Why Buhari shouldn’t seek reelection —Bishop Durojaye

Founder and presiding bishop of the Blood of Jesus Calvary Church International (BJCCI), Apata, Ibadan, Bishop Joshua Olamide Durojaye, in this interview, bares his mind on the state of the nation.

As we approach the 2019 general election, there are divergent views on if President Muhammadu Buhari should seek reelection. What is your opinion on the issue?

My sincere advice to President Buhari is that he should thank God for his life and leave the stage when the ovation is loudest, since he is in his 70s. As a preacher and minister of God, I see his present government in agreement with the vision of Daniel in the Bible, when he saw a vision of one part of clay and another part as iron. That is how his government is now. It is his iron joining with the clay. I cannot see how he can move, except he resigns. He should join other former heads of state in the Council of States to fashion out a new administration, because, so far so good, all his present strategies to move the nation forward had been overtaken by inconsistency. The APC is an association of different ideologies which, I think, has brought forth the present confusion over security, economy, political imbalance and the pretences that all is well, when it is not so.

The incessant attacks by herdsmen and general insecurity in the country have created so much tension in the land. How would you react to that?

The trouble with herdsmen is as a result of the same problem and the body language of people at the top. The solution, as the vice-president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo suggested, is to have regional police.

50 years ago, you joined the ministry as a cleric. How would you compare Christianity of that time and what obtains now?

Christians are still maintaining the faith till today. As regards evangelism, church planting is taking place. However, many pastors and church leaders now pay ordinary lip service to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, the Bible. The purpose of the church is to be born again; it is to live in godliness and contentment, which the Bible refers to as great gain. Sadly, Christians and the ministers today see that great gain in material wealth, particularly, fame and fat accounts. However, what God seeks is our good character, which is the fruit of the Spirit. The present generation of believers is only becoming beggars in the presence of God.

People go to churches or mountains or prayer circles today only to ask for their needs and not to serve and worship God, Who is able to give us all our needs even without asking. The Bible states: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” The church is asking for only piecemeal from God and terrifying themselves with fearful prayers, forgetting that our God is a God of love and blessing, when we worship Him in Spirit and in truth.

Whether we like it or not, God is faithful to anyone – Muslims, Christians or pagans – by providing for us our daily bread, shelters and families. Blessings over our lives come only by true worship to God, genuine fear of God and obedience, love for one another and appreciating that the presence of God is in all His creation.

Activities for the 2019 elections are gathering momentum. What is your message to politicians and the electorate at this time?

My advice to the electorate, as we approach another election year, is that they shouldn’t take money and other incentives from politicians; they should not run after them like dogs or beggars. The people should run away from politics of ‘Ankara’ and money, and see anyone that lures them with such as the greatest enemy of the masses. The masses should not thank them (the politicians) that they have done well. All that is required from them is good governance – good roads, food on our tables, qualitative education for our children and security. Nigerians should think right before 2019 elections.