A prominent Nigerian Pastor Lawrence Achudume has called for a fundamental change in the way Nigeria is governed, stressing that the country needs leaders whose hearts are genuinely committed to the welfare of the people and protection of the nation’s commonwealth.
Penpushing reports that Achudume made the call While addressing the congregation during a programme organised to pray for Nigeria at 66, and drawing from the biblical account of Amaziah in 2 Chronicles 25, he noted that although the king of Judah “did that which was right in the sight of the Lord,” the scripture also stated that he did so “not with a perfect heart.”
The General Overseer of Vicrory Life Bible Church(VBLC) International pointed out that the lesson remains relevant to Nigeria adding that occupying political office does not automatically mean that the person has the right intentions to serve.
Penpushing further reports that he criticised what he described as a political culture in which people enter government with the intention of acquiring wealth and power, saying political mentorship should instead promote public service, accountability and responsible leadership.
The known frankly speaking cleric also challenged the culture of celebrating elected officials for providing basic public services, saying roads, markets, housing, transportation and other infrastructure were responsibilities attached to public office.
Penpushing also reports that he declared that if they failed to do it, they should step aside stressing that the authority given to presidents, governors, commissioners, senators and other public officials was a privilege accompanied by responsibility, not a licence for impunity.
The cleric urged Nigerians to take responsibility for determining the country’s political future through their votes, participate actively in elections and defend the integrity of their votes through lawful democratic means.
Penpushing reports that he explained that his call was not for military intervention, but for Nigerians to use democratic processes to demand accountability and better leadership,noting that Nigeria’s challenge requires a change of heart, with citizens and leaders putting the interests of the nation and future generations ahead of personal gain.
The clergyman emphasised that leaders should not leave a disastrous state of the nation to the children, and equally urged African leaders to defend the interests of their people and make decisions based on national priorities.
Penpushing further reports that he stated that the continent needed leaders capable of independent thought and integrity when dealing with foreign partners, pointing out that the ability of a leader to say no when a decision conflicts with the national interest ultimately depends on integrity and a clear conscience.
The General Overseer reflecting on Nigeria’s history,he recalled the sacrifices of the country’s nationalist generation, urging the present generation to ensure that the labour of the nation’s heroes was not in vain.
Penpushing also reports that he equally encouraged young Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, innovation, entrepreneurship and personal responsibility, saying nation-building required citizens who were committed to purposes greater than themselves, stressing that ordinary sacrifice will produce ordinary results.
The fearless clerci beyond governance, urged Nigerians not to speak ill of their country because of its challenges, stressing that Nigeria remained blessed with highly intelligent and accomplished citizens.
“We are great people. We are intelligent people. Look at the best doctors on earth; look at the best engineers. Name it, and you will find Nigerians there,” he said,
Penpushing reports that Achudune citing Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka and other accomplished Nigerians as good examples said Nigerians should combine their confidence and intelligence with discipline, humility and integrity to build a better society.
The clergyman recalling his childhood experiences during Independence celebrations, said schoolchildren were once served rice, with some pupils bringing large plates and even buckets because they expected to receive food, adding that such memories should remind Nigerians of the need to build a country where its resources translate into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.
Penpushing further reports that he urged Nigerians not to surrender hope in the country, not give up, expressing optimism that Nigeria will be great, because it was born great, stating that the people capable of providing the leadership Nigeria needs may already exist but could still be outside positions of authority.
The cleric therefore called for prayers and a renewed commitment to responsible leadership across all levels of government and urged Nigerians to use the 66th Independence Anniversary to reflect on their collective responsibility and work towards a nation where integrity, service and the common good guide the exercise of public power.
“The people who are there now may not be the right people, but they will come. God will raise a people. They could be waiting somewhere. Every local government, every government office, every office where positions are taken — the Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, the Senate — let God reign in your governor’s offices. Let God reign. Pray. It’s possible’ Achudume said.
FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email penpushing@yahoo.com
