GOVERNOR Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said that involvement of persons of integrity in politics would enhance good governance.
This is just as he also called on the Christian faithful of integrity not to shy away from participating in politics, adding that only men of integrity can sanitize the system.
Makinde noted that Christians who participate in politics would not miss heaven. He reiterated at only men and women with integrity and honesty can clean up the polity.
The Governor who spoke at The Cathedral Church of St David, during a thanksgiving service, charged Christians to get involve in politics.
Governor Makinde admonished Christians and people with honesty and integrity, to get involved in politics, noting that the journey would not be easy, but God would take them to where He intended.
My journey into politics – Makinde
“When I started the journey into politics, the two mother’s close to me [referring to his mum and his aunt] woke me up at 12 a.m., one spoke in Ibadan dialect while the other spoke in Akure dialect and all they said was that I should be wary of what I collect from politicians. Ordinarily, they knew the son they had but at that point, they doubted me, because the general perception was that politics is dirty,” Makinde began.
“The general perception is that a child of God cannot be in politics. My mothers doubted me, and so if people who are not close to me doubt me, I will understand. What matters is to serve the people honestly and serve God through service to humanity.
I’m a politician without a godfather, says Makinde
“Today, I have the testimony of being a politician that attained the governorship without a godfather apart from God the Father. I am telling you that participating in politics cannot stop our going to heaven. We need to participate. Things may not be easy, but God will take you to the top. It was not easy for Joseph but God made him prime minister in Egypt, the most powerful country on earth at that time. Even David that was anointed, it was not easy for him.
“I have come to thank God, because I came to this church and I said that if God does what I want, I would come to give thanks.
I’m here to appreciate the church, people and clergy for their prayers. Continue to pray for us, because of the task ahead,” he said.
Earlier, Venerable C.O. Osinyemi, who spoke on the topic: “Indices of acceptable service,” charged Governor Makinde to serve with honesty and integrity and ensure that his service adds value to the lives of the people.
Cleric urges Makinde on good governance
The cleric admonished Makinde to focus his service on developing the nooks and cranny of the state, empowering the youth and women, defending the rights of those who are weak.
He urged the governor to revive the farm settlements built by Obafemi Awolowo, because according to him, there is no way government can employ everyone but that a lot of people could be reached through agriculture.
Osinyemi further charged the Governor to pay attention to payment of salaries and pensions, among others.
