The Chairman, of the Christian Association of Nigeria,(CAN), Lagos State chapter, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has urged politicians and pastors to guard against statements that are capable of heating up the polity while also calling for prayers towards the May 29 handing-over date.
Adegbite made the call recently in Lagos at the Providence News, 21 years Thanksgiving/Appreciation service and inaugural PROKIHA Lecture.
He said, “No one should play god. God has clearly spoken through the electorate and INEC has declared the results with the winners emerging. Everyone must obey the voice of God through the outcome of the election results, instead of claiming God say this or that will happen.”
“Politicians and clerics should stop making unguided and inflammatory statements capable of igniting and threatening the peace of the country. They need to be careful, not to mislead the people,” he said.“
While noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission has announced the results he said, “We should allow peace to reign and not cause any confusion in the society. We should by now be praying for a solution rather than creating confusion, God is not an author of confusion”, he added.
He chided clerics who make unguarded comments concerning the election saying, “Not all the people that called themselves men of God are truly Men of God. It is only those who are true Men of God that will say the right thing and won’t speak anyhow. If God has not spoken to you, must you speak by force?
“The prophets of old didn’t speak anyhow and if they had to talk, they spoke the mind of God and what they said came to pass. But, what do we have today? most of those prophesying are perambulating and dicey”
Adegbite also called on the president-elect Asiawaju Bola Tinubu to be magnanimous in victory and bring everyone on board to build bridges across the different socio-cultural groups towards reuniting the country for holistic growth and development.
L-r: Mr. Sanmi Falobi (IPC), Mr. Shola Apelehin, Mr. Julius Adegunna (PTL News), Bishop Stephen Adegbite (Lagos State CAN, Chairman), Gracious Akintayo (Editor/Publisher, Providence News) Pastor Akinwale Akinola PFN Nat. Admin.), Rev. Victor . PhBishop Stephen Adegbite (State Chairman, Lagos CAN), Rev. Victor Bashola & Apstl. Akin Akindejoye (Gen. Sec. Lagos State) at the Providence News 21 years Thanksgiving/Appreciation service and inaugural PROKIHA Lecture.
John Osa-Oni praises Providence
In his remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Archbishop John Osa-Oni, praised the Providence News’ doggedness and focus in spreading kingdom information and celebrating the glory of God in the lives of people.
Osa-oni who was represented by, Rev. Philip Modo spoke on a reward system that recognises kingdom services.
He further urged participants to as a matter of necessity develop the attitude of giving gratitude to God, and individuals that have been used in one way or the other to impact lives, society, and the church.
Earlier in his welcome address, the editor and publisher of Providence News, Gracious Akintayo attributed the success of the publication to God’s grace.
He said the publication has helped to bridge the gap between the Christian community and the general society through its style of objective reporting and report analysis.
L-r: Rev. Victor Bashola, Bishop Taiwo Ajose, a guest, Gracious Akintayo (Editor/Publisher, Providence News), Rev. Philip Modo (rep. Archbishop John Osa-Oni), Pastor Akinwale Akinola (PFN National Admin.), Bishop Stephen Adegbite (State Chairman, Lagos CAN), Mrs. Itunu Fred-Carrena (rep. Mrs. Caroline Martins-Ojo) and Rev. Lookman Okunola (rep. Rev. Dele James), Rev. Akinola & Apstl. Akin Akindejoye (Gen. Sec. Lagos State) during the Providence News 21 years Thanksgiving/Appreciation service and inaugural PROKIHA Lecture.
Highlight of the event
The highlight of the event was the inaugural Providence Kingdom Honourary Award and Lecture (PROKIHA Lecture) with the presentation of Award to Pastor Akinwale Akinola, PFN National Admin., UK-based Mrs. Caroline Martins-Ojo, Bishop (Mrs.) Priscilla Otuya and Rev. Bamidele James for their dedication to kingdom service, and dynamic contribution to the gospel, humanity, and society.