By Vivian Onyebukwa
Femi Falana, a senior advocate of Nigeria and human rights activist, has urged religious organizations in the country to ensure that members of their congregations, who are political leaders, uphold the oath of office they swore to.
He stated the importance of religious bodies in promoting good governance and holding leaders accountable, adding that many political leaders in Nigeria identify as Christians or Muslims, and it is the duty of church and mosque leaders to hold them accountable for living up to their oath.
Falana noted that religious leaders have a very critical role to play in shaping the morals of the society and ensuring that leaders are guided by the principles of justice, equity and compassion.
He further stated that leaders should be charged to perform their duties in line with teachings of the good books while also encouraging religious bodies to make life more comfortable for their members and to join forces with the government to improve the lives of citizens, as well as mobilize members to demand their rights under the law without resorting to violence.
Falana made this statement in Lagos while speaking to journalists at the 30th anniversary in active service of Pastor Evans Darlington Mozurunyem, founder, King of Kings Evangelical Ministries International.
Recalling his journey in the past 30 years, Mozurunyem described it as the Lord’s journey. He said: “It is a pathway that involves a lot of patience because this kind of journey will involve challenges. It is not a bed of roses. I just responded to the call of God, the mandate.”
Pastor Mozurunyem, a 1989/1990 qualified pharmacist from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, told journalists how he came to Lagos between 1991 and 1993 to practice pharmacy, never to do the work of God.
“I did well, opened two pharmacy outlets, a hospital and a lot of things, including production unit where I produce some medical items, but suddenly I began to hear the voice of the Lord to do away with my profession and serve,” he volunteered.
According to him, he responded to the mandate to carry the Bible and drop the drugs and follow the vocation of God. “It is 30 years now, so it became so needful that I have to appreciate God for keeping me alive. He has been faithful,” he declared.
Mozurunyem is not only a pastor, he is also a writer of many books, and a songwriter. Reflecting on his many challenges, he noted the stress accompanying the call of God.
“It’s not easy to preach the gospel every day. There are many health challenges too, but God has been sustaining us. There’re also challenges of people who may understand and some who may not understand,” he further said.
He advised everyone to ensure God’s call before taking up the mantle. “If God has not call you, don’t ever go and start any ministry, because I know what it is to leave my profession as a pharmacist, a lucrative course for that matter, and from University of Nigeria, Nsukka, for that matter, to begin to carry the Bible. I pity anyone that would venture to move into ministry without being called. If I had not heard Him, I would never do it. But I heard him. It is the will of God for me,” he said.
Some of the things that made him outstanding among other men of God, according to him, were the gospel of Christ, not wealth. “I never answered this calling for money, because my profession by itself is lucrative. I am not a beggar. I am a very proud person in Christ, trying to do the work of God.”
Reacting to the economic state of the nation, he said Nigeria has an issue of leadership already. He advised every Nigerian to begin to pray, and have patience in the face of challenges.
According to him, prayers, supplications and patience are very crucial to surmounting life’s challenges. He equally urged all to work together to build a society where the rights and dignity of all citizens are respected.
He advised Nigerians not to take the law into their hands, hoping that things will eventually turn around one day.
The theme of the event was “Unlocking the supernatural abundance.” While delivering his sermon, Apostle Anselm Madubuko, founder, Revival Assembly, noted that there was no limitation in every child of God, adding that God deposited grace in all His children.
He said: “So when you tap into that, you cannot lack. Time, talent and resources determine how big you will be on earth, else you live a mediocre life.”
He advised the congregation to unlock the grace inside of them and give back to God.
“Giving is another way to receive from God. Don’t look back. Give and it shall be given back to you in greater measure,” he stressed.
Madubuko noted that 30 years was prophetic, and advised Pastor Mozurunyem, saying: “Nobody can say he has a ministry before 30 years because ministry can die before 30 years. You can now start your ministry. God has watched you for 30 years.”
Gospel minister, Judikay, was on stage to thrill the audience.
Other men of God who attended the event included Apostle Patrick Utulu, Evang. Felicia Ezeh and Evang. Livingstone.