to national development.”

    In her remarks, the state coordinator of the Forum, Honourable Mrs Ayobamidele Adekunle Idowu thanked all stakeholders and guests for their support to make the event a reality. She said that good governance as being championed by the Forum would be a thing of reality but that the onus rests on Nigerians “as good and patriotic citizens to ensure that we join hands without any form of discrimination to elect good leaders.”

    Idowu said the principal of the Forum, Senator Rabiu Kwankwanso is a political enigma who has proved his worth as a leader that be trusted with position of authority without any fear, adding that Senator Kwnakwanso by virtue of his antecedents and  his numerous achievements while serving as the governor of Kano state has transformed the state from a developing state to a developed state,   without any atom of doubt has all the earlier mentioned qualities.

    She enjoined Nigerians not to sit down and fold their arms as the country approaches another season of electioneering, noting that “all our political transformations, agenda and believe will, however, be far from reality without positive actions. It is, therefore, our collective responsibilities as we are going to our different places of abode to ensure we contribute meaningfully to the spread of this glorious gospel wherever we reside.”

     

  • ‘Osun pensioners fronting for politicians’

    A group, the Yoruba Development Union (YODEU), has urged Osun State pensioners to show understanding about the finances of the state, instead of making political statements that portray them as rookies of partisan interests.

    In a statement yesterday, YODEU said the state’s pensioners should learn to make demands without playing politics with it.

    The statement by its President, Ayobami Falayi, described a statement credited to retired servants of Osun State asking President Muhammadu Buhari not to release the new tranche for the payment of retirees and workers to Osun State as “unreasonable”.

    The money does not belong to the governor but to the people of Osun State, the statement said.

    The chairman of the group, Omoniyi Ilesanmi, and its Secretary, Sola Olojede, had asked President Buhari not to release the funds because it would be diverted.

    But YODEU said the leaders of the pensioners’ association were behaving as if they underrated the intelligence of the average Osun person.

    The statement added: “The letter to President Buhari by this group is political. They are more or less calling for the seizure of statutory allocation to Osun people. They are calling for economic sanctions. This amounts to a declaration of war on the people of Osun State. It goes beyond the demand for the payment of pensioners, but an outright political demand to squeeze and stifle the government to make it easy prey for the opposition in the 2018 governorship election, which is the real motive of the leadership of the pensioners’ association.”

     

     

  • Militants accuse politicians of hijacking Amnesty programme in Ondo

    Militants accuse politicians of hijacking Amnesty programme in Ondo

    A militant group in Ondo State, United Sea Wolf Avenger, said politicians in the state had hijacked the Federal Government’s Amnesty programme in the state by allocating the slots to their children, friends and political allies.

    The group made the allegation in a statement in Lagos on Thursday signed by its leader, Gen. Deji Ehinmowo, Secretary, Gen. Akinfemi Raymond, and Adviser, Gen. Ogbaro Ariyo.

    The Ondo State Government, had on Oct. 23, announced that the Federal Government would on Nov. 9 incorporate ex-militants in the riverine area of the state who are willing to submit their arms for the programme.

    The militant group expressed regret that its members of over 400 from five camps in the state were neglected and not incorporated into the programme.

    “We humbly want to alert Nigerians and the Federal Government that politicians in Ondo State are about to compromise the standard and integrity that the Nigerian security personnel has built over the years by hijacking the second phase of the amnesty programme.

    “This is evidence in the outcome of the series of their meetings where Amnesty slots were given to their children, traditional rulers, friends in their political wards and units.

    “The 2009 Amnesty programme was not for political patronage. The then government didn’t consider Amnesty slot to any political, religious and traditional leader.

    “It is our strong belief that the purpose of the Amnesty programme is to mop up arms and achieve the desired peace in the oil rich region of Ondo State to attract investors to exploit the numerous natural resources that bound in the riverine community for the benefit of our people in the state and Nigeria at large.

    “We want to put it on record that fake people had been recruited as militants into the second phase of the Amnesty programme in Ondo State by politicians in the state for political patronage.

    “It is with strong belief that the present government in Ondo State is playing politics with the Amnesty programme without involving us in the process.

    “We are using this opportunity to inform President Muhammadu Buhari, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, and the security personnel that over 400 militants in our camp are ready to surrender arms in their possession if the government is ready to dialogue with us,’’ the group said.

    The group also condemned the location of the flag off of the programme to Akure, instead of Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government, which is the mandate area.

