Stop Using Church, Mosque To Defend Failed Governance –Owokoniran Tells Religious Leaders
The South-West Zonal Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Rahman Owokoniran, has cautioned religious leaders against turning the sacred altars of God in the church and mosque to platforms to defend failed governance.
Owokoniran insists that the churches and mosques must remain the conscience of the nation and not the mouthpiece of a government that is delighted in punishing the people with its misplaced priorities and practices in every aspect of life; economy, security, education healthcare, etc.
Reacting to recent public comments by some respected clerics saying several politicians and governors’ would go to jail if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lost second term and similar comments by other religious leaders defending tinubu on insecurity in Nigeria.
Owokoniran said it was deeply troubling when spiritual authorities makes themselves available to be used by politicians to influence political choices instead of subjecting those in power to scrutiny and accountability for good governance.
“The altar belongs to God, not to politicians. Every servant of God has a duty to preach righteousness, justice, truth and accountability not compromise the faithful or their families by influencing them to be afraid of confronting the powerhouse or government that has held them hostage,” he said.
According to him, if Nigerians were being encouraged to retain the present administration, they also deserved to be told what measurable achievements justify such a call.
Can Nigerians honestly say the cost of food has reduced?
Has insecurity been defeated?
Has unemployment declined?
Has the value of the naira improved?
Have businesses stopped collapsing?
Is the cost of fuel now affordable ?
He said, “These are the questions that matter to the general populace of Nigeria today and therefore required the intervention of all of us including the Imam, clergy, priests etc who are interested in shaping the future of this nation.”
Owokoniran maintained that millions of Nigerians continued to endure unprecedented economic hardship, soaring inflation, high transportation costs, unemployment and declining purchasing power.
He warned that no religious leader should create the impression that questioning government performance is contrary to God’s will.
He said: “Religious places have always been the moral compass of the society.
“Prophets in the Bible and the Quran confronted kings, exposed injustice and defended the oppressed. They did not use the pulpit to shield leaders from legitimate public scrutiny. Neither did they use the pulpit as a weapon to promote their personal profit or gain from the ruling party.”
He urged Nigerians to remain politically conscious and to evaluate every government by its performance, not to be influenced by political paranoia or parasites under any religion or regional persuasion.
“Democracy belongs to the people. In 2027, Nigerians must vote based on competence, integrity, economic performance and capacity to restore hope and trust in the candidates,” he said.
Owokoniran reaffirmed that the African Democratic Congress (ADC), under the leadership of Atiku Abubakar, was committed to rebuilding Nigeria through transparent governance, economic recovery, job creation, security, and policies that will improve the lives of all Nigerians.
