Pray against greed and selfishness by politicians, Methodist Prelate says

The new Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr Oliver Aba, has advised the populace to pray against greed and selfishness by politicians.

The cleric made this statement during his investiture in Lagos as the leader of Methodists in Nigeria and some West African nations.

His statement comes in a period when the country is preparing for her 2023 general elections. Aba also admonished politicians, especially candidates vying for political office, and their supporters to concentrate on campaigns that are issue based.

In a statement by the church’s Media, Public Relations, and Strategic Communications Advisor, Rev. Oladapo Daramola, on Monday, which was made available to The PUNCH, Aba advised Nigerians, home and abroad, to pray harder for the country towards the forthcoming elections.

Aba said, “Electioneering campaigns should be more civil and issue-based considering the fact that the singular purpose of governance which they are all aspiring to do is to serve and bring succor to citizens who are suffering and are desirous of a better living condition.

"We must address the challenges confronting our nation with prayers and more prayers. While it is the responsibility of governments at all levels to develop policies capable of solving the mirage of problems facing us as a country, we as citizens have the corresponding responsibility of praying for them not to be derailed by selfishness and greed.”

He also noted that regardless of the fact that the people have to pray for a better government, there is nothing wrong in pressurizing and demanding good governance from the people that they voted into power.

He continued, “While it is right to pressure them and demand good governance, we cannot take away the place of prayer and this we must do intently, with purpose, and without ceasing. As Nigerians, we cannot afford to give up hope at this time. Rather, we must hold tenaciously to our belief that with God, all things will turn around. 

“I urge the political class, especially in this season of electioneering campaigns, to inspire the citizens not only with words but with their actions and deeds because Nigerians are getting tired."

In addition, Aba said he will not relent in praying for a better Nigeria.