It was an Annual Anniversary Lecture of Providence Baptist Church, Dopemu Lagos titled The Church and the Problem of Political Mandate in Nigeria at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, on Saturday 13th November 2010. It was the fourth lecture series that had positioned and posited the Nigerian Christian Community on their roles in Politics and Democratic governance. Professor Yessufu Obaje of the Nigerian Baptist Seminary, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria and the erstwhile Presidential Adviser on Christian Religious Matters to President Olusegun Obasanjo, (now former President)presented a paper which was originally titled "2011 Election: You and God" was readjusted to the latter topic. President at the occasion were Anointed Men of God from the Baptist Church, Nigerian Convention such as Reverend Bolaji Oduola, Pastor-in-Charge, Providence Baptist Church and his wife, Grace, Rev. Dr Ademola Ishola, General Secretary, Nigerian Baptist Convention, ably represented by Rev.GA Awotunde, General Secretary of Conference, Lagos East Rev. Dr SAA Olaide, Rev J Aremu,Confernce Chairman, Lagos West, Adeniyi Adeniji, Conference Secretary Lagos West.
I and a good friend Abraham Oladipopu of the guardian newspaper were there to cover the event.
Now straight to the words that made the event worth it and better than other religious events. Lest I forget, Obaje is a professor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy, the President of Peace on Earth Mission and the former president of the Baptist Convention. He is a completely intellectual, philosophical and spiritual personality. A situation largely missing in the Nigerian Christian Commmunity. Obaje was also the Former Chancellor, Bowen University, Iwo, Ogun State and Former Chaplain, State House, Federal Republic of Nigeria. He has also contested for the post of Niger State Governor which he lost. According to him, he lost because he was not ready to bribe his way into the Niger State house.
Read these words if its difficult to read the above
On the National Assembly
There is a need to sanitise the national assembly. These are one of the national evils. lawmakers are not supposed to lawless but these ones are ready to breach the constitution " after all we are the lawmakers.
On Politics
Politics is not a dirty game but 90% of Nigerians who say they are politicians are satan-centered politicians
God is a politician, whether we like it or not. Its about God's authority over creation (note, I used to say this at the University back then and people used to hate me for it, now a priest turned politician is saying it again.
On Politicians
They Steal and Steal until they steal their own souls out of heaven
Let us have a law for people who steal our money (as a nation, in corporate world), all your titles would be dropped and any occasion they go they should introduce them as Thief this, thief that for ten years
On Nigerian Education
honourary degrees are given so that they (the awardees)can give them money.Even those who can hardly spell their names
On the Church
We need to act and pray, else we would have trouble on our hands
The church must come to terms to the reality of its role in politics, else it will lose its relevance. Politics is the mission of the church.
It is now our responsibility to rewrite of our theological history
On Nation building
There are three national cancers that needs to be attended to in Nigeria, Wickedness, Ignorance and Poverty.
On Nigerian People
The phrase, Good people, I respect Honourable Minister, Dora Akinyuli but I cannot accept it. How many Nigerians can spend their children to the village. You are afraid of the good people who are there
The highest level of dehumanisation is for people to control your conscience
Christians are uncommitted spectators in politics
On Free and Fair Elections
Nobody should expect free, just and fair election. Ignorance is pivotal to the problem of Nigerian elections
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