The General Overseer, Calvary Kingdom Church, Bishop Joseph Ojo, yesterday, warned against the emergence of a Northerner as president in 2023, saying such would further heat up the polity.

The cleric expressed optimism that having the South to produce the next president would be fair, as it would create a sense of belonging for all regions in the country, thereby lessening tension. 

The cleric spoke during the Calvary Kingdom Church 20th year anniversary, tagged: ‘The Glory of His Kingdom,’ held at Badagry Road, Lagos State, where President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Wale Oke was the special guest of honour.

Ojo condemned the statement made by one of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirants that it’s his turn to be Nigeria’s president, saying it’s only God that appoints kings. 

The founder said it’s the grace of God that has been keeping the country, despite the many challenges confronting it.

He said: With what is happening in the country and we are still celebrating, it shows the grace of God has been keeping us together. 

“It’s our prayers that politicians should give peace a chance, they shouldn’t engage in a do or die politicking, I heard one of them said that it’s his turn to be president, such statement is not necessary. To lead a country like Nigeria, you can’t just say ‘it’s my turn.’ If it’s God’s will, whoever God wants to put there will be there. 

“It’s my wish that the North concede the presidency to the South so that peace will reign and also for the betterment and unity of the country. Every part of the country should have a sense of belonging.

“The politicians should bury their pride and allow the south to produce the President in 2023. The next time, the South will wait for the North to produce. President Buhari is from the North West, next time it will be the North Central or North East. They shouldn’t do anything that will heighten the tension.

“The best thing for peace and a sense of belonging is for the presidency to come to the south, it’s left for the south to decide which part of the south it will go to. The last time the south had the opportunity of the president, it was from the South South, we have had the South West, this time the presidency should go to the South East.”