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Founder of the Living Faith Church
(Winners Chapel), David Oyedepo, yesterday confirmed his visit to the
ailing Nigerian President, Umar Yar’Adua, along with other Christian
leaders. He declared that he owes no public explanation on the visit,
which he described as ‘private.’ The cleric spoke in an interview with
NEXT in Abeokuta, shortly after attending the 54th birthday
thanksgiving service in honour of the Ogun State governor, Mr. Gbenga
Daniel, held at Valley View of the government house.

“It is true that I visited him,” he said. “It is a private visit, and I don’t owe the public any obligation.

It is a private visit and I don’t want
to comment further on it.” When asked if there was any prayer session
held for the sick President, Mr. Oyedepo replied: “We prayed for him.
Please excuse me, I have to go. I have told you it was a private
visit.”

Lack of integrity

Mr. Oyedepo, in his sermon at the
ceremony, posited that men of integrity are lacking in the country and
that “Nigeria is largely integrity sick at all levels – family, church
and government levels.” He made comparison between this generation and
past generations, stating that, “our forefathers are no ruffians. They
were men of integrity with a rich culture.

“If you come from a house of thieves,
you are not likely to find a wife because they would trace your
character. Unqualified men and women are occupying positions of
leadership in all facets of Nigeria life. We must not put a novice in
office. We must ensure appropriate placement of our people, so that the
nation can move forward. Many people have no knowledge whatsoever of
what they are doing, yet they are doing it.”

Mr. Oyedepo said it is strange that
some people in government cannot define budget, yet he has to
appropriate a budget. “The church should help to infuse a sense of
character and honour ins the people,” he said.