Cup Of Faith Daily Devotional 19 October 2022 – Towards A Peaceful And Meaningful Political Campaign

TOPIC: Towards A Peaceful And Meaningful Political Campaign (2)

Bible T: “Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.” – Proverbs 12:20

Officially, electioneering campaigns for the next general election has already commenced. In recent weeks, politicians across board have already given indication of what to expect with their actions and utterances. Far from being a contest of ideas and issues, what the managers of the campaigns seem prepared for is how to throw mud at one another. It may therefore be necessary to remind the gladiators and political parties of their obligation to run decent campaigns as stipulated in the code of conduct for the elections.

It is obvious that abuses, name-calling, trading damaging allegations and releasing controversial video and audio messages, especially on social media, characterize the ongoing campaign. This is rather disturbing. Instead of speaking to germane issues that affect the ordinary man, the reverse is the case. More than at any period in the history of this nation, we need clear directions on the way forward, especially in three critical areas that have proved difficult for succeeding administrations: restoration of security, prudent management of the economy and instilling transparency and accountability to the public space. These are issues that campaigns should address and who will handle these issues better is a question the electorate should be able to answer before exercising their franchise in the coming election.

As a nation, we are confronted by a myriad of problems: The country is regarded as the poverty capital of the world; there is serious crisis in the social sector like education and health. Despite repeated promises by succeeding governments, corruption is still pervasive, majority of the young people are jobless and losing hope while the security challenge is multiplying. This has led to the ‘japa’ syndrome. Thousands of people troop out of the country on daily basis. How will the candidates deal with these challenges? How will they get the country out of the woods? These are the issues of the day that Nigerians would want the politicians to address.

Beloved of God, the essence of political campaigns is to help the electorate in making the right choice and that can only happen if there is a contest of ideas on critical issues, not on religion, ethnicity, certificates or who is more corrupt than the other. As citizens, we deserve more than the usual distribution of consumables and the procurement of musicians, comedians and dancers to entertain crowds in the name of political rallies. Therefore, those who aspire for leadership must understand that when campaigns are vicious, chaotic, polarising and bloody, products of such outcome cannot deliver on public good.

PROPHETIC PRAYER

I pray for you today:

1. May the peace of God rule in the hearts of all political leaders in the name of Jesus.
2. The Lord will bless our nation with peace.
3. He will establish His rule upon the hearts of men.
4. Today, I pronounce the peace of God over every turbulent situation in your life.
5. Be at peace

So shall it be in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Have a peaceful day.

CHRIST IS THE ANSWER.

Yours in Christ,
Revd Dr. Bayo Sola Aremu
Church pastor
Yaba Baptist Church
Sabo-Yaba, Lagos