By Victoria Adekunle
Religious leaders have important roles to play in promoting good governance and responsible leadership in Nigeria, according to Rev’d Olusegun Adebambo Ojomo, Convener, God’s Protectorates’ Ministries.
He explained that religious leaders should encourage their members to pray for the emergence of good and righteous leaders, rather than only supporting individuals or political parties.
He noted that when righteous people were in positions of leadership, peace and stability in the nation would be enthroned.
Ojomo also identified spiritual knowledge and moral instruction as another expected and important contribution of religious leaders.
According to him, religious leaders should impart knowledge on their members by teaching the truth of God’s Word without diluting its principles.
Such teachings, he said, could help raise disciplined, committed, organised, loyal and accountable people, qualities that could positively influence their careers, businesses and other areas of endeavour.
He further advised religious leaders to encourage their members to participate actively in the democratic process. This includes belonging to political parties, contesting elections and voting responsibly.
He cautioned Nigerians against selling their votes or accepting gifts and money in exchange for their votes, stressing that citizens should not allow temporary benefits to determine the future of the country.
The cleric also said religious leaders should be able to advise political leaders on issues affecting their communities and the nation while stressing that they should not completely avoid politics, but contribute constructively to discussions about good governance and national development.
He however emphasised the need for religious leaders to remain politically neutral. “Rather than openly supporting a particular political party, they should pray for whoever is in government, encourage peaceful coexistence and serve as peace builders, while also encouraging citizens to pray for better governance and hold leaders accountable.
He concluded that the church had the responsibility to help build a society where citizens were disciplined, informed, accountable and committed to the common good of the nation.