Don’t use power to dispossess Nigerians, RCCG Pastor warns leaders

The Zonal Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Everlasting Light Parish, Abuja, Pastor David Okoror, has urged Nigerian leaders to use power to protect citizens rather than deprive them of their rights and resources.

Okoror gave the charge on Sunday in Abuja during the church’s Yoruba Cultural Sunday celebration, themed, “Our Culture Is Not Evil and Should Not Die.”

The cleric, who is also a security expert, said Nigeria was facing challenges, including insecurity, unemployment and hunger, but urged citizens to remain grateful for the country’s continued unity.

“Currently, a lot of things seem to be very wrong in Nigeria. We have challenges everywhere. But the Bible commands us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 that in all things we should give thanks,” he said.

He said Nigerians should appreciate God that the country remained united despite its difficulties, adding that the achievements of the Yoruba people in education, medicine, industry and other professions provided reasons to celebrate the nation’s diversity.

According to him, the decision by a church with members from different ethnic backgrounds to celebrate Yoruba culture demonstrated how cultural diversity could promote national unity.

“Today, we are celebrating Yoruba culture, but the Igbo man is here, the Edo man is here. I am not a Yoruba person, but I am wearing agbada and a Yoruba cap. We are going to eat amala, gbegiri and Yoruba food. That is how we promote unity,” he said.

On governance, Okoror urged political leaders and public office holders to see power as a responsibility to protect the people rather than an instrument of oppression.

“My message to government and those who hold power is that they should use power and authority as a shield, as a protection, as a covering for the people,” he said.

He said such protection should extend to addressing insecurity, unemployment, hunger and poverty.

“Covering from insecurity, unemployment, hunger and destitution. That is the purpose of power,” he added.

The cleric warned that the misuse of authority would worsen the suffering of citizens and undermine their rights.

“When you use power as a sword, you use it to dispossess the people, you steal from the people, you take away their rights,” he said.

He, however, expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its challenges, urging citizens to maintain their faith in God.

“There is hope, as long as God is on the throne. He will see us through the current challenges and take us to the Promised Land,” he said.

Also speaking, the Parish Pastor, Otumba Oreoluwa Ariba, said the cultural celebration was an opportunity to appreciate God through Yoruba heritage.

Ariba, who hails from Ogun State, likened the event to the Oju de Oba festival in the state, describing praise and worship as important expressions of Christian faith.

“When you praise God, you move Him from His throne. It is the easiest way to get victory, to get answers to prayers and for God to fight your battles,” he said.

He explained that the church deliberately incorporated Yoruba language, traditional attire and music into the service to demonstrate that Christianity did not require the abandonment of cultural identity.

Similarly, Dr Bolaji Mejabi, a lecturer at Baze University, Abuja, and chairman of the organising committee, said the event was designed to challenge misconceptions about African culture and encourage younger generations to preserve their heritage.