    “This negates the practice in the past and how it was done in other states of the Niger Delta region where flag off took place in the mandate areas,’’ it said.

    Read Also:  Amnesty: 400 militants to surrender arms in Ondo

  • Cleric to politicians: govern with fear of God

    The founder of Salvation Revelation Christ Church Lagos, Elder Fatai Olubodun, has charged political office holders to govern with truth and the fear of God for Nigeria to make progress.

    He spoke last Sunday at the 2017 annual harvest thanksgiving and fund-raising for church building at the Ayobo international headquarters of the church.

    Tagged year of fulfilment, the harvest service attracted church leaders and government officials in attendance and witnessed the launch of a new album.

    Olubodun pointed out that Nigeria is a blessed nation held back by the corruption, greed and godlessness of political leaders over the years.

    He said only the fear of God can help political leaders think and work for the people as against themselves.

    The cleric said having been entrusted with power by God and men, political leaders must govern in truth and honesty.

    He reminded them that they will one day account for all the national resources in their care.

    Olubodun, a retired civil war military officer, urged the current administration to make frantic efforts in promoting unity and oneness of all Nigerians irrespective of their tribes, religions, cultures and languages.

    According to him: “I believe in one Nigeria devoid of rancour and bickering. Our diversity is our strength and we all must come together as one people and fashion out ways to make our country work for significant progress.”

    He upbraided war mongers, saying war has never solved any crisis and does not pay anyone.

    “All hands must be on deck to make Nigeria work and the government must lead the way.

    “Nigerians are industrious, patient and very dutiful and they only want assurances from the government that they matter and their hopes and aspiration are being taken care of in every way possible,” he said.

    Founder of Christ Mission Bible church, Pastor Michael Omolewa, charged Christians to cultivate the habit of giving to God’s works because it comes with great rewards.

    Resident pastor of the church, Pastor Paul Akohun, who produced the new album, said it was in appreciation of God’s presence, provision and power in the church.

    “I have to give thanks to God for his grace and mercy. In the last eight months of my service in the church, God has proved himself strong and mighty. I cannot but say a big thanks to him,” he said.

    Titled appreciation, the album has three tracks comprising songs of prayers, praise and a special track to appreciate the support and encouragement Akohun received from the founder of the church and his wife.

  • Senators earn N3bn per annum – Sagay

    Senators earn N3bn per annum – Sagay

    Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Professor Itse Sagay has disclosed that an average Nigerian Senator earns three billion naira per annum.

    He made the revelation while delivering the Nigerian Society of International Law (NSIL) Public Lecture titled  “The Many Afflictions of Anti-Corruption Crusade in Nigeria” as Guest speaker on Wednesday in Lagos.

    “From the information I have gathered, a Nigerian Senator earns about #29 million a month and over #3 billion a year,” Sagay stated.

    The comprehensive breakdown of the salary of the Senators given by Professor Sagay amounted to  #3, 264, 329, 264.10 per annum.

    The breakdown of the salary of 29 million naira per month is as follows:

    Basic Salary #2, 484, 245.50;

    Hardship allowance, 1,242, 122.70;

    Constituency allowance #4, 968, 509.00;

    Furniture allowance #7, 452, 736.50;

    Newspaper allowance #1, 242, 122.70;

    Wardrobe allowance, 621,061.37;

    Recess allowance #248, 424.55;

    Accommodation 4,968,509.00;

    Utilities #828,081.83;

    Domestic staff #1,863,184.12;

    Entertainment #828,081.83;

    Personal Assistant #621,061.37;

    Vehicle Maintenance Allowance 1,863,184.12;

    Leave Allowance #248,424.55;

    Severance Gratuity #7, 425,736.50

    Motor Vehicle Allowance, #9, 936,982.00.

    “The younger the more corrupt”

    Sagay also spoke against the rush of younger politicians in haste to run the affairs of the country, noting that Nigerian politics has quickly declined since the first  Republic.

    According to Sagay, “One common thread that runs through the attitude of recent politicians borders on greed, avarice, self-service and accumulation of wealth at the expense of the country.”

    “Why the rush? A young politician who wants to run at 25 will still become 30, it is just a matter of five years. Why can’t they wait to run? Most politicians are just consumed by greed and the younger they get, the corrupt they become,” the professor said.

