Former President Olusegun Obasanjo delivered a poignant message at the Gospel Faith Mission convention today, urging the congregation to recognise the dire need for clean politics in the country.
Speaking as a guest speaker on the theme “The Role of the Church in Nation-Building at a Time Like This,” Obasanjo emphasised the imperative of the church standing out as a beacon of light amidst the prevalent darkness of politics.
Obasanjo candidly stated, “Politics is dirty because people in politics are dirty, and that’s how you end up with dirty politics.”
Drawing attention to the grave issue, he underscored the need for politics to be cleansed and aligned with the principles of justice, equity, freedom, and equal opportunity for all citizens.
The former president pointed out that a comprehensive definition of a nation entails these ideals.
He reminded the attendees that as citizens, the church holds a duty and responsibility to the country, just as the administrative authorities of the land have an obligation to the church and its citizens.
In a thought-provoking passage, Obasanjo reiterated the importance of the church’s role as a light in the world, stating, “We are in the world but not of the world.”
He highlighted the significance of the church standing apart from corrupting influences, particularly in politics.
Citing his personal experiences, he shared how his refusal to comply with the unethical practices of providing money to government agencies during elections led to undesirable outcomes.
He emphasized that the foundation of elections in Nigeria is deeply rooted in corruption.
The former president called for believers to emulate Christ’s teachings and actions.
He emphasised that believers should not adopt the mentality of “if you can’t join them, beat them,” but rather actively participate in politics with integrity and servant leadership.
As the church grapples with its role in shaping the nation, Obasanjo’s words serve as a reminder of the responsibility to maintain ethical standards and uphold the principles of justice and righteousness in the political landscape.
His call for clean politics resonates as a plea for transformation and a departure from the tainted norms that have plagued the nation’s governance.
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