Spread the word
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde Saturday said Nigeria’s biggest problem is not religion but poverty, urging Christians across the country to participate in politics.
Makinde who is also the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) stated while addressing journalists in Abuja after receiving a Christian Icon Award as part of activities marking Christian Association of Nigeria’s (CAN) 50th anniversary celebration.
“I will use this opportunity to encourage our Christian brothers and sisters across the country to rise up and participate in the agenda to transform Nigeria and reset our country.
“Our problem is not primarily a religious one. Our problem in this country is poverty — grinding poverty.
“At this stage, we must focus on addressing the issues currently confronting us. Those are the challenges we need to tackle,” he said.
He admonished Christians not to see politics as dirty but participate in the agenda for national transformation.
“I was considered one of the people to be honoured, so I am grateful for the recognition.
“However, I also see it as an opportunity to call on Christians to participate in the agenda for national transformation.
“It is typical for us to say, ‘Politics is dirty’. I don’t want to be yoked with unbelievers’, and things like that. But we must look at biblical examples. As I preached earlier, we can learn from the example of Samuel who took risks to advance God’s mission.
“We should also remember that some people may say, ‘As Christians, we do not want to serve under unbelievers.’ But let us consider the biblical example of David.”
Makinde also made reference to David, who although he was anointed but served Saul from whom God had already departed.
“David had already been anointed and knew that he would become king. Yet, he went to the palace to serve Saul, from whom God had already departed,” he said.
Spread the word