Don't Campaign In Churches, Jonathan Advises Politicians

President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday worshipped with the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement, Ijesha, Lagos, at the opening of its two-day crusade.

He joined the crusade few hours after he worshipped with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, at its camp site on Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

Ironically, President Jonathan while addressing the worshippers warned those contesting for political offices against using churches as a political campaign tool or platform, asserting that such act was inappropriate. He was, however, quick to add that he was not going to say much lest he would be accused of coming to church to campaign.

The President said, “I would not say much because this is not a good period for those of us who are contesting for election to talk so much in church. I do not want to be accused of coming to campaign in churches because I believe that we should not campaign in churches. We may discuss with people but not to use the platform of the church to campaign.”

Jonathan used the event to pledge working harder to ensure that all Nigerians were protected and prosperous. He added that his government would improve the economy in order for people to be able to survive and for young Nigerians to get jobs, stressing that the distraction of insecurity will end.

Still at the annual Lord’s Chosen crusade tagged, ‘From Sorrow to Joy’, the President appreciated what the leaders and members of the church, whose General Overseer is Pastor Lazarus Muoka, were doing, noting that, “You have been doing great spiritual work that has not only helped members of the church but the whole country.”

While noting that, “our country like so many countries of the world is facing threats of insecurity” the President posited that it could have been worse than what it presently is in Nigeria but for the prayers of people like Muoka and his members who have been praying everyday for God’s intervention.

“I want to appreciate all of you here, my sisters and brothers in the Lord. I count it a big privilege to be here with you. I almost missed this opportunity of being with you today because of my tight programme but I know God wanted me to be here today and somehow my programmes were changed and I am here with you,” he said.

Jonathan later knelt before the huge congregation that had turned up for the annual crusade, while the General Overseer prayed for the nation’s general elections to be peaceful.

With the President kneeling before him, Muoka prayed, “We commit our president into the hands of God; we ask God first of all, to bless this country with peace and bring every contrary power to submission.”