Few weeks after Pastor Ize-Iyamu, the All Progressives Candidate (APC) in the upcoming governorship election in Edo state visited Apostle Johnson Suleiman for his blessings, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Godwin Obaseki also paid him a visit for his blessings.
Ize-Iyamu visits Obaseki
Daily Post reports that on Sunday, Obaseki (who is the incumbent governor of the state) visited Suleiman at his Church’s International Headquarters at Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of the State.
During the visit, Suleiman assured Obaseki that his ministry would continue to support the administration to ensure it succeeded in the governance of the State. He also added that Obaseki deserves to run for another term.
He said, “Though the altar is not for politics the church will not stop to pray for those in authority. I am a close friend of the running mate to the governor, and I believe the present administration deserves to steer the ship of the state for another four years.”
It has become a culture for us in Nigeria whenever it is an election year, politicians jostling for elective positions try to hobnob religious leaders. We remember how former President Goodluck Jonathan went to Redemption Camp twice for "blessings" from Enoch Adeboye.
We also recall how Buhari went to Redemption Camp in 2015. Last year, Donald Duke, one of the aspirants in the 2019 general elections visited the headquarters of the Deeper Life Bible Church. This is what happens every election year in Nigeria either at the state level or the national level.
Obaseki's visit to Suleiman's church was very strategic. Suleiman arguably commandeers the biggest church in Edo state. By visiting him, Obaseki sends a strong signal to the large congregation. More so, by all the good words Suleiman said about Obaseki, that will go a long way in conditioning the psychology of his members and could potentially inform the choice of those among his congregation who will cast their vote in the coming election.
This goes to prove how religion is just a tool in the hands of politicians. It's sad. It's more sad that impressionable people see politicians who identify with their faith as a sign of competency. As a people, we need to do better. Sulieman's prayers and good words about Obaseki do not automatically transmute into competency. What should matter to the people of Edo state are the records and manifestoes of these politicians.
0 Comments