The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, his Living Faith Foundation counterpart, Reverend Joseph Olaiya, on Monday enjoined Nigerian leaders to govern the country with the fear of God.
Adeboye, while praying for the nation as part of the activities to mark the birthday of the Founder of the Living Faith Foundation, Olaiya, held at the Alheri Camp, Kilometre 31 Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, Kaduna, noted that leaders that were ready to follow in the footpath of God would continue to succeed no matter the challenges.
According to the cleric, any leader willing to follow in the footpath of God would not only lead successfully, but would imbue in his followers, especially the younger generation, the courage to continue the good job.
Adeboye prayed to God to instil wisdom and understanding in Nigerian leaders.
Olaiya, in an interview shortly after the prayer, recalled that all the kings that ruled successfully in the bible were those that ruled with the fear of God.
He urged people in leadership positions to learn from history.
Olaiya said, “The piece of advice I will give our leaders is for them to work with the fear of God. Everyone knows what it is to fear God.
“No matter how strong you think you are as a leader, God is stronger and more powerful than you are and that is why if you want to succeed as a leader, fear God in all you do.”
The cleric also warned those in leadership positions against oppression, warning leaders against taking other people’s property.
He said, “As a leader, don’t oppress the downtrodden and the weak because you will be judged. The kings that ruled successfully were the kings that ruled with the fear of God.
“Those of us who follow leaders should not follow them blindly. Let us obey constituted authorities. Let us honour them except when they want to lead us to the wrong path. For example, when the US wanted us to sign a law approving homosexuality which is against the will of God, we were able to stand our ground.
“So, if a leader is walking in the right path, follow him. Sometimes as followers, we push our leaders to do something they don’t want to do.”