  • What politicians can learn from soldiers

    SIR: Looking at political dysfunctions every day in Nigeria where, bargain and compromise are now essential commodities that are lacking, reliability an alien word, political position are hierarchical and authoritarian even in a democracy, then you have to wonder.  Now politicians give conditions for loyalty to Nigeria. Not so in the military. They work through a sort of telepathy; soldiers understand what another soldier wants. They work with the same mind, speak soldierly lingo and interpret acts exactly as they want it played.

    Officers are taught the art of leadership in unison with academics and other nuances of the profession.,

    Even though soldiers die at a moment’s notice, many still enlist anyway for the love of fighting for country. When war breaks, Commanding Officers do not indulge foot soldiers with fairy tales but tell them eye-to-eye that they may die in battle. Yet, many go into battle and die unquestioningly with gung-ho spirit. How many professions are there that put country first, to die for her when duty calls?

    I wish people aspiring for political offices can be mandated to go live in the barracks for weeks and attend leadership training courses delivered by top notch military strategists. This surely will prepare folks for the art of governance, especially mission-driven governance and to acquire the arty skill of working with diverse classes of Nigerian people. The lack of which has seen the glorification of intemperate behaviours by many people.

    Over time, many who sit on pedestals in different professional calling have failed to secure our lives.,

    The fight against insurgency is fought by soldiers from the microcosm of the Nigerian state and unlike other facet of society that works with the principle of and campaign for “separate sovereignty”, the military campaigns and works with the principle of the “whole”.

    Anything short of that is a deviation from the military’s strict code of working as a team. The military work in teams, while politicians work in groups. All the troubles in Nigeria (Sharia crises, militancy, Boko Haram, agitation for cessation) were caused by politicians and the military cleans up the mess of these politicians.

    Could we consider sending some politicians to the barracks to learn the art of communalism and mission-based leadership?

    I’m shocked to see politicians who do not dignify the offices they occupy. II still can’t fathom how and why some people of low consciousness in spiritual (not religious) depth rise to become political leaders in Nigeria.

    Politicians must all learn to play down on their individual ego and begin to see life from the prism of “how may I impact the lives of others in our microscopic way.”

    They have all been hoodwinked by the treachery of ‘I’ rather than ‘We’ unlike soldiers who  think and act ‘We’ for Nigeria.

     

    • Simon Abah,

     Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

  • Wrest power from old politicians, Obasanjo tells youths

    Wrest power from old politicians, Obasanjo tells youths

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has advised the youth to democratically wrest leadership from the old guards since they are unwilling to quit the stage.

    To Obasanjo, leadership positions are never given on a platter of gold. He urged the youth to work for them.

    The ex – President, who spoke on Saturday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, at the Youth Governance Dialogue organised to mark this year’s  International Youth Day, added that those seeking leadership positions must also carve a niche for themselves through hard work.

    The programme was organised by the Youth Development Centre, an arm  of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library(OOPL), Abeokuta.

    Obasanjo noted that moral values had been eroded, unlike in the 50s and the 60s, adding that sound moral values were necessary ingredients for leadership.

    In Obasanjo’s view, Nigeria is in dire need of leaders who are academically and spiritually sound.

    He urged the youth to stop complaining, “moaning and agonising”.  He advised them to get ready to fit into  elective offices as there were moves now to lower the age for President, Governor and National Assembly.

    ”I joined politics from the top. The only position I contested for is President, but I had a track record of achievements, which led to that.

    ”Nobody will choose you; you have to choose yourself. Why should you have to become president at the age of 40? “Why can’t you become president at the age of 35? Why can’t you become president at the age of 30?

    ”General Gowon became Head of State at 33. I became Head of State at 39. And it is because of my track record, and thanks to Abacha (the late Gen. Sani Abacha)for putting me in jail.

    ”Those were the reasons why I had the opportunity to come back as elected President. The point is this -how are you prepared? Are you really prepared?

    ”You should engage in things that will bring about unity and integration. You see yourselves as Nigerians and one family instead of pursuing things that could divide the country,” Obasanjo said.

    Also, former Attoney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), in his paper titled “The role of our youth in contributing to the Peace and stability of the nation,” asked youths to strive towards unity and peace of Nigeria.

    ”If Obasanjo can make it, you can also make it. He joined the army and survived. When he was sent to prison, he survived. He was sentenced to death but here he is,” Agabi said.

    The chairman of the occasion, Chief Bayo Ojo (SAN), advised youths to shun violence and “remain committed to Nigeria’s development”.

