Why I don’t speak against those in power —Abiara

As one of the respected clerics in the country, what is your message to the people as 2019 is rounding off?

I think the first thing we should do is to thank God for everything and how far He has brought us. I think the country including our leaders owe God a bountiful thanksgiving for making the country stands irrespective of its many challenges since the beginning of the year. God’s grace upon the country is countless. Above all, as this year is running to an end, I want to charge all Nigerians not to panic. We should not allow our hearts to be troubled, especially those that would be travelling for the festive season. God is our refuge and salvation. People should not entertain any prophesy of doom against Nigeria, government and to themselves, because we have the backing of God almighty. God is with us always, so, Nigerians must not panic about anything till the end of the year and beyond.

The decision of the Federal Government on the closure of the borders has continued to generate reactions. What is your take on this?

I think Nigeria should not criticise the government on whatever they do most times, because we believe that they have God’s backing. It is believed that whatever step they take has the hand of God in it. I want to say that the decision of the closure of the borders and whether to reopen it could be God’s directive. I believe those in the affairs of the government have the spirit of God. This is why I said that it is God that directs them in achieving both physical and spiritual purposes. The scripture also said that we must respect the authorities and this is a fact.

You hardly speak against the government…

It is not as if I am timid to confront the government. I am a revered cleric in the country who hears from God and intercedes on people’s behalf, even when there are negative prophesies or revelations. I don’t speak when God has not spoken. I am a God’s servant that cherishes the peace and unity of the country.  I don’t talk to seek for favour, because God has blessed me beyond looking into the hand of anyone for favour. This is not the first time I will be asked this, some even said that the reason I don’t attack the government is because I get something from them. It is not about attacking the government. Attacking them will not yield any positive result. Our responsibility is to continue to pray for them in achieving sustainable growth as well as for the unity and progress of the country. On the other hand, I want people to know that as a cleric, our guide is the Holy Bible and I was made to understand in the scriptures that we must respect the authorities and abide by the rules and regulations of the land.  We must abide by any decision the government of the day takes and also pray for them to lead us aright. I don’t think the ban on the importation of rice is a bad idea. Why can’t we join hands with the government in producing our own rice or any other food related production in Nigeria? It is long overdue, we must produce what to feed on, because it is safe and productive. So, I don’t blame them on either the closure or reopening of our borders.

What can be done over the way things are going in the Christendom?

We thank God for where we are today. God has manifested Himself in tremendous ways. At the same time, Christianity has witnessed some ungodly events. These should not be strange to us, because it is just the confirmation of the scriptures. What we need to do as genuine Christians is to intensify on our prayers and bewith God in order not to fall. What we see around the world today are signs of the end time. Nigeria should be thanking God for the existence of peace in the nation compared to what is happening in other countries. I want to urge the wicked and sinners to repent.

Virtually all your children are clerics. Did you influence their decision to become clerics?

I think I am a happy father for teaching my children the way of the Lord right from their tender ages. I thank God for the grace to be able to show them the right way. I taught them the word of God when they were young. I remember I used to teach them the word of God every morning and we always prayed together, we went to church together as well as to mountains to seek God’s face. I am proud that they have demonstrated those teachings I gave them. Maybe this is why many of them have eventually chosen to become clerics. They are very happy too in doing God’s work because they have also witnessed the pure manifestation of God.

You are planning to impact lives soon with your foundation, what should people expect?

It is the major thing I do now and it is not peculiar to the month of December. We do this often. I believe this is one of the ways to impact lives positively. Many are hungry in the country and we have taken up the responsibility to do our own part. We have a food bank, we have been able to give out cars, tricycles, motorcycles, among other things as a way to impact lives. We are going bigger and we will appreciate any assistance from well-meaning Nigerians because we are launching a campaign soon to feed and cater for people in the remote areas.

What should people expect from Jesus Festival crusade?

It is a special programme for Nigeria and the world. It is a directive from God to liberate lives and set people free from any form of bondage. This is why the theme of the programme is ‘Help from Above.’ It is going to be a gathering of prayer and interceding for the nation. I believe that 2020 will be a year of absolute progress and happiness. The programme cuts across denominations and this is why we have clerics from around the country. Ibadan and Nigeria as a whole will witness a new atmosphere in the one-week programme. It will commence with afternoon and evening programmes from Monday and end with a thanksgiving service on Sunday.