JonathanWarns politicians against usingchurchesas campaign platform

After his visitto the monthly crusade of the Redeemed ChristianChurch of God Camp on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on friday night, President Goodluck Jonathan was at the opening of the two-day crusade of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement, Ijesha, Lagos on saturday.
When he mounted the podium, ironically he warned politicianscontesting not to use churches as a political campaign tool or platform.
Speaking at the annual Lord’s Chosen crusade tagged, ‘From Sorrow to Joy’, Jonathan in appreciation of what the leaders and members of the church, led by the General Overseer of the church, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, were doing stated that “You have been doing great spiritual work that has not only helped members of the church but the whole country.”
“Our country likeso many countries of the world is facing threats of insecurity. So the issue ofterrorism being perpetuated by somereligious fanatics is now a major threat in the world”, he said.
He said, “I want to appreciate all of you here, my sistersand brothers in the Lord. I count it a big privilege to be here with you. I almost missed this opportunity of being with you today because of my tight programme but I know God wanted me to be here today and somehow my programmes were changed and I am here with you.”
Jonathan, who noted that it was not proper to use the church as a campaign ground, however added that he was not going to say much so that he would not be accused of coming to church to campaign.
“I would not say much because this is not a good period for those of us who are contesting for electionto talk so much in church. I do not want to be accused of coming to campaign in churches because I believe thatwe should not campaign in churches. We may discuss with people but not to use the platform of the church to campaign.”
The president promised that he would work harder to ensure that all Nigerians were protected and welland that his government would improve the economy so that people would be able to survive, while young men and woman would be able to get jobs and the distraction of insecurity will end.
He humbly went on his kneesbefore the huge congregation that had turned up enmasse forthe annual crusade, while the prayer for a peaceful electionrendered by Muoka, lasted.
Muoka was diplomatic about the direction of his prayer points whilethe president knelt before him, praying, “We commit our president into the hands of God; we ask God first of all, to blessthis country with peace and bring every contrary power to submission.”