  • Wrest power from old politicians, Obasanjo tells youths

    Wrest power from old politicians, Obasanjo tells youths

    Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has advised  Nigerian youths to brace up and democratically wrest leadership position from the old guards and occupy it since old generation politicians seemed unwilling to quit the stage.
    Obasanjo declared that leadership positions were never given on platter of gold and urged the youth to work for it.
    The ex – President who spoke on Saturday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital at the Youth Governance Dialogue organised to mark this year  International Youth Day, added that those seeking to occupy leadership positions in the country must also carve a niche for themselves through hard work.
    The programme was organised by the Youth Development Centre, an arm  of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library(OOPL), Abeokuta.
    He lamented that moral values had been eroded in the society today compared to what obtained in the 50s and the 60s, saying sound  moral values were the necessary ingredients required for leadership position.
    He also noted that the nation was in a dire need of leaders who were academically and spiritually sound.
    He appealed to the youths  to stop complaining, moaning and agonizing, urging them to get ready to fit into  elective offices as there were moves now to lower the age into positions of the President, Governor and National Assembly.
    “I joined politics from the top. The only position I contested for in Nigeria is the Presidency, but I had track record of achievements which led to that.
     “Nobody will choose you, you have to choose yourself. Why should you have to become president at the age of 40? Why can’t you become president at the age of 35? Why can’t you become president at the age of 30?
    “General Gowon became Head of State at 33. I became Head of State at 39. And it is because of my track record, and thanks to Abacha(late Gen. Sani Abacha) for putting me in jail.
    “Those were the reasons why I have opportunity to come back as elected President of Nigeria.
    The point is this -how are you prepared? Are you really prepared?
     “You should engage in things that will bring about unity and integration. You see yourselves as  Nigerians and  one family instead of pursuing things that could divide the country,” Obasanjo said.
    Also,  former Attoney-General of the federation, Kanu Agabi, SAN, in his paper presentation titled “The role of our youth in contributing to the Peace and stability of the nation,” asked Nigerian youths to strive towards unity and peace of Nigeria.
    Agabi described Obasanjo as an embodiment of perseverance and urged the youth to emulate him.
    “If Obasanjo can make it, you can also make it. He joined the army and survived. When he was sent to prison, he survived. He was sentenced to death but here he is,” Agabi said.
    The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Bayo Ojo (SAN) advised  Nigerian youths to shun violence and “remain committed to Nigeria’s development.”
  • ‘Why pastors hardly influence politicians’

    ‘Why pastors hardly influence politicians’

    The General Overseer of Revelation of Christ Chapel International Ibadan, Apostle Oluwakayode Caleb, speaks with Sunday Oguntola on how politicians are buying over pastors and sundry issues. Excerpts:

    How did God call you?

    I was working with African Newspapers Plc, popularly known as Nigerian Tribune, since 2003 but I left in January 2011. I was working as the Personal Assistant to the Managing Director until I resigned for full-time ministry.

    While working, God has been using me for people in the area of healing and deliverance. But from October 2010, I lost my peace and didn’t enjoy the job again. I embarked on a 30-day fasting and prayer to know the next step. I tendered my resignation letter in November 2010 and the following month someone gave me a car.

    The Lord then told me it was an evidence of what He would do in my life if I gave in to Him. I left in January 2011 and have been in full-time ministry since then.

    What mandate are you running with?

    God said He called me to prepare people for the second coming of Christ. All we are doing is to build people that will reflect Christ in all that they do. We are into discipleship but God also gave me the prophetic gift.

    A prophet, to me, is an expander of the Word through Logos or Rhema. The ministry started as an interdenominational outreach in 2006. We were just meeting for prayers and fellowship. But the church started in 2011 after I had resigned.

    You said somewhere that the big challenge of Christianity is the influence of politics. What exactly do you mean?

    It has really been a burden in my heart because you realise that politicians are always seeking to influence and corrupt the church. A friend of mine was in Abuja where he met a senator who boasted of having many prophets on his payroll.

    When he told me, I was baffled. How can politicians be paying ministers of God? For what? What service are they rendering to them? I believe they are asserting influence over ministers of God. They determine what they preach and do.

    Why would it be wrong for politicians to pay men of God? Are they not human beings or church members too?

    I believe it is wrong because it is never with a good intention. No politician gives you anything without seeking for something in return. Men of God must realise that God is responsible for their upkeeps, not politicians.

    When they err, men of God will not be able to correct them. The moment you receive anything from a politician, he or she starts wielding influence on you. There are no two ways about it.

