CONTRARY to belief in certain quarters that Islamic fundamentalist group, Boko Harm, has no religious coloration, presiding bishop of Rhema Christian Church and Towers, Bishop Taiwo Akinola said all terrorist groups across the globe have expansionist religious motives, stressing that they are controlled by malevolent spirit that parades itself with the utmost aim to destroy the beautiful world created by God.
“Terrorism in any form is criminal; it is not and will never be justifiable for any reason. It is a major threat to national peace and security,” the bishop noted, adding “tragically, it is obvious that many people and even nations have lent their support to these mean and dark forces unknowingly or ignorantly.”
The bishop who congratulated Nigerians for the recent political transformation from one leadership to another, called on the new government to be proactive and prevent terrorist actions all over the globe particularly in Nigeria because of our present experience with the Boko Harm sect, urging Christians across the nation to intensify prayers against the scourge instead of retaliation as some persons are agitating out of frustration.
Addressing newsmen in his church office in Sango Ota, Ogun State on preparations for the church’s weeklong Rhema World Convention billed to begin today with a theme; “Wonderful Jesus”, and featuring Bishop Olantewaju Obembe, Alastair Mitchell Baker (UK), Apostle Warren Hunter (US), Bishop Victor Akilla, Dr. Kunle Adesina, Apostle Mike Tomomewo to mention but a few, he revealed plans by the church to establish a camp ground at Moluferin, Wasimi along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.
According to him, the proposed City of Zion, will have residential houses of various categories, Zion Sanctuary, International Peace and Freedom Centre, hospitals, old peoples home, schools, empowerment centers, shopping malls and recreation parks, all operating in Godly pattern under the Rhema Christian Church and Towers.
Akinola maintained that a closer look at happenings in the country eloquently show that God is very interested in the nation, and therefore urged fellow Nigerians to always give gratitude to God for taking control in all ways, and shun all forms of negative utterances about this country.
“Nigeria has a bright future, and surely, there shall be light at the end of the tunnel,” he averred, adding that Nigeria is part of the next eleven identified by Goldman Saths Investment Bank as having a high potential of becoming the world’s largest economies before the close of the 21st Century using the criteria of macro-economic stability, political maturity, openness of trade, investment policies and quality of education.
“These indicate that what we have and do not appreciate is valued by others with keen insight; which is a confirmation that God’s eyes are on the land and also on the people of Nigeria,” he opined, advising that all Nigerians to refrain from using their tongues to utter evil in order not to truncate the divine plan for our great nation.
He also appealed to Nigerians, irrespective of political persuasion, to shun corruption in all forms and endeavour to live righteously and be patriotic because righteousness, according to him, exalts a nation while sin is a reperoach to any people.
“The time has come for us to treat the nation with pride. No matter how far we have travelled or sojourned, we will still remain Nigerians. I believe that a feeling of self-pride in this nation is necessary for us to propel Nigeria further to greater heights. The solution to a greater Nigeria lies in the hands of all Nigerians,” he stated.