Bishop Mike Okonkwo Urges Nigerians to Vote Wisely, Reject Bias

Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Founder and Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) Worldwide, has urged Nigerians to choose leaders based on competence and performance rather than religious, ethnic or political affiliations ahead of the 2027 general election.

The cleric said voters should assess candidates based on their ability to improve living conditions and deliver essential services to citizens, regardless of their background.

Okonkwo spoke during an interview with journalists at Dominion University along the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway in Ibadan. He was there to deliver the institution’s fourth convocation lecture.

He urged voters to reject religious and ethnic divisions and prioritise national interests when choosing leaders.

The bishop argued that a candidate’s religious identity does not necessarily determine their performance in public office. He also warned against supporting candidates solely because they belong to the same ethnic group or political party as the voter.

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Okonkwo said Nigerians should not assume that electing a Christian would automatically lead to good governance, noting that some Christian leaders might fail to meet public expectations.

He added that ethnic loyalty should not take precedence over competence, noting that candidates from a voter’s own ethnic group might also fail to meet public expectations.

According to Okonkwo, the primary responsibility of anyone holding public office is to serve all citizens and ensure that government services reach people across religious, ethnic and social divides.

Bishop Okonkwo urged Nigerians to elect leaders who would ensure that the benefits of democracy reach all citizens, regardless of their background.

The cleric cited Dubai in the United Arab Emirates as an example of how public services and development should be considered independently of religious identity. He pointed to its education, healthcare and electricity systems while arguing that Nigerians should focus on candidates’ ability to deliver similar improvements.

Bishop Okonkwo said he would have no objection to a Muslim president, provided the leader could deliver the benefits of democracy to Nigerians.

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He also urged young Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process, describing voting as an important way to influence the country’s future.

The bishop advised youths against resorting to violence or taking up arms to express political dissatisfaction. Instead, he encouraged them to use their votes to demand better roads, hospitals and other essential services.

Bishop Okonkwo urged Nigerians to exercise their voting rights and elect leaders who would provide essential infrastructure, including good roads and well-equipped hospitals.

Okonkwo also called for greater accountability among public office holders. He argued that political leaders should experience the same public services and infrastructure available to ordinary Nigerians rather than relying on foreign alternatives.

He proposed that those seeking public office should commit to using Nigeria’s schools, hospitals and roads, allowing them to experience the challenges citizens face daily.

Bishop Okonkwo said public office holders should enroll their children in Nigerian schools rather than sending them abroad, arguing that leaders must have confidence in the country’s education system.

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He added that elected officials should use local healthcare facilities and travel on the country’s roads to understand the difficulties confronting ordinary citizens.

The TREM leader further warned politicians against treating elections as a matter of life and death. He expressed concern over political violence and the loss of lives associated with struggles for power.

“Politics is not about do-or-die. Bishop Okonkwo lamented that Nigerian politics had become associated with the loss of human lives, suggesting that the bloodshed could be contributing to the country’s persistent challenges.

Okonkwo urged leaders to prioritise responsible service over personal gain and the pursuit of power.

He urged Nigerians to elect leaders who protect lives, serve the public and provide essential services.

source: The Nation Online

 

 

Content Credit: Azeez Amosun

Image Credit: Google.com