THE Diocesan Bishop of Remo, The Most Reverend Dr. Michael Olusina Fape, has urged Nigerian politicians not to see politics as a tool for personal gain, but as a means of service to the people.
Fape, who is also the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, made the call in his presidential address to the First Session of the 15th Synod of the Diocese, hosted by Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Ikenne, Ogun State.
He expressed concern over what he described as the “unabated politics of defection”.
He said Nigerians are victims of political manipulation as a result of defections by what he called fair-weather politicians.
The Bishop said: “Why are people defecting from one political party to another as if they are shopping for commodities in the market?
“Defection is a symptom of politics without ideology. We want to plead with our politicians to think of the people they intend to serve, and not politics of self-service or relevance.
“As our nation prepares for another round of general elections in 2027, and now that political activities have picked up, it is our prayer that God will touch the hearts of our politicians, and they will see politics as a means of service and not a tool for personal gain or self-enrichment.” On the nation’s socio-economic challenges, Bishop Fape appealed to government at all levels to invest in Nigerians by providing job opportunities and meaningful empowerment that would put food on their tables.
READ ALSO: Supreme Court okays INEC’s deregistration of 74 political parties
He acknowledged that global tensions, including the ongoing war between the United States of America and Iran, had adversely affected Nigeria’s economy, despite interventions being implemented by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government.
“Nigerians are finding it difficult to feed because of the high cost of foodstuffs. Health challenges are on the increase because people cannot afford proper care. People are crying for stable electricity, affordable housing programmes, and job creation to take many able-bodied unemployed graduates out of the unemployment market.
“Our government, both at the federal and state levels, cannot afford to look away from these besetting socio-economic problems,” the Bishop said.
On insecurity, the cleric questioned why the identities of kidnappers could not be traced using mobile numbers linked to their National Identity Number (NIN).
On the theme of the Synod, ‘The Empty Tomb: An Authentic Proof of the Living Saviour, Jesus Christ’, Bishop Fape urged Christian faithful to remain steadfast, noting that victory is assured at the end of their earthly journey if they continue to walk in the way of the Lord.
In his remarks, Governor Dapo Abiodun praised the Church for its contributions to education, healthcare, youth development, family values, and community welfare, describing it as a critical partner in shaping responsible citizens and nurturing ethical leadership through teachings that promote compassion, honesty, accountability, and peaceful coexistence.
“Throughout history, the Church has stood as a moral voice in society, defending justice, caring for the vulnerable, and encouraging leaders to govern with fairness and integrity.
“Our administration remains committed to creating renewed opportunities for the economy, institutions, and the people of Ogun State.
“As the election season approaches, the Church must continue to stand for truth, peace, and responsible citizenship. The clergy should encourage members to actively participate in the democratic process by registering to vote and exercising their constitutional rights,” he said.
Abiodun also announced plans by the Ogun State government to launch the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP), an initiative aimed at providing monthly cash interventions to between 50,000 and 100,000 residents across the state within the next one year.
He disclosed that his administration would prioritise the reconstruction of the Sagamu-Ode Lemo Road, stressing that collaboration between government and the Church remains essential to building a peaceful, just and progressive society.