Pastor Mike Ohiorenoya, Church Of God Mission International Incorporated, Oshodi Province, has called on Nigerians to intensify prayers against corruption in the country.

Making the call recently at a media briefing in Lagos, Rev. Ohiorenoya said corruption in Nigeria was endemic and needed to be purged out of the system to give way for better governance in the country.

He warned Nigerians to shun every form of corruption, arguing that it was the only factor militating against the progress of the country. “The fear of God, according to the Bible, is the beginning of wisdom, so when God fearing men mount leadership positions the possibility of doing things the right way is certain and corruption would be a thing of the past in the country” he said.

Ohiorenoya wondered why a country like Nigeria with so much natural resources will neglect the needs and aspirations of the people and prefer that the people pass through unnecessary stress. He called on President Olusegun Obasanjo to put measures that will enhance the condition of the people in place.

“I pray for the country each day because our prayers as men of God is most imperative to the overall development of the country, the only problem we are having in the country is that those, who profess the lordship of Jesus Christ does not confess him and this is the reason why they are more concerned about themselves rather than the country, it is important to confess Christ, rather than to profess him”, he further argued.

On their Crusade tagged: “Showers From Heaven,” held monthly, the Cleric explained that Nigeria needs the showers from heaven to improve the state of things. He urged those, who are plagued to unfailingly attend next month’s crusade as they have recorded successes in previous crusades with testimonies still fresh in the minds of testifiers.

Perturbed by the political situation in the country and as it affects the people, Ohiorenoya warned that unless the fear of God is imbibed by those seeking elective positions, corruption will continue to wax stronger.

The man of God decried the inability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to commence till date the voter’s registration exercise, and called on the body to speed up action to ensure proper conduct of the election.

“I am ready to cast my vote, I have even told my members to make sure they register so as to enable them partake in the exercise. But recent actions of the INEC show that a lot needs to be done, mostly as the generality of the people are casting serious doubt on the part of the body to live up to expectations”, the cleric said.

Ohiorenoya faults President Olusegun Obasanjo for neglecting his primary duty of administration, saying that more interest should be shown by the president on domestic matters rather than the frequent foreign trips he has come to be identified with.

On the politicians bid for second term, he said it was equal to the electorates. “They are more disposed to knowing the right candidate for any position, as they know what they need.

“What I see in the whole issue of the second term bid is that those, who are accusing others of non-performance cannot beat their chest to say that they will perform better. But my position is that anyone who did not perform needs not to come back, this is where I fault the president. He is looking for another term without justification”, he said.

He described late Archbishop Benson Idahosa as a dedicated man of God, who spent most of his time on evangelism, while on earth, but has to give way for those coming behind to continue with the work of the gospel. He therefore urged everyone to take the late archbishop as their role model and take after him, especially on matters concerning God.

Justice Ilevbare, This Day (Lagos), August 13, 2002