Ejimbeonwu, Gerald Kene Ph.D
Department of Social Science, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra state, Nigeria
Corresponding Author’s email: geraldkenechukwu@gmail.com
Abstract
There are two powers God has bequeathed to human communities namely the Ecclesiastical and Civil powers. The relationship between the Church and the State can be dated back to the year 313 when Constantine issued the Edict of Milan which tolerated all forms of cults including cults in the Church and allowed the Church to own property and granted the Church all forms of freedom. Hence, both institutions have co-existed with their clear defined functions and missions. Both functions and missions of the two institutions when implemented can birth a leadership that can drive Nigeria to good governance. But the manipulation of any of the institutions poses a threat to peace and stability within the society. The study is to investigate the activities of the Church and the State as it affects the conduct of 2023 presidential election in Nigeria. The study adopted structural functional approach in its theoretical analysis. The study discovers that the church and her leaders have shown their full commitment in enthroning of good leadership in Nigeria. Though, some Church leaders are still trapped by the banana pearls of politicians whom saw the Church as tool for winning elections in Nigeria. This study recommends strongly the need for political revolution from the Church. A political revolution is needed in Nigeria and it need to start from the sanctuary where priests performs triple functions as prophets (teachers of truth), Priest (ministers of the sacrament) and Kings (leaders of the people of God).
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