CGM Leader Warns Against Unbiblical Practices, Political Interference as Church Marks 50 Years

By Uzo Ugwunze

The National Leader of The Church of God Ministry Incorporated (CGM), Evangelist Prof. Uzochukwu Solomon Nwanonyuo, has warned Christian leaders against unbiblical practices and political interference in church affairs, urging them to uphold the teachings of the Holy Scriptures.

Nwanonyuo spoke during the ministry’s 50th anniversary celebration at its National Headquarters, 7A New Cemetery Road, Onitsha, Anambra State, held under the theme, “A Legacy of Faith, A Future of Hope.”

The cleric expressed concern over what he described as the growing adoption of occultic and ungodly practices in some churches, warning that such developments undermine the integrity of Christianity.

He urged church leaders to resist external influences and remain committed to biblical doctrines and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

“The Church must remain firmly rooted in the teachings of Christ and the Holy Scriptures. We must not allow political interests or practices contrary to the Bible to compromise our spiritual responsibilities,” he said.

Nwanonyuo also cautioned ministers and bishops against using their positions to promote partisan interests or dictate political choices to congregants.

He maintained that voting should be based on individual conscience and the performance of political officeholders, citing the biblical injunction: “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.”

Calls for Peaceful 2027 Elections

Speaking ahead of the 2027 general elections, the CGM leader urged politicians and citizens to embrace peace, unity and democratic responsibility.

He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free, fair and credible elections, warning against violence, intimidation and do-or-die politics.

Nwanonyuo advised election winners to be magnanimous and urged voters to exercise their franchise according to their conscience, stressing that national peace must take precedence over partisan interests.

CGM Reflects on 50 Years of Growth

In his welcome address, Nwanonyuo described the ministry’s 50-year journey as a testimony to God’s faithfulness and preservation.

He traced the church’s establishment to 1976, when early believers led by Pastor Fabian Dozie Obiadi founded the movement, initially known as the Evangelical Church of God, which later became The Church of God Ministry Incorporated.

Starting in Onitsha, the ministry expanded into several states across Nigeria.

Nwanonyuo recalled the church’s 2002 internal crisis, which resulted in the departure of some members, but said the ministry overcame the challenges and continued to grow.

Highlighting achievements under his leadership since 2020, he listed the modernisation of the national headquarters into a two-storey building, commencement of the campground project, expansion of evangelism and church planting.

He identified doctrinal integrity, youth mentorship, evangelism, accountable leadership and humanitarian service as priorities for the next 50 years.

Founding Father Calls for Prayer and Commitment

The Senior Pastor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Pastor Fabian Dozie Obiadi, urged young ministers to remain prayerful, disciplined and faithful to their calling.

He described prayer as a vital instrument for national transformation, expressing optimism that God could change Nigeria’s fortunes if the Church remained steadfast.

Another founding father, Elder Barr. Anthony Anonyuo, thanked God for sustaining the ministry through five decades of challenges and growth.

Anonyuo, who was among the award recipients, expressed gratitude for witnessing the golden jubilee and prayed for continued blessings upon the church and its leadership.

The celebration featured thanksgiving, tributes and recognition of individuals whose contributions helped sustain the ministry over the years.

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