RCCG cleric calls for overhaul of Nigeria’s democracy, cost-cutting measures

By Olayinka Latona

A top cleric of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has called for a fundamental reassessment of Nigeria’s democratic system, arguing that the current model is “unsustainable” and was imposed without proper adaptation to local realities.

Assistant General Overseer of RCCG for Continent 3, which covers South West Nigeria, the Middle East, and other regions, Pastor Johnson Funso Odesola, made the remarks during the church’s annual 21-day Destiny Encounter at RCCG Dominion Cathedral in Ipaja, Lagos.

He suggested Nigeria should consider hybrid governance models, pointing to successful systems in Arab nations that blend traditional leadership structures with modern administration.

“The type of government we are running now—we are spending more on governance than infrastructure—and such spending is unsustainable. The democracy we are running was imposed on us, and we don’t even know how to run it.”

Odesola advocated for a return to regional governance, citing the achievements of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo during Nigeria’s regional government era.

“What the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo constructed is still there: the roads, the university. People travelled from abroad to attend this same university. Before France had its television station, we already had one,” he noted.

He emphasised that Nigeria’s diversity necessitates tailored approaches to governance, adding that “we can mix the government” and called on authorities to “think seriously” about reforms.

The RCCG leader also raised concerns about security sector welfare, noting significant disparities in compensation between political appointees and security personnel.

“A politician who was a carpenter yesterday earns millions, while the person who has been in the force and entered as a graduate collects peanuts. That’s not fair at all,” Odesola stated. He called for improved remuneration and better treatment across all security agencies.

On economic management, he urged governments at all levels to “cut down cost of governance” and adopt prudent approaches to resource management.

Addressing the church’s role in upcoming elections, Odesola revealed that, in accordance with the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) instruction, the RCCG has established a Directorate of Politics and Governance. The office is specifically designed to provide political education and sensitisation to its members.

“The directorate is part of a wider strategy by the PFN to encourage Christian political participation,” Pastor Odesola stated. “We have core objectives that include civic education, encouraging members to register, collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and vote. As Christians, we cannot afford to act ignorantly.”

“What will be will not be until somebody makes it be,” he declared. “Just make sure that your vote counts and defend your vote.”

He stressed that those who fail to vote forfeit their right to criticise the government, quoting scripture: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

Despite his critique of governance structures, Odesola emphasised the importance of prayer for national transformation.

“For a nation’s destiny to change, we need prayer, and of course, we need to speak out when we need to speak, and we must speak respectfully,” he said.

The 21-day programme, themed “My Appointed Time Has Come,” features prayer sessions, teachings, and seven nights of vigils. Odesola reported numerous miracles and testimonies, including a reported case of a dead person brought back to life through prayer.

“In life, every object stays in a state of equilibrium unless there is a force that acts on it,” he explained. “The programme is to create an atmosphere for prayers, the Word, Intercessory prayers, and to expect God’s miracles in our midst.”