Jesus March Changes Political and Religious Landscape In Nigeria
NIGERIA -- Right from the 1960s until recently, politics in Nigeria has been characterised by killing, assassinations, burning down of houses and the kidnapping of political opponents. One of such developments was the Operation Wetie of 1960 in South-West Nigeria. Following these, concerned observers and political interest groups had thought that elections would never be free and fair in Nigeria, especially with what happened in 1993 when the election won by business mongul Moshood Abiola was cancelled even though it was widely adjudged the most credible election so far.
What is the solution to our political problems? Nigerians have always asked. But surprisingly, the last election held in April this year was very peaceful and the swearing in took place in May as expected despite monumental electoral fraud and disenfranchisement of eligible voters.
The organisers of the 50 Million Man Jesus March which took place in December 2006, and is expected to continue, believed that the March would ensure a peaceful election in the country. They reasoned that though the various governments in Nigeria had good policies and intention, they have consistently lacked the will to implement them due to the sinister influence of demons. To them, the Name of Jesus remained the only antidote to the myriads of political problems confronting Africa’s most populous nation.
Ben Ukadike, President of World Rescue Ministries International, the organisation behind the Jesus March has attributed the success of election 2007 in Nigeria to Jesus March 2006. During that March the name of Jesus was invoked in over 30 States of the Nigerian Federation to dismantle and overcome demonic forces of political, religious and economic disintegration. Besides, Ukadike believes that the spiritual impact of a march during which close to 50 million people called on Jesus to take over the affairs of a country cannot be quantified.
In a bid to support what appeared potentially supportive of its course, the Kaduna State governement, according to Rev. Dr. John Onyeanusi who co-ordinated the March in that State, allowed its radio to broadcast the event. It would seem that the expectation of the Kaduna State government in terms of ensuring peaceful election was not disappointed. The Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), a government organ, also broadcast the Jesus March 2006 and today many Christians and non-Christians alike say that nothing short of divine intervention has kept Nigeria together despite what happened during the last general elections.
Christian unity unprecedented was witnessed during the March as Christians of different denominations closed ranks to achieve the common course of enthroning the Spirit of Christ over the people and government of Nigeria.
Speaking recently on the impact of the March, Rev. Chris Okotie, founder of the Household of Faith Church, Ikeja, Lagos- Nigeria said that it is unlikely that the organisers appreciate the great dimensions of the Jesus March. According to this musician cum lawyer turned preacher, “This Jesus March is the greatest move that would herald the return of Christ and it would touch parts of the World”. Okotie is not alone in expressing this sentiment. Notable Christian leaders such as Ayo Oritsejafor, President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Mike Okonkwo of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) and Rev. Yakubu Pam, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman for North Central zone and Abuja have since endorsed the Jesus March.
The people of Okuku in Owerri area of Imo State will forever remember that Jesus March brought liberation to them. According to Brother Augustine Onuoha who co-ordinated the March in Imo State, Okuku is made up of six clans and the people have been labouring under a curse, therefore they saw the March as their opportunity of a life time. Representatives of the six clans were made to hold hands together in a circle while intensive prayers were offered in Jesus Name to break the curse that had held them bound. Today, Okuku is free and their testimony reverbrates.
In Lagos, incessant auto accidents on certain spots along the highways have been checked by the mounting of billboards with the inscription – JESUS in bold red colour. According to the co-ordinators of the Jesus March, accident causing demons hate to see the name of Jesus written or mentioned. Besides, a 2007 calendar with bold inscription – JESUS in red is presently in circulation in the city of Lagos. World Rescue Ministries International (WORMINT), the organisation behind the Jesus March, is distributing it free to Christians and adherents of the other religions who gladly receive them just as they gladly joined the Jesus March in December.
As it stands, Christians in Nigeria are hopefully looking forward to J
What is the solution to our political problems? Nigerians have always asked. But surprisingly, the last election held in April this year was very peaceful and the swearing in took place in May as expected despite monumental electoral fraud and disenfranchisement of eligible voters.
The organisers of the 50 Million Man Jesus March which took place in December 2006, and is expected to continue, believed that the March would ensure a peaceful election in the country. They reasoned that though the various governments in Nigeria had good policies and intention, they have consistently lacked the will to implement them due to the sinister influence of demons. To them, the Name of Jesus remained the only antidote to the myriads of political problems confronting Africa’s most populous nation.
In a bid to support what appeared potentially supportive of its course, the Kaduna State governement, according to Rev. Dr. John Onyeanusi who co-ordinated the March in that State, allowed its radio to broadcast the event. It would seem that the expectation of the Kaduna State government in terms of ensuring peaceful election was not disappointed. The Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), a government organ, also broadcast the Jesus March 2006 and today many Christians and non-Christians alike say that nothing short of divine intervention has kept Nigeria together despite what happened during the last general elections.
Christian unity unprecedented was witnessed during the March as Christians of different denominations closed ranks to achieve the common course of enthroning the Spirit of Christ over the people and government of Nigeria.
Speaking recently on the impact of the March, Rev. Chris Okotie, founder of the Household of Faith Church, Ikeja, Lagos- Nigeria said that it is unlikely that the organisers appreciate the great dimensions of the Jesus March. According to this musician cum lawyer turned preacher, “This Jesus March is the greatest move that would herald the return of Christ and it would touch parts of the World”. Okotie is not alone in expressing this sentiment. Notable Christian leaders such as Ayo Oritsejafor, President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Mike Okonkwo of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) and Rev. Yakubu Pam, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman for North Central zone and Abuja have since endorsed the Jesus March.
The people of Okuku in Owerri area of Imo State will forever remember that Jesus March brought liberation to them. According to Brother Augustine Onuoha who co-ordinated the March in Imo State, Okuku is made up of six clans and the people have been labouring under a curse, therefore they saw the March as their opportunity of a life time. Representatives of the six clans were made to hold hands together in a circle while intensive prayers were offered in Jesus Name to break the curse that had held them bound. Today, Okuku is free and their testimony reverbrates.
In Lagos, incessant auto accidents on certain spots along the highways have been checked by the mounting of billboards with the inscription – JESUS in bold red colour. According to the co-ordinators of the Jesus March, accident causing demons hate to see the name of Jesus written or mentioned. Besides, a 2007 calendar with bold inscription – JESUS in red is presently in circulation in the city of Lagos. World Rescue Ministries International (WORMINT), the organisation behind the Jesus March, is distributing it free to Christians and adherents of the other religions who gladly receive them just as they gladly joined the Jesus March in December.
As it stands, Christians in Nigeria are hopefully looking forward to J
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