NIGERIA’S GENERAL ELECTIONS 2023
GOD’S KINGDOM SOCIETY (GKS), The Church of the Living God, gives:
WARNING TO THE NATION
Pursuant to relevant sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in exercise of its powers, has scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections to hold on Saturday, February 25, 2023 while the Governorship and State Assembly elections shall hold on Saturday, March 11, 2023 by the grace of God.
As the true Church of God, the GOD’S KINGDOM SOCIETY (GKS) – The Church of the Living God – will not shirk her responsibility or duty of warning the people as Nigeria approaches another cycle of elections. God Almighty enjoins His servants not to relent in warning the people to depart from sin so as to be blessed by Him by His grace. The Bible says: “So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.” (Ezekiel 33:7) And in Isaiah 58: 1, God commands His faithful servants: “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” See also Ezekiel 3:17.
The task of warning the nation, as we have done in the past, is a spiritual responsibility we owe the nation, considering the avoidable spate of killings, wanton destruction of properties and uncertainties bedeviling the country for some time now. Bible understanding informs us that, it is only when we do things in the fear of God, having regard for godly principles, that we can consolidate on our democracy and nationhood by God’s grace. The Holy Scriptures say: “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” – Proverbs 14:34.
THE GOVERNMENT
Governments at all levels have to lead the way by ensuring that the forthcoming elections follow due process and that politics is played according to the rules of fairness, justice and equity as enshrined in the extant laws guiding the conduct of elections in Nigeria. The Independent National Electoral Commission, the Judiciary and all agencies of government should be given free rein to exercise their constitutional duties. There should be no room for manipulation of results or the use of security agencies or thugs to intimidate political rivals. If we intend to invest the elections with any measure of credibility, the government and its agencies must be seen to be doing all they could to provide security for the voters so as to prevent violence, threats, intimidations, thuggery, assassinations and so on. The government should create a conducive environment for all parties connected to the election, including the voters, to exercise their rights and/or duties without fear or favour.
Those involved in political violence and corruption should retrace their steps knowing that they shall not escape the judgment of God. (2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 26:52; Hosea 4:1-3) It is unfortunate that some are carrying on as if the results are already known, as if the voters are irrelevant or that the elections are a mere formality. This should not be the case. If there is any time the principle of transparency, patriotism, altruism, far-sightedness should be seen in action, it is now.
THE CANDIDATES
Many observers are of the opinion that some of those vying for offices are possessed of an inordinate quest for position and material gains. Scripture says: “Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth!” (Isaiah 5:8) Where people go into politics for self-gratification and vainglory and are bereft of any moral suasion, based on the fear of God, then there is great cause for worry. Leaders must be serious-minded and mature individuals who are willing and ready to render service to the people. They should be people of high integrity who are solicitous of public welfare and who would rule in the fear of God, knowing that they will give account of themselves to God someday. – 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Samuel 23:3; Proverbs 29:2; Nehemiah 5:14, 15.
Incidentally, virtually all politicians seeking offices today say their motive is to render service to the people. If that is the case, then it is expected that those who lose at the forthcoming elections should work with the winners for the progress of the country rather than engage in politics of deceit, intrigues, manipulation of ethnic and regional sentiments, gratuitous litigations in the struggle for power. Politicians are hereby charged not to use unfair and unconstitutional means to attain electoral victory lest they lose in the end. The Bible warns: “Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong…” (Jeremiah 22:13) God Almighty further declared through Jeremiah the prophet to wit: “As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.” – Jeremiah 17:11. See also Proverbs 11:21; Galatians 6:7, 8.
THE ELECTORAL UMPIRE
It is imperative for the Independent National Electoral Commission at all levels to live up to expectation by being truly independent and by following the extant laws guiding the conduct of elections. While commending the repeated resolve of the electoral umpire, (INEC), to remain non-partisan, we charge them to ensure a free, fair, credible and transparent process and to resist any form of inducements that would make them compromise the integrity of the process. Moses, the prophet, under divine inspiration warned: “And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.” (Exodus 23:8) Hopefully, where all parties involved allow the fear of God and the love of one’s neighbour to guide their actions, they would carve a niche for themselves in the annals of this country and the 2023 general elections will be a reference point for future elections, by the grace of God. – Proverbs 22:1; Ecclesiastes 7:1.
CHARGE
God’s Kingdom Society (GKS) – The Church of the Living God – hereby charges the politicians, the electorate as well as the Electoral Commission (INEC) to strictly observe the laws of the land in regard to the holding of elections. They must shun violence, manipulation, intimidation of voters, vote-buying, cheating and rigging in every shape or form. They should have the fear of God in all they do for the general good of the people. The Bible says: “…He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.” – 2 Samuel 23:3. See also Proverbs 29:2; Ecclesiastes 7:18.
May God Almighty, the Creator and Possessor of the universe help the nation to conduct the forthcoming elections in His fear – in a peaceful and credible manner – so as to foster unity, peace and progress in the country by His grace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Issued by:
GOD’S KINGDOM SOCIETY (GKS)
The Church of The Living God
Headquarters: Salem City, P. O. Box 424, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria.
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