Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
Archbishop of Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, Most Rev. Olusina Fape, has warned the Ogun State governor-elect, Dapo Abiodun, not to make political promises to the detriment of the people who voted for him.
He gave the warning, yesterday, during a sermon at a thanksgiving service to commemorate Abiodun’s election as the fifth civilian governor of the state, at St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo.
Fape, who is also the Bishop of Diocese of Remo, in his sermon, entitled: “It is God who gives good gift, including the gifts of destiny helpers,” noted that the emergence of Abiodun at the poll on March 9, was nothing but a gift from God.
He described Abiodun as a force to reckon with in the polity of the country, having served in various presidential committees, and having indicated interest to vie for various political posts at the state level. The cleric said Abiodun was brought into office not by federal might, but by the benevolence of God, who puts every single individual into positions.
He, however, urged him to impact positively on the lives of Ogun people and not to make vain promises, stressing that the business of governance requires all seriousness.
Fape equally advised Abiodun not to be intoxicated with power on assumption of office on May 29, and urged him to respect the political structure that paved way for his success.
“The problem of power is that it intoxicates. You need destiny helpers to fulfil your promises to the people. Whatever you know that you cannot do, please don’t promise. Keep your promises to the people.
“Your victory at the poll is a gift from God. You are one of the major stakeholders of the nation’s economy, and you are not a political neophyte. There is a reason, at this time, for God to give you the opportunity to serve the people of the state,” the archbishop said.
The cleric further urged the governor-elect to be wary of sycophants and selfish ones, and implored him to select people of integrity into his cabinet.
“You cannot do this work alone. You need people who will work with you; men and women of integrity who hate covetousness.”