The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship
candidate in Rivers state, Dr Dakuku Peterside, has explained why
Nigeria is undergoing turbulence, The Nation reports.
Peterside,
who spoke to ministers and the congregation of the 34th Diocesan Synod
of the Methodist Church of Nigeria in Port Harcourt at the weekend, drew
the church’s attention to Proverbs 29: 2, which says that ‘when the righteous rule, the people rejoice and when a wicked man rules, the people groan.’
Rivers State APC governorship candidate, Dakuku Peterside
The
APC candidate urged the church and all Christians to participate in
politics in order to ensure that those who do not mean well for the
country are not voted into office. He told the congregation that
Christians must intentionally seek elective positions and also be
prepared to vote on election days for candidates who have the fear of
God and vision.
“Christians must be in politics. If we leave politics for only politicians, then those who do not mean well for society will take over our affairs. Therefore as Christians, we must be diligent. Let nobody be deceived. What happens on Election Day will determine what happens to our country, so the church must not shy away from politics. In choosing leaders, we must not be sentimental. It is not about our brother and a stranger; it is about our life and future. It is a sin to support a leader who cannot protect the lives of his people, a corrupt leader or a leader who oppresses his people. Our choice must be guided by reason,” he said.
Peterside, who reiterated that Nigeria is undergoing turbulence, advised Christians not to vote with the sentiment of church, religion, ethnic group or region. He said they should vote to improve their conditions.
“Everybody agrees that Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has done well for the people of Rivers State. Some people may not like his style but that does not diminish his great achievements. Is it fair, if at the end of Amaechi’s administration we bring somebody who says he will destroy all that he has done? Amaechi has laid the foundation and we must build on that. We want a God-fearing man. Some people boast of their connection but as ministers of God, you know that darkness will not reign over our state. I have plans for our Rivers State, I am an agent of Christ and I am prepared to do His will,” Peterside said.
“Christians must be in politics. If we leave politics for only politicians, then those who do not mean well for society will take over our affairs. Therefore as Christians, we must be diligent. Let nobody be deceived. What happens on Election Day will determine what happens to our country, so the church must not shy away from politics. In choosing leaders, we must not be sentimental. It is not about our brother and a stranger; it is about our life and future. It is a sin to support a leader who cannot protect the lives of his people, a corrupt leader or a leader who oppresses his people. Our choice must be guided by reason,” he said.
Peterside, who reiterated that Nigeria is undergoing turbulence, advised Christians not to vote with the sentiment of church, religion, ethnic group or region. He said they should vote to improve their conditions.
“Everybody agrees that Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has done well for the people of Rivers State. Some people may not like his style but that does not diminish his great achievements. Is it fair, if at the end of Amaechi’s administration we bring somebody who says he will destroy all that he has done? Amaechi has laid the foundation and we must build on that. We want a God-fearing man. Some people boast of their connection but as ministers of God, you know that darkness will not reign over our state. I have plans for our Rivers State, I am an agent of Christ and I am prepared to do His will,” Peterside said.
He
tasked the Archbishop, saying the onus is in him to encourage the
congregation to vote according to their conscience because what matters
is not the party but the individual. He said the church should take a
stand, and not be docile because decisions of government also affect the
church.
Speaking also, the Most Reverend Chimezuo Nwankpa, Archbishop of Port Harcourt Diocese, Methodist Church of Nigeria urged Christians to take an active part in politics.
“Methodist Church wants more Christians to join politics. Politics is good, only the players give politics a bad name. We should play politics well and bring the fear of God. Christians must join politics and make its name good. I have called on my members to get their PVCs and be ready to vote because I have my own PVC. I will continue to support Christians in politics to do the right thing. What is important to us is the betterment of Rivers State and Nigeria. If there is no peace, we cannot serve God or move freely. I thank you for coming and may God preserve you and see you through,” he said.
The clergyman and the ministers later prayed for Peterside and wished him good luck with his ambition.
In a related development, Peterside who also spoke at the at the 71st birthday thanksgiving service of the Presiding Bishop of Overcomers Ministries, Rt. Rev. Ombo Isokariari, said the country is undergoing several challenges that have led to social vices.
“We need the power of God’s presence to fight corruption and take the nation out of backwardness. When we have the presence of God in affairs of our state, no challenge will set us back or consume us,” he said
The governorship candidate said Nigerians cannot continue to do things the same way and expect different results, adding that Christians should have a new way of doing things to enthrone a leadership whose character and actions would reflect the will of God.
Speaking at the Hilltop Christian Centre, Peterside revealed to the congregation that as an adult he had never joined any secret cult.
“What matters most is as members of the body of Christ, we must stand up against evil and speak out in the face of frustration for what is right,” he said.
Responding, Pastor Chris Oarhe, the Senior Pastor of the church, asserted that leadership was not a joke but a responsibility, and pleaded with Christians to always pray for those in power.
Recall that the governoship candidate during his ward to ward campaign rallies on March 5, said the upcoming elections would become crucial for Nigeria’s future.
Recall also that three improvised explosive devices went set off close to the campaign rally ground of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Okrika, Rivers state.
Speaking also, the Most Reverend Chimezuo Nwankpa, Archbishop of Port Harcourt Diocese, Methodist Church of Nigeria urged Christians to take an active part in politics.
“Methodist Church wants more Christians to join politics. Politics is good, only the players give politics a bad name. We should play politics well and bring the fear of God. Christians must join politics and make its name good. I have called on my members to get their PVCs and be ready to vote because I have my own PVC. I will continue to support Christians in politics to do the right thing. What is important to us is the betterment of Rivers State and Nigeria. If there is no peace, we cannot serve God or move freely. I thank you for coming and may God preserve you and see you through,” he said.
The clergyman and the ministers later prayed for Peterside and wished him good luck with his ambition.
In a related development, Peterside who also spoke at the at the 71st birthday thanksgiving service of the Presiding Bishop of Overcomers Ministries, Rt. Rev. Ombo Isokariari, said the country is undergoing several challenges that have led to social vices.
“We need the power of God’s presence to fight corruption and take the nation out of backwardness. When we have the presence of God in affairs of our state, no challenge will set us back or consume us,” he said
The governorship candidate said Nigerians cannot continue to do things the same way and expect different results, adding that Christians should have a new way of doing things to enthrone a leadership whose character and actions would reflect the will of God.
Speaking at the Hilltop Christian Centre, Peterside revealed to the congregation that as an adult he had never joined any secret cult.
“What matters most is as members of the body of Christ, we must stand up against evil and speak out in the face of frustration for what is right,” he said.
Responding, Pastor Chris Oarhe, the Senior Pastor of the church, asserted that leadership was not a joke but a responsibility, and pleaded with Christians to always pray for those in power.
Recall that the governoship candidate during his ward to ward campaign rallies on March 5, said the upcoming elections would become crucial for Nigeria’s future.
Recall also that three improvised explosive devices went set off close to the campaign rally ground of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Okrika, Rivers state.
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