2023: RCCG creates directorate to ‘support members willing to be involved in politics’

By Akinwande Soji-Ojo

The Redeemed Christian Church of God(RCCG) has created the Office of Directorate of Politics and Governance to engage members willing to be involved in politics and “mobilise support for them when required.”

A memo dated February 28, 2022, and addressed to all regions, provinces, zones and other levels of the church, said the directorate was created for political education of its members.

The memo signed by Assistant General Overseer in charge of Administration and Personnel, Pastor John Odesola, said the directorate would also prod members of the church to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the 2023 general elections.

“We write to formally notify you that the mission authority has created the Office of Directorate of Politics and Governance in the RCCG. Further to this, Pastor Timothy Olaniyan (PICP Lagos Province 12) has been appointed to lead the Office.

“You are kindly requested to appoint with immediate effect a Provincial Officer for your province and also ensure that the same is done at all levels of the church – zone, area and parish. The essence of this directorate is to help coordinate the engagement of our people who are willing to be involved in politics as well as mobilize support for them when required,” it read in part.

The church, therefore, asked that its parishes send the details of its nominated coordinators for the office to Odesola within two weeks of receipt of the letter.

Speaking with The PUNCH on Thursday, RCCG’s Head of Media and Public Relations, Pastor Olaitan Olubiyi, confirmed the development, adding that the directorate is to sensitise members of the church for active political participation.

He said: “One thing I know is that we have a directorate on politics and governance to galvanise opinion and views to discuss issues as they occur, not only in Nigeria but globally, because as Christians we cannot afford to act ignorantly. It is to serve as a form of sensitisation (for those interested in politics) and to mobilise our people to register and play their own roles, collect PVCs. Those who are interested, let them join the political party they choose.”

Olubiyi, however, emphasised that while the church supports active political involvement by its members, it does not have a preferred political party.

“As far as the Redeemed Christian Church of God is concerned, we don’t have any favourite party,” he added.

Arguably the largest church in Nigeria with parishes in over 190 nations of the world, RCCG has prominent members and pastors in governance including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN); wife of All Progressives Congress(APC) leader, Remi Tinubu; among others.