By Ahmad Deedat Zakari.
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has created a new directorate, named the “Office of Directorate of Politics and Governance.”
This development was contained in a memo dated February 28, 2022, and signed by the Assistant General Overseer Administration and Personnel of RCCG, Pastor J.F. Otedola.
“We write to formally notify you that the mission authority has created the Office of Directorate of Politics and Governance in the RCCG. Further to this, Pastor Timothy Olaniyan (PICP Lagos Province ) has been appointed to lead the Office” The first paragraph of the memo reads.
Pastor Otedola also requested for provincial officers to be appointed for each province of the RCCG and all levels of the church with utmost urgency in respect of the new directorate.
“You are kindly requested to appoint with immediate effect a Provincial Officer for your Province and also ensure that same is done at all levels of the Church – Zone, Area and Parish. The essence of this Directorate is to help coordinate the engagement of our people who are willing to be involved in Politics as well as mobilise support for them when required,” the memo further reads.
Nigeria’s Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, maintains a father and son relationship with RCCG General Overseer, Pastor E. A Adeboye, is in charge of the Lagos Province 48 (Olive Tree Province Headquarters) of the RCCG. The recent development coming from the church cannot be unconnected with his 2023 presidential ambition.
People have expressed different views on politics and religion and the active participation of the church and religious bodies.
According to Mr Peter Onah, “they are biblical figures that participated actively in politics”. He added that religion and politics are two different things that can go together.
However, Mr Nurudeen Bukar, who was confronted by the Daily Reality on the issue of politics and religion, expressed a different view. According to him, “it is best when religion focuses on its primary mandate of preaching and guiding people”.
Bukar argued that partisan politics is not suitable for religious groups as it will distract them from their religious obligations.
