Pastor Odesola demands democratic reform and lower state spending

According to Vanguard News, the Assistant General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God for Continent 3, Pastor Johnson Funso Odesola, has called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s democratic system, describing the current structure as unsustainable and unsuitable for the country’s realities.

He made the remarks during the church’s annual 21-day Destiny Encounter at the RCCG Dominion Cathedral, Ipaja, Lagos. He argued that Nigeria must rethink its governance model and adopt a system that reflects its unique social and cultural landscape.

Odesola said the country spends too much on governance while infrastructure continues to suffer. He maintained that the existing democratic model was adopted without sufficient consideration for Nigeria’s peculiar needs.

He argued that Nigeria now spends an excessive amount on running government instead of developing infrastructure. He added that the country’s democratic model was adopted without being properly tailored to its realities, making the current system difficult to sustain.

The cleric proposed a hybrid system of government and pointed to some Arab countries where traditional leadership structures work alongside modern administration. He insisted that Nigeria could develop a model suited to its own circumstances.

He also advocated a return to regional governance. He referenced the achievements of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and argued that the regional era delivered lasting development.

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He said many projects established during Awolowo’s administration still serve the public today. He added that institutions built during that period attracted international recognition and demonstrated the benefits of regional administration.

Odesola maintained that Nigeria’s diversity requires flexible governance. He urged policymakers to consider reforms that combine the country’s strengths with proven administrative models.

He also expressed concern over the welfare of security personnel. He argued that many officers receive poor salaries despite risking their lives to protect the nation.

He said the income gap between political office holders and security personnel is unfair. According to him, many officers with years of service and higher qualifications receive far less than newly appointed politicians. That’s not fair at all,” he said.

He urged governments at every level to reduce the cost of governance. He also encouraged leaders to manage public resources more responsibly and channel greater investment into national development.

He explained that the church recently created a Politics and Governance Directorate following guidance from the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria to encourage greater civic participation among members. He explained that the office will educate members on civic responsibilities and encourage active political participation.

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He said the directorate will promote voter education, encourage members to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and inspire them to participate in elections. He stressed that Christians should not remain indifferent to the political process. “What will be will not be until somebody makes it be. He urged Nigerians to participate in elections, ensure their ballots are counted and remain committed to protecting the integrity of the electoral process.

The cleric added that citizens who refuse to vote should not complain about the outcome of elections. He also referred to Christ’s teaching on civic responsibility, urging believers to fulfil both their obligations to the nation and their duties to God.

Despite his concerns about governance, Odesola urged Nigerians to continue praying for the country. He said prayer, respectful public engagement and responsible citizenship remain essential to national transformation.

The 21-day programme, themed “My Appointed Time Has Come,” features prayer sessions, Bible teaching and seven nights of vigils. Odesola said the programme has already recorded several testimonies, including reports of miraculous healings and other life-changing experiences through prayer.

“In life, every object stays in a state of equilibrium unless there is a force that acts on it. The programme is to create an atmosphere for prayers, the Word, intercessory prayers, and to expect God’s miracles in our midst,” he said.