As the 2027 general elections draw near, Bishop of Ogoja Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Ifeanyi Akunna, has advised Nigerians to make informed choices on the leaders to elect, saying the decisions they make would shape the future of the country.
The Bishop made the call in a statement issued from the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ogoja, Cross River State.
He said, “As another election approaches, Nigerians must beware of politicians who suddenly remember the poor and the grassroots only during election campaigns.
“They come with bags of rice, food items, welfare packages and envelopes containing ₦5,000 or more, pretending to love the people,” he noted.
Continued the Bishop, “True love for the people is demonstrated through good governance, not seasonal generosity. After winning elections, many disappear, abandoning the same people whose votes brought them to power. They only return four years later with bags of rice and envelopes stuffed with money.
“Nigerians, please be wiser! Do not trade your future and that of your children for temporary gratification. A bag of rice cannot guarantee four years of security, quality education, healthcare, employment opportunities, economic development, constant electricity and good governance,” he cautioned.
“The Bible declares in Proverbs 29: 2, that ‘when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. In Exodus 18: 21 the Scripture teaches us to choose capable leaders who fear God, love truth and hate dishonest gain,” observed the Bishop.
Quoting from Proverbs 14: 34, the Diocesan reminded that “Righteousness exalted a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people,” stressing, “as we approach the forthcoming elections, let us prayerfully and intentionally examine the character, competence, integrity and track records of those seeking political offices.”
He noted that Nigeria deserves leaders who will serve the people throughout their tenure, “not politicians who remember the people only during campaigns.”
Bishop Akunna cautioned, “Good governance is your right, not a favour. Your vote is your voice. Use it wisely,” even as he prayed God to “grant Nigerians the wisdom to make righteous choices and raise leaders after His own heart.”
