The Diocesan Bishop of Ijesa North Diocese of the Anglican Church, Rt. Rev. Isaac Oluyamo has advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and residents of Ekiti and Osun States to play the game according to the rules for the benefit of all during the forthcoming gubernatorial elections, slated for June 18 and July 16, 2022 respectively.
The Bishop spoke in Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State on Thursday, during the commissioning of a 300kva transformer and the road leading to Rehoboth at the Diocesan Headquarters to mark his 7th anniversary as the Bishop of the Diocese.
While appealing to all major stakeholders to allow individuals to exercise their political rights without threat or compulsion, the prelate also urged them to join hands with the security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property across the two States before, during and after the polls.
He said: “politicians in Ekiti and Osun States must play the game of politics according to the rules and with the wisdom of God as June 18 and July 16 dates of the gubernatorial elections draw near. INEC should play their roles faithfully because we shall all be judged on the last day.
“Security personnel must not be seen to be corrupt or biased. They must live up to expectations. They must also collaborate with the existing security agencies and they should not be involved in abuse or misuse of office.”
Bishop Oluyamo also used the occasion to ask Nigerians to pray and allow for a peaceful transition of the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, noting that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of rancor.
In his words, “As we continue our service to God and humanity, we appeal for prayers for our nation Nigeria; for peace and peaceful transition of President Buhari’s administration. We can’t afford to let our great nation be divided through politics. We must not let ourselves down in this period because it’s a very sensitive time for our nation.”
Speaking on the Federal Government/Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) faceoff, the clergyman called on the affected parties to resolve the lingering crises so as to allow students resume academic activities without further delay. According to him, the students have spent too much time at home doing nothing. This could lead them into vices.
“We appeal to the Federal Government to see to the needs of ASUU so that students can resume academic activities without further delay. These students have stayed for too long at home, I urge both the Federal Government and the leadership of ASUU to meet at a roundtable and resolve the issue in the interest of our future generations.”
Rt. Rev. Oluyamo, who traced how he was enthroned on May 23rd, 2015, listed some of the achievements of the Diocese in the last 7 years to include: Commissioning of Vocational & Business Institute; Adebola & Oluranti Ademowo Clinic; Prof. Theophilus Taiwo Olowokure Pre-Varsity; and Camp ground. Others were: Two Chalets, which were donated by the Olowoye and Faseru families; Most Revd. Akinfenwa Guest House; Borehole System; St. Michael’s Anglican Church and St. Matthew’s Primary School.
