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Ex-gov Daniel, Bishop, others pray for peaceful polls

Few days to the 2015 general election, former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and  the Bishop of Remoland Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev.  Michael Fape, have called on Nigerians to continue to pray to God for the country to witness a peaceful conduct of election.

Daniel, who reiterated religion as the agent of socialization that has put the church in a vantage position to change the society by feeding the people spiritually and guiding them to elect credible leaders into positions of authority, also called on religious leaders to take active interest in the socio-political development of the country.

Daniel, who is the Asiwaju Onigbagbo (Okunrin) of Remoland, Ogun State, said this during an interdenominational interactive session held at the Asoludero Court residence of the former governor in Sagamu at the weekend.

He stressed the need for Christian leaders to take active interest in what is going on around them in the political circle, open their inner minds and go spiritual by complementing the work of government as an integral part of the society.

He said: “We cannot afford to take our clergymen for granted as they have consistently played a central role in the politics of nations worldwide by their incessant prayers and spiritual guidance. It is my belief that by the time we have men of God taking active interest in who governs them, we shall have a better nation”.

Thanking the clergymen for honouring the invitation, Daniel revealed that his relationship with the Christian bodies was beyond politics as he has always cherished his official status as the leader of Remo Christians which has saddled him with the responsibilities of contributing his little quota to the Lord’s vineyard.

In his own speech, the Bishop of Remo Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Michael Olusina Fape, described Daniel as a naturally ordained leader imbued with the fear of God.

Daniel, he said, has continued to exhibit exemplary leadership qualities even out of office, example of which was the assemblage of men of God at his residence to pray for a smooth and peaceful transition that will usher in an administration that will ensure good governance in Ogun State in the forthcoming elections.

“Nobody can eclipse the rising and setting of the sun, there is nothing anybody can do about the sterling qualities which it has pleased God to bless him with”, he said.

In his own contribution, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ogun State Chapter, Rev. Timothy Ajibola, stressed the importance of putting in place a government that has human face and one that can make Ogun State a shining light in the comity of states in the nation.

He therefore urged his fellow clergymen to exercise their civic duties by collecting their permanent voters’ card in order to choose the candidates of their choice in the coming polls.

In the same vein, the Head of Christian Council of Nigeria, Ogun State, Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Solomon Kuponu, extolled the virtues of the Daniel and his immense contributions to the growth of the Christendom during his eight-year tenure as the governor of Ogun State.

His words: “We missed your regime. We are all proud of all the good things you did you during your reign. As you still have us in mind by calling for this special session, we fervently pray God to grant you all your desires in life”.

The clergymen at the event blessed the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, as well as other PDP candidates vying for various political offices.

Prayers were also offered for President Goodluck Jonathan in his quest to transform the nation.

Distinguished guests present at the occasion were General Apostle Biodun Sanyaolu; Chairman, Organised African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Rev. Akanmu of the Tekan ECWA, Pastor Ikuesan Malato, Chief (Mrs.) Iyabo Apampa, Basorun Bisiriyu Popoola, Otunba Francis Banwo, Otunba Adebambo Adebanjo, Akogun Kola Onadipe and a host of others.

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Ihesiulo Grace

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