By Obire Onakemu

Dr. Johnmark lghosotu is the Senior Pastor of Free lndeed Church International (God’s Delight Gospel Assembly), Udu-Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. In this interview with OBIRE ONAKEMU, the dynamic preacher speaks on the state of the nation, pointing out how the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can conduct a free and fair election in 2027.

How do you see to the state of the nation?
No doubt, the nation is in God’s hands. Every nation has leaders; we believe God that one day He will give us a leader who can take us to where and what we are yearning for. The nation is in God’s hands.

Do you think the National Assembly is doing enough to trigger the growth of the nation?
Nigeria’s democracy is still growing. Gradually, we shall grow to become like the U.S. one day. As they say, Rome was not build in a day. So, it will take us time; it’s just a matter of time. So, they may not be perfect; they may not have given what we expect; but they are doing their best.

How can the country work towards becoming a prosperous, just and equitable country?
It is not far-fetched; it is just to implement the laws. Laws make the difference. If we operate a system where the law works, undoubtedly, we can become a prosperous, just and equitable society. Outside the law, nothing works. Even in God’s own way, there are laws. In James 2:10, the Bible says even if you keep the whole laws but stumble in one, you have failed in all. Once the institutions of law put in place are well furnished, like the EFCC, the police, NDLEA, Navy, the Army and others, we don’t have problems. But we are still growing.

What is your take on rising insecurity in the country?
Insecurity problem is almost everywhere in the world. We have it in Saudi Arabia, Israel, lran, lraq, Russia and even in the U.S. The one of Nigeria is not all that different but God will help Nigeria. For now, Nigerians are happy that the children of Oriire community in Oyo State who were held long in captivity had been released. And we give thanks to President Bola Tinubu, the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, and all stakeholders – the Police, the Army, the Air Force, the vigilantes and others – for the sacrifices they are making to secure the lives of Nigerians.

Do you subscribe to the view that this nation is under siege?
No! l will not say it is under siege. Nigeria is not even in a siege not to talk of under siege. What makes a nation to be under siege is by few elements of power of darkness. So, Nigeria not under siege but there are some challenges. When you say a country is under siege, the people cannot even come out to buy food, amenities and give themselves what they want.

Nigeria is not really under siege but there are challenges. And the country is working to address those challenges. Gradually we shall get out of it. Nigerians should never lose hope. Once hope is lost, all is lost. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

Are you convinced that Nigeria’s political leaders are genuinely committed to rescuing the nation from its woes and improving the lives of ordinary citizens?
Our political leaders are still very far from it. The ones that are making little impact on the lives of the citizens of this nation are few in number. And they can be felt in areas of small scale business, which is relatively few. One of the things that will make huge impact in the lives of Nigerians is having 24 hours electricity where everybody will fend for themselves.

What is your advice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Judiciary as the 2027 general election is fast approaching?
One thing is that the INEC and the judiciary are actually striving to do their best. But you have something called interest and everybody wants their person to win and that is what is actually going on.

But the truth is that the winning process is not always easy. And INEC will always do its best. What we need from INEC is that no power should tell them what to do. They should just be independent and that is all.

What message do you have for Nigerians in the face of current challenges?
Well, l will say that Nigeria is in God’s hands and God is in Nigeria. We had seen a prophecy that Nigeria is going to break and God has proved them wrong. Nigeria is in God’s hands. We all need to join hands together to pray for our leaders and also for Nigeria. Things would be better when we all join hands to pray for our nation.