As good governance nosedived in Nigeria over the years, Nigerians have been steamrolled into all sorts of dire economic conditions, deepening inequalities and injustices, emphasis on tribal, ethnic and religious differences, marginalization of minority, oppression of the poor, and unaccountability from her so-called leaders, inter alia. The exponential and astronomical rise in crime activities, impunity in the socio-political circuit, lurking joblessness, and a deficiency of basic amenities and accessibility to healthcare facilities just to mention a few, are stark empirical evidences to the pitiable state of affairs of the self-acclaimed ‘Giant of Africa.’
With this sad and sorry state, it is plausible to note that Nigeria and Nigerians are unarguably at crossroads, it therefore, becomes imperative to further assert that the present administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari for the past seven years, has failed in its resolve to rescue Nigerians from its path to economic perdition, despite his pontifications to tackle the endemic problem of corruption, insecurity, and unemployment. Hence, the gravest fiasco of the present administration becomes a task to all well-meaning Nigerians who in 2023 would exercise their franchise in electing a government that is deft with political subtlety, critical thoughts and mapped out plans to salvage the present prevailing narratives of poverty, unemployment, killings, kidnappings, bloodshed, and violence ad nauseam. In addressing these pressing national concerns, the role and place of religion cannot be overemphasized.
With about 48 percent of the Nigerian population pulsating as Christians, political campaigners and presidential candidates, readily run to Church houses to solicit votes and buy the consciences of its members and leaders for election purposes. This is not far-fetched, as we see Churches organize services to honor these political gladiators, they pray that God should blot out their political enemies and grant them success during the elections.
The most irksome scene about this madness is that some pastors retire from their job of preaching, bestowing on politicians the power to mount the pulpit, and sanctuaries to declare their manifestoes. Politicians thus, announce largesse to support the Church and its members as a pacifying gift for being the pastor of the day.
Without being told, minsters and their members burst into a frenzy accompanied by resonating and electrifying accolades. Simultaneously comes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, descending with a glut of gifts which probably outnumbers that of the Pentecost event. Trapped in this frenzy, their emollient lips pronounce false prophecies that insult the dignity and perfection of God, and abuse the rationality of humans. These ministers forget in a hurry the horrendous, horrific and horrible meals these men have served us over the years. Truth therefore, becomes relative and context-dependent.
It is indeed unfortunate that Churches have been commercialized and used as a means to wicked and iniquitous ends. Ministers must realize that we are caught in this mess together. If things are not good for the state, then things can never be well for the Church. Churches must call to order their erring ministers who have created a niche for this outrageous malady to fester and foment. Churches should focus on sensitizing their members on the need to cast their votes and not give political matters a wide berth. Armed with this ideology, the structural scaffolding erected by a debased and profligate government can be replaced by electing a purposeful government. With bated breath, we hope not to recycle the same vicious men whose subjective and individualistic needs have clogged the wheels to our growth and development as a nation.
Tobechukwu Johnpaul Nwabuisi, melchi5801@gmail.com