    But can’t God use politicians to bless a man of God?

    Yes, God can use them to fund the ministries or programmes. But it is a misnomer when they put a man of God on the payroll. It is more or less like they have employed the men of God. And when you employ somebody, you are in charge of the person’s time and life.

    Yes, they can give occasionally, but to be paying salaries of men of God is totally wrong and unacceptable. They will have power over you and cripple the grace of God upon your life. Yes, we have politicians in church but we hope to get real Christian politicians.

    I believe that when we have the real Christians in politics, things would be different. We won’t have the kind of environment we have now.

    But politicians will say it is pastors like you that do not tell them the truth…

    …You can only tell them the truth when you are not compromised or on their payroll. Once you get involved with them, you are gone. But when politicians feed pastors, they will not tell them the truth.

    Otherwise, you won’t fear them if you are not dependant on them. It is a pity that we have many pastors today who cannot tell their members in politics the truth.

    But some pastors will say we are telling them the truth but they won’t listen…

    … That is another thing entirely. If you tell them the truth, then you are free. But if you don’t for any reason, then you are at fault. But many politicians are always seeking pastors that will tell them what they want to hear, not the mind of God.

    So, you don’t hobnob with politicians?

    I have access to some of them, by God’s grace, but I am very careful. I always follow the instructions of God in dealing with them. When God says, ‘collect’, I will collect but when He says don’t, I stay away.

    You remember how Elisha rejected the gift of Naaman, the great soldier? That’s how we should relate with them. There are some gifts that we should never collect from politicians. Besides, we shouldn’t be greedy. When God asks us not to collect, we must never collect from them.

    What will people find in your church that might be difficult to find elsewhere?

    One, we expose our people to the sound teachings of the Bible. If you look at how things are going these days, you will realise that prosperity is taking over everywhere.

    When you follow the principles of the Bible, you will prosper. But many churches just tell people they will prosper without following rules. But we expose people to the basics and principles of God.

    Two, we give rooms to the operations of the Spirit. We are not into diabolical, manipulative or controlling spirits. But we allow God to have His ways without taking advantage of people and their circumstances.

    Lastly, we teach our people about the second coming of Christ. Many churches are forgetting about this. But we emphasise it every time that Christ is coming again.  We get them prepared and all that. Those are the things that make us unique and special.

    What’s the next level for the church?

    The next level is whatever God wants to do with us. We cannot do anything except He moves us. We are His church and we belong to Him. He has been leading us lately to mass evangelism. That we have been doing so well. When we are done with that, we will move to the next level.

    Are you thinking of expansion?

    Expansion is good but sometimes God may not allow you to expand if it will derail you. I am not saying expansion is not biblical but it has to be sanctioned by God.

    What I know is sometimes God may restrict and limit you to a geographical location instead of expanding. What matters to Him is the impact you are making with people. How do you measure church growth?

    A church must grow spiritually, numerically and geographically. But you cannot have numerical and geographical growth without spiritual growth. If you check the intentions of those growing churches, they are basically after numerical and geographical growth. If the new branches are not remitting as much as they want, won’t they close them down?

    But God has been helping us to run the church without stress. He’s the one funding our operations. We are just His partners.

    How well embraced is the discipleship slant of the church as against the quest for prayers?

    It is difficult, my brother and pretty frustrating. You know when you confront people with the truth, the tendency is for them to resist or run away. I have seen cases where we tried to discipline people found in errors and before you know it, he or she is somewhere else.

    It is not easy but if you are dishing out the mind of God, you don’t care much. If you teach the word of God to certain levels, people marvel if it is possible to please God. Church attendance may increase today and decrease tomorrow but we are not bothered.

    Why are you not bothered?

    Attendance is good but it is not everything. It is not about multitude, but the impact of your works. Jesus invested in only 12 people and you see what we are worldwide.

    If it is only 100 people we can disciple, we are fine and satisfied. Most of the people in our churches are just audience, not soldiers. When persecution and troubles come, many of them will turn their backs against God. We are not just after multitudes but the quality of their lives. Discipleship takes time and it is rigorous. So, we are not bothered it is not attracting much people now.

    We are raising trained soldiers who can fight for the Lord and stand wherever they find themselves. The question in my mind is whether we will be able to find Christianity in the next ten years. So, we are not after multitude but soldiers ready to surrender and die for God. Normally, the ratio of soldiers to civilians is always low. So, what we are doing is for the masses, but the chosen ones.