I watched a video of Rev. Dr Emmanuel Chukwuma admonishing our corrupt and heartless politicians while speaking at an Interdenominational Commendation Service for Vice President Alex Ekwueme. I was impressed and elated to hear a "man of God" in present-day Nigeria speak with such anger and hatred for corruption and speak truth to power.
Though I appreciate what he said, I believe he could have done better by extending his admonishment to the so-called men of God who are involved in unhealthy alliances with political leaders, exploiting and subjugating the people to perpetuate their own positions in office.
Our religious leaders are largely responsible for the delay in the long-awaited revolution in Nigeria. When they preach unholy sermons in churches, mosques, and possibly shrines, telling people to be patient with their leaders amidst untold hardship, despite the fact that this hardship is a result of misgovernance and corruption, they are not protecting the interests of their followers. The unholy romance between religious leaders and corrupt political leaders can no longer be tolerated. It is unacceptable to tell the congregation to endure earthly suffering with the promise of heavenly rewards. Just as they hope for a new Jerusalem, they also desire a new Nigeria before the arrival of the new Jerusalem. We are not fools.
It is time to stand against both our corrupt religious leaders and political criminals masquerading as leaders.
I have argued and still strongly believe that if our religious leaders were true to the essence of their calling—if they are truly called in the first place—we would witness significant change. If they began to engage their congregations with the reality that their suffering is due to government corruption, we would see an unprecedented awakening. Such an awakening could propel the people to reclaim their destiny from corrupt leaders.
We know that in today’s world, no one can claim indifference to politics and political activities when it is evident that political policies affect everyone.
If clergymen and women were genuinely concerned about the welfare of those they claim to shepherd, they would be at the forefront of the fight against corruption and the development of the nation. I wonder what kind of shepherd sits back and watches indifferently while the food meant for his sheep is being stolen.
I remember hearing Bishop Hassan Kukah say that there would never be a revolution in Nigeria. According to him, Nigerians have had a fair share of leadership from their leaders and should, therefore, be grateful and commend them for a job well done. I was transfixed, utterly stupefied, and shocked to my core to hear a man who is supposedly a man of God, responsible for articulating the yearnings, sufferings, and troubles of the masses—God’s children—acting as an unofficial proxy for corrupt leaders in government.
When those who claim to be the mouthpieces of God, and we have many of them, begin to defend political officeholders, it indicates that the end is near. The end of corruption and looting with impunity in Nigeria is approaching. The revolution that self-serving figures like Bishop Hassan Kukah claim will never happen is, in fact, on the verge of occurring. Time will tell.
If individuals like Bishop Hassan Kukah think they will be forgotten when the revolution finally happens, they should reconsider, as there will be no hiding place for them. The revolution will come like a hurricane, sweeping away all agents of corruption without mercy. If they believe the security details provided by their cronies in government will save them on judgment day, they better wake up from their deep slumber.
We are gradually reaching the realization that there is no way out except to take power from our corrupt leaders. Is it not said that power belongs to the people? Yet the people have no idea what power looks like, much less being in control of it.
The masses need to be adequately informed and sensitized to prepare for the imminent revolution that is about to unfold. This revolution will transfer power to the people. It can only be made possible by the people, and they must be ready to take charge. The people must be told the truth: they are suffering because their leaders have stolen and are still stealing their share of the commonwealth. They must understand that their suffering today is not caused by nature or self-inflicted, but is induced by poor leadership.
When you corner a goat and it sees no escape, it will charge at you with its horns, as you are the only obstacle to its freedom. We are approaching the point where the only solution is to take power from our corrupt leaders.
May God embolden us and grant us the courage to fight against injustice in the land.
