Ahead of the Covenant Day 2026 Celebration of God of Mercy Revival Ministries (GOMERM), scheduled to hold on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at Mercy Campground, Papalantoro, Ogun State, Dr. James Akanbi, the General Overseer of the church, speaks on the socio-economic challenges confronting Nigeria and offers practical perspectives on how the nation can move forward.
In this concluding part of his interview with Christian Benefits magazine, he also explains why the Church cannot support capital punishment for bandits and shares his views on governance, the role of the Church in society, and the need for integrity in leadership across board. Excerpts:
In the last couple of years now you have been raising, grooming, empowering and positioning the youth members of your church as future leaders of the church. Why can’t the Nigerian government adopt the leadership-grooming template used in your church to raise future leaders?
The Nigerian government cannot simply follow a spiritual template of leadership grooming because the government is not a spiritual institution. The righteous system is different from the unrighteous system. The government of the Church is established and sustained by righteousness, while the government of the world is often built on compromise and maintained through various forms of deception. In the spiritual kingdom, many things are done by divine assignment. When there is a calling, grace follows, and grace makes things easier to achieve. Grace solves difficulties and brings stability to turbulent situations. It makes the impossible possible. When there is grace upon a calling, God can subdue nations and even make a Christian become president of a nation. Grace attracts success. The world is governed by both natural and supernatural forces. When God speaks, all elements bow. So when there is calling, there is grace, and when there is grace, possibilities emerge.
What is your position on capital punishment for bandits in the country?
As a Church, we cannot recommend capital punishment because of the opportunity that grace offers to everyone, including bandits, to repent. Grace is very powerful in the calculus of life. It can transform a person into someone they were not before. A bandit today can be converted tomorrow. So why punish someone permanently when there is still the potential for repentance? According to the Scriptures, the only sin that cannot be forgiven is the sin against the Holy Spirit, which occurs when a person continually refuses conviction by the Holy Spirit until death. As long as someone can still respond to the Holy Spirit, no error is beyond forgiveness. Everyone is open to the grace of salvation. However, every society must have rules and sanctions for those who break them; otherwise, the society will collapse into chaos and destruction. The laws must also be enforced. Unfortunately, that is where Nigeria is failing. We have laws against these crimes, but the penalties are not properly enforced. This failure lies largely within the judicial system, which is very troubling. When justice is not properly executed, it creates room for more crimes.
Where will the nation’s failure to enforce laws lead us
It will lead the nation to destruction and confusion. No nation can achieve greatness when justice and law enforcement are weak.
In what ways can the Church help control this menace as an agent of change in society?
The Church is supposed to be an agent of change. However, the Church must first recognize that every society is a reflection of its religious institutions, including the Church. The Church is a microcosm of the larger society. Unfortunately, many of the problems in society have also crept into the Church. Some practices among believers today cannot withstand the test of integrity. The way some of us conduct ourselves weakens our moral authority to address societal issues. Our capacity to be agents of change has been compromised, and when the Church loses its moral authority, it cannot effectively change society.
What should be the role of the Church in society?
The Church should be the disinfectant of society. It should cleanse society of ungodliness. The Bible calls believers the salt of the earth and the light of the world. But when salt loses its taste and light loses its brightness, the situation becomes hopeless. Sadly, the light of the Church is dimming and the salt is gradually losing its flavor.
Is it possible for the Church to reject ill-gotten wealth brought into the Church?
Yes, it is possible, and it is what should be done. In many ways, the devil captured the Church in Nigeria through money. Money has become one of the greatest instruments of compromise. Some corrupt politicians even hide their stolen funds in churches. While money can be given to God, the Church must have the courage to tell people the truth. Personally, I have rejected certain proposals in order to avoid compromise, and that decision has saved me from many troubles.
What is your message for the year 2026?
What God says to a nation in any particular year often aligns with the vision and ideology of the leader of that nation, whether good or bad. God works within the framework of human leadership. For Nigeria today, the economic framework we are operating under is that of President Bola Tinubu. Anyone who refuses to understand and work within that reality may struggle.
How can people survive in the current economic situation?
When people understand the budget and economic ideology of the government, it helps them prepare strategically. I encourage my members to always bring something valuable to the table. If you do not have a value that can be exchanged for money, you will struggle in this economy. People must also learn to live strategically. The ability to envision the future helps a person position themselves wisely. You must study the factors around you and work with them. Money is not just money; there are dimensions to making it. Each person must discover the dimension that works for them through the potentials God has given them.
The United States recently labeled Nigeria a country of particular concern over alleged Christian persecution. Are Christians truly being persecuted in Nigeria?
Yes, Christians are being persecuted, though it is more prevalent in the northern parts of the country. Recently, several Christian villages were attacked and about fifteen people were killed. From various reports and arrests, it is clear that some powerful individuals are sponsoring these attacks by providing weapons and resources. So there is both persecution and elements of genocide occurring in certain areas.
Should Nigeria depend on foreign powers like the United States for help, or address the issue internally?
Nigeria must first address its internal failures. Our intelligence agencies are aware of many of these issues, but action is often delayed due to political considerations. The problem lies in corruption, political survival, and lack of political will. There are people who can solve these problems, but the courage to act is often missing.
What is your view on Christians carrying guns for self-defense?
That could create a bigger problem. We might solve one issue only to create another, possibly even a civil conflict. After the immediate conflict ends, new forms of violence could emerge. We have seen similar situations in other countries. Allowing widespread civilian gun use could cause significant damage
Do you support a coup as a means of changing any failed government?
No. A coup is illegal, criminal, and dangerous. It leads to violence and bloodshed and has no place in a democratic society. Any attempt to change government through military intervention undermines democracy and national stability.
How do you feel when negative news about the Church emerges?
I feel both sad and hopeful. It is painful because the Church’s reputation is damaged and its vibrancy weakened. However, exposure of wrongdoing can also bring purification. When hidden issues are revealed, it serves as a warning and a lesson to others who may be heading down the same path.
Should the government regulate the Church?
The government cannot effectively regulate the Church because it does not fully understand the spiritual nature of the Church. Organizations like the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) are supposed to provide oversight within the Christian community. Unfortunately, these structures have not always exercised their authority effectively. When leaders themselves lack moral authority, it becomes difficult to discipline others.
Why do some spiritual fathers remain silent about these issues?
Sometimes silence comes from compromise. When spiritual fathers allow themselves to be influenced by gifts and money from their spiritual children, they lose the courage to rebuke wrongdoing. Every spiritual father must know the point at which they refuse to be bought. Discipline and contentment are essential.
Why is your ministry investing resources in supporting other ministries?
I remember where we started from. There were times we struggled and were even asked to leave rented worship spaces. Because we experienced those difficulties, we understand the challenges that younger ministries face. If God has helped us, we should also help others grow. Many people attend ministers meetings and conferences but do not experience change because they fail to apply what they learn. Transformation comes when people adopt and adapt the principles they receive
Why is your ministry investing its resources in supporting other ministries?
