Honestly, there wasn’t a reason for me to end this thirty days challenge without including anything church or religion. With the kind of influence our faith has over us as believers… it’s becoming a tool, weaponized against our interests.
We actually need to wake up and face reality. Mind you, am not talking about the church out of spite or because am not a Christian. No, Am basically doing this to create awareness for bad leadership, whether it’s in government, private or religious organizations.
There is a question that deserves an honest conversation in Nigeria today: What exactly does the Nigerian government have against the Church?
I feel like, after the government is the church. They hold more power than we can think of yet we’re all complaining about bad leadership while exempting them. So why does it seem that the Church is welcome to pray for the nation but becomes uncomfortable when it speaks about insecurity, injustice, corruption, poverty and poor governance?
The Church is more than a building where people gather every Sunday. It is a community that provides spiritual guidance, education, humanitarian support and moral direction.
But should the Church concern itself only with the spiritual lives of its members while ignoring the realities affecting their everyday lives?
It’s only during elections you would actually notice that the government and church has a good working relationship but after they become oil and water right,
Now let me ask, Is Speaking the Truth Becoming a Problem for our leaders in Christ?
One of the responsibilities of the Church is to speak truth, even when that truth is uncomfortable.
Throughout history, religious institutions have contributed to social development, challenged injustice and advocated for vulnerable people.
In Nigeria, the Church has played significant roles in education, healthcare and community development. So why should speaking about the country's challenges suddenly become controversial?
A government that welcomes prayers for national peace should also be willing to listen when religious leaders question the conditions preventing that peace.
However, the Church must equally understand that its influence comes with responsibility. Its voice should be guided by truth, integrity and genuine concern for the people, not political interests.
The Church Must Also Be Accountable
While questioning the government, we must not exempt the Church from criticism.
Are religious leaders practising the transparency and accountability they demand from political leaders? Are churches doing enough to address the struggles of the people within their communities?
The Church cannot demand accountability outside while avoiding it within.
So, What Exactly Does the Government Have Against the Church?
Perhaps the real issue is not whether the Church should speak, but whether those in power are willing to listen.
The government has a responsibility to protect citizens, uphold justice and provide security. The Church has a responsibility to offer moral direction, promote compassion and speak up when human dignity is threatened.
These responsibilities should complement one another, not compete.
The Church should not become a tool for political manipulation, and the government should never consider itself above moral questioning.
Nigeria needs a Church that is courageous enough to speak, a government humble enough to listen and citizens courageous enough to demand accountability.
Because ultimately, the Church is not called to worship political power, and political power is not above accountability.
Finally, go get your PVC if you haven’t and don’t forget to make the right choice for the next election.
Remember to always feel free to air your views about this topic on the comment section and don't forget to share this post if useful.
