National Issues
Re: 2023 Elections: Redeemed Christian Church Of God (RCCG) Sets The Pace -By Godwin Asuquo
The memo partly read, “We write to formally notify you that the mission authority has created the Office of Directorate of Politics and Governance in the RCCG. Further to this, Pastor Timothy Olaniyan (PICP Lagos Province 12) has been appointed to lead the Office.
NSCEA Congratulates REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD (RCCG) for Setting the Pace Politically for Christians
Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA) congratulates REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD (RCCG) for setting the pace politically for Christian especially in Nigerians as reported on March 10, 2022.
NewsChristian Network was glad to to receive the News that, “The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) led by Pastor Enoch Adeboye has created Political Office To Support Members willing to be involved in politics and “mobilise support for them when required”.
In a memo addressed to all regions, provinces, zones and other levels of the church, the mission said the directorate was created for the political education of its members.
The directorate, NewsChristian Network learnt, would also charge members of the church to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The memo dated February 28, 2022, and titled, ‘Office of Directorate of Politics and Governance’ has the reference number: RCCG/AGO/ADM/AA/MEMO/20/01/2022.
It was signed by the Assistant General Overseer in charge of Administration and Personnel, Pastor John Odesola.
The memo partly read, “We write to formally notify you that the mission authority has created the Office of Directorate of Politics and Governance in the RCCG. Further to this, Pastor Timothy Olaniyan (PICP Lagos Province 12) has been appointed to lead the Office.
“You are kindly requested to appoint with immediate effect a Provincial Officer for your province and also ensure that the same is done at all levels of the church – zone, area and parish. The essence of this directorate is to help coordinate the engagement of our people who are willing to be involved in politics as well as mobilize support for them when required.”
RCCG, therefore, asked that its parishes send the details of its nominated coordinators for the office to Odesola within two weeks of receipt of the letter.
According to RCCG Head of Media and Public Relations, Pastor Olaitan Olubiyi said the directorate is to sensitise members of the church for active political participation.
He said, “One thing I know is that we have a directorate on politics and governance to galvanise opinion and views to discuss issues as they occur, not only in Nigeria but globally, because as Christians we cannot afford to act ignorantly. It is to serve as a form of sensitisation (for those interested in politics) and to mobilise our people to register and play their own roles, collect PVCs. Those who are interested, let them join the political party they choose.”
In another development, on
March 13, 2022, NewsChristian again learnt that, “The Directorate of Politics: RCCG, Pastor
Olubiyi also affirms RCCG has been creating political awareness for its members since the transition from military to civil rule in 1999 and there was nothing new about the development.
Adding that, “Christians cannot afford to act ignorantly by staying off politics because the choice of political leadership affects the entire wellbeing of any people.
The RCCG spokesman further advised other churches in Nigeria and elsewhere to emulate the activities of the church by sensitising their members to be politically involved.
In a memo addressed to all regions, provinces, zones and other levels of the church, the mission said the directorate was created for political education of its members.
The memo dated February 28, 2022, and titled, ‘Office of Directorate of Politics and Governance’ has the reference number: RCCG/AGO/ADM/AA/MEMO/20/01/2022. It was signed by the Assistant General Overseer in charge of Administration and Personnel, Pastor John Odesola.
The memo partly read, “We write to formally notify you that the mission authority has created the Office of Directorate of Politics and Governance in the RCCG. Further to this, Pastor Timothy Olaniyan (PICP Lagos Province 12) has been appointed to lead the Office.
“You are kindly requested to appoint with immediate effect a Provincial Officer for your province and also ensure that the same is done at all levels of the church – zone, area and parish. The essence of this directorate is to help coordinate the engagement of our people who are willing to be involved in politics as well as mobilize support for them when required.”
RCCG, therefore, asked that its parishes to send the details of its nominated coordinators for the office to Odesola within two weeks of receipt of the letter.
Arguably the largest church in Nigeria with parishes in over 190 nations of the world, RCCG has decided to set up the PACE.
Bishop Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, Secretary General of Elder’s Council, Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs NSCEA, speaking with our correspondent Godwin Asuquo at NewsChristian Network adds, “All other Churches will have to join this excemplinary great lead, including the precept upon precept.” We have no much to say again at NSCEA, teaching by example is better than great talks; and as it is also written in the holy Scriptures, “For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them …” Isaiah 28:10. ‘A word is enough for the wise’, says an English idiom.
Bishop Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
Secretary General, Elder’s Council Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA).
