George Weah’s visit to the Synagogue Church of Nations (SCOAN), in Ikotun Lagos State has caused an uproar as some people think this is another case of politicians visiting religious centres when seeking political position.
Weah is currently contesting for Liberia Presidency against Joseph Boakai, in a run off after both emerged with the most votes in the first round.
Although, the ex-footballer’s purpose of visit was to seek ‘God’s opinion’ on the next leader of the country, as Founder of the Church, T.B Joshua, said he came to pray for the ideal candidate to emerge as the winner.
“My brother is here today because he loves his country and wants God’s choice for his country. He is not here to impose himself. What does God say about his country, Liberia? What is God’s opinion? That is why he is here.
“We are not herbalists or witch-doctors; we are people of God. God’s choice is our choice. We cannot pray against God’s will.
“Without God’s corresponding power, we cannot pray to Him. For every step we take – every movement and action – intimation comes first.
“There must be a suggestion from the Spirit to move before we move. If truly I am a man of God, I must hear from God – move or don’t move.
“God’s opinion is what we should seek in our country – simple! God is the answer, the final.”
The issue of Politician’s romance with religious centres is a common practice as they are only seen in worship places whenever elections draw close.
In the build-up to the 2015 General Elections, former President Goodluck Jonathan was seen parading churches in what he tagged ‘Presidential Church Tour’.
He was even accused of partisanship by a Pastor for mixing religion with Politics.
According to Catholic Priest, George Ehusani, “I think that the current President is mixing politics with religion. He is the President of the whole Nigeria; he is not only the president of Christians. He is a Christian who is President but while a Christian is President in a country that is 50% Christian and 50% Muslim, you have to be careful”.
The Muslim Congress and other Islamic bodies was also on record to have rejected billions they claim the Jonathan Government gifted them for what was read as payment for their support in the forthcoming election.
The romance is always tagged a way of promoting peaceful co-existence and unity but there are speculations that there are also political undertone.
President Buhari, who ran twice with two different Pastors, was also seen around the Redeem Christian Church close to the 2015 elections and there are pictures of Governor El Rufai bowing to Ibraheem El-Zazayki, the leader of the Shia group, Islamic Movement, who was later incarcerated for close to two years now over a road passage issue with the Army in the same State El-Rufai now Governs.
As the 2019 General Elections approaches, Governor of Ekiti State, Peter Ayodele Fayose, who has declared his ambition to contest for Presidency, has been jostling with the Muslims in the State.
During the Muslim Eid-Kabir Festival, he joined them in prayers while appearing in full Muslim regalia. He also appeared in a Jumaat Prayer in the Central Mosque as part of activities of his three year anniversary as the Governor of the State.
In his speech at the Eid Prayers, he urged Islamic clerics to speak the truth and preach justice and equity adding that they have more influence on the people than Government and political leaders.
Although, Governor Fayose sudden relationship with the Muslim is about promoting love, peace and justice, some have accuse him of trying to win the Muslims to his side as he seeks the Presidential mandate.
Conservatives argue that the same religion is blamed for all political crisis at the end of the day.
