Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Emeritus, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has cautioned political leaders across all arms of government, executive, legislature, and judiciary, against the misuse of power, reminding them that ultimate authority belongs to God, to whom they will be accountable.
Delivering a homily at the 17th edition of St. Patrick’s celebration at Holy Family Catholic Church, Life Camp, Abuja, Onaiyekan emphasized that leadership must be exercised with the awareness that every leader will one day answer for their actions before God.
With Senator Victor Umeh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Population and National Identity Management Commission, in attendance as chairman of the occasion, Onaiyekan seized the opportunity to address the nation’s political class.
“I think I see one now, Senator Umeh, the man with the big red hat. You’re most welcome,” he remarked, acknowledging the senator’s presence.
“Senator Umeh doesn’t belong to Edo/Delta, but you know politicians are always looking for ways and means of advertising themselves. He is the senator representing Anambra Central zone in the Senate.
“You are most welcome to join in this. And through you, we are reaching out to all those big men that God had put in charge of us. God put them in charge of us.
“You know what? Since power belongs to God, anybody who holds power is holding it in the name of God. No matter how you collected the power, whether because you staged a coup with a gun, even if you rigged election and the Supreme Court declares you ruler, you should not forget power belongs to God. That is serious.
“What that means is that you are going to give account to God how you are using this power. The people may be helpless, like we all are right now, the people may not be able to challenge you and you may think you are getting away with anything. No way! God’s record is always straight and comprehensive. So, we warn them.
“That’s why we are praying for them, all that may work according to God’s will – seek justice, equity, goodness, kindness, peace, above all, above personal political and other interests.
“So, senator, you have a message. I don’t know how you will carry it to your brothers and sisters. For me, Cardinal, I have done my own part.”
Addressing the issue of repentance, Cardinal Onaiyekan stressed that while no sin is beyond forgiveness, the unwillingness to admit wrongdoing remains a significant obstacle, particularly among political leaders.
He pointed out how some engage in unethical practices yet obtain court rulings to justify their actions.
“But you know to ask for forgiveness entails that we admit we have done wrong. And this admission that we have done wrong is so difficult for us because of our pride. We see people do horrible things and are proud of it and they justify it.
“They can even get court judgment to support it and justify it. If we don’t acknowledge our sins, how would we ask for forgiveness? If we don’t ask for forgiveness, how will God forgive us?”
The Cardinal also urged leaders not to silence the cries of suffering citizens, whether online or through other means, reminding them that God hears and responds to the anguish of the oppressed.
“You can’t stop people suffering from crying. And you know whenever you are crying, the Lord is listening to you.
“Don’t be tired of crying. I’m not tired of crying. I will continue to cry about…this country has enough to make us reasonably happy.
“The country has the wherewithal to make everybody happy, not everybody stinkingly rich. No. God does not provide for all our greed. God has provided for all our needs,” he declared.
Drawing from biblical history, Onaiyekan likened Nigeria’s struggles to the plight of the Israelites under Egyptian oppression, recalling how divine intervention eventually led to their deliverance.
Quoting from the book of Exodus, he stated, “I have seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters; I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptian, and to bring them up out of the land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey.”
Urging continued prayers for those in power, the Archbishop reiterated that leaders must never forget their accountability to God.
He also encouraged the Edo/Delta Catholic community in Abuja to embrace both their faith and cultural heritage, emphasizing that the two should complement each other rather than be seen as opposing forces.
“You do not have to choose between your Christian faith and your Edo/Delta culture. Both can and must enrich each other. And I believe that’s what we are celebrating here this day in this church,” he concluded.
