Pastor Chris Oyakhilome encourages Nigerians to consider what is truly at stake in the upcoming presidential elections.
As Nigeria heads towards national elections this month, Founder of Christ Embassy Church and President of LoveWorld, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, urged Nigerians to ‘Be Wise’ when choosing a candidate to support. Pastor Chris asked Nigerians to consider their life and future and to ask themselves whether they will happy in four years’ time. Alluding to the fact that the presidential term is four years in Nigeria. He pondered which candidate will herald economic prosperity to Nigeria. Recalling conversations with journalists, Pastor Chris criticized the recent economic state of the country and advised Nigerians to elect a leader that will bring progress and prosperity to the country.
Considerations Beyond Ethnic Loyalties and Likeability
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome cautioned against ethnic influences and regional loyalties. Touching upon the tendencies of Nigerians to vote for candidates who hail from their region of the country and share their ethnic background. Noting how Igbos historically support Igbos, while Hausas traditionally support Hausas. Pastor Chris argued that by choosing a candidate in this way, you neglect to consider the ramifications of this choice on the country’s future proclaiming to his followers, “I want to say this to you, and it’s very important. Don’t be guided by ETHNIC influences. Be wise! The elections have something to do with your LIFE & your Future.” This appeal to ethnic loyalties is too simple and must not be the only consideration for Nigerians. It is important to venture beyond the idea of whether a candidate is ‘likeable.’ Likeability does not necessarily translate into actionable results.
When choosing a presidential candidate to support, Pastor Chris proclaimed that the first responsibility of Nigerians is to think about the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is their duty to choose a candidate who is representative and will act in accordance with the gospel. Pastor Chris declared, “When it comes to elections, the first thing you think about is about the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST. What would happen to it? Because it is in your hands. Your decision would affect the Gospel. That’s the first thing that should come to your mind. – Seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness. That’s priority.”
However, he was quick to point out that this message does not necessarily mean that a candidate who proclaims to be ‘born again’ is automatically the right choice for Nigerians. Pastor Chris recalls the historical suffering of the church at the hands of men who have proclaimed to be Christians. Being born again does not exclude one from a thorough examination of policy. And it does not mean that they will always act in accordance with the gospel he lamented, “When you have a born again, he was the one that started a regulation against the church. They went into office to do something against the Church, like the church was the problem.”
A Candidate That Will Lead Nigeria Into the Future
When Nigerians head to the polls later this month, Pastor Chris implored them to take a close look at how the previous government had failed them and what needs to be remedied to improve the future for themselves as individuals and for the country. The key factor in the decision facing Nigerians and what should be at the forefront of their minds is the economy.
Pastor Chris argued that, “You need a government that understands how to make the economy grow. Because when you elect people into office, they are responsible for managing our corporate wealth.” It does not make sense to elect a president who has never run a business successfully. If they have not been successful in managing a business, how will they be able to successfully manage an entire country? It is foolish to expect someone without this experience to manage the economy of a nation.
The Christ Embassy President asked Nigerians to take into consideration the experiences and strengths of the candidates but pointed out that while all the candidates have a record, it is important not to always take the word of others at face value. It is crucial the examine the record of what the country was like under when each candidate was a part of the government. This record speaks more about their ability than the critical words of others. Pastor Chris proclaimed that Nigerians must choose a presidential candidate who is competent and capable of leading the country to economic prosperity.
Fostering a Thriving Future for Nigeria
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has long supported a thriving and prosperous future for Nigeria through his ministry and actions. In addition to LoveWorld and Christ Embassy Church, he founded and currently runs the Future African Leaders Foundation (FALF), which nurtures and supports individuals who are striving to build a brighter future for Africa and its people. The Foundation recognizes the efforts and success of these men and women annually through the Future Africa Leaders Award (FALA) Star Prize.
This year’s nominees included Chris Iyama, the founder and Director of the Centre for youth participation and advocacy in Africa (CYPAAFRICA), an organization that encourages young Africans to participate in political and judiciary processes. The winner of the 2019 Star Prize was Isaiah Deng from South Sudan. Deng organized inspirational conferences on nation building for teachers and students and his projects “Youth Donor” and “Stop Hunger in Sudan” collaborate with youth to provide critical resources to the needy.
Recognizing and awarding the accomplishments of these men and others like them, reinforces the message that Pastor Chris delivered about the elections and the need for a government that prioritizes the future of Nigeria.
