—Backs state police, urges Christians into politics
By Dayo Johnson Akure
The Archbishop of Ondo Province and Bishop of Akure Diocese, Most Rev. Simeon Borokini, has called for the prosecution of all persons involved in the alleged financial mismanagement at the Presidential Intervention and Promotion Council, PFIPC.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the Second Session of the 15th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Akure at the Cathedral Church of St. David, Akure, Borokini said corruption was not new in Nigeria but must be met with transparency and justice whenever it is exposed.
Bishop Borokini said “Corruption has been there. And now that this one is exposed, those who are involved should be brought to book and let justice be done.
He noted that public resources belong to the people and must be protected. He urged authorities to recover any misappropriated funds and redirect them to programmes that benefit citizens.
“But it is money meant for the nation, and I pray that God will allow them to retrieve some of the money, if everything has not been spent, so that it will be used for the populace,” Borokini added.
He stressed that accountability remains critical for good governance and urged public officials to act responsibly in the interest of the people.
Borokini also reiterated his support for state policing, describing it as a practical response to Nigeria’s security challenges.
He commended the establishment of the Amotekun Corps and expressed optimism that locally recruited personnel would help curb kidnapping and other crimes.
On governance, he urged sincere Christians to join politics, saying faith-based values could improve public service.
“We are praying and soliciting that genuine Christians will come into politics. Not nominal Christians, not Christians by name, but those who know the God they are serving,” he said.
The Provost of St. David’s Cathedral, Akure, Very Rev. Prof. Ayodele Adeyinka Atunwoju, explained that the Synod is the highest decision-making body of the diocese, comprising the Houses of Bishops, Clergy and Laity.
Atunwoju also addressed questions on succession following Borokini’s impending retirement, saying the final decision rests with the Church’s electoral process.
“Struggle? Yes. Because we are human beings, there may be struggles. But those struggles are always underground. And at the end of the day, it is the House of Bishops, or what you call the College of Bishops, that will elect the successor to the present bishop,” Atunwoju said.
He noted that managing expectations among priests and church members often comes with pressure.
