Emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has cautioned political leaders in Nigeria against abusing power, reminding them that ultimate authority belongs to God, to whom they will be held accountable.
Speaking during a homily at the 17th edition of St. Patrick’s celebration at Holy Family Catholic Church, Life Camp, Abuja, Onaiyekan warned that those in power must govern with the awareness that they will answer to God for their actions.
Addressing the presence of Senator Victor Umeh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Population and NIMC, the cleric said: “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 through a coup, election rigging, or a Supreme Court declaration, you should not forget that power belongs to God.”
He cautioned that while the people may seem helpless under bad governance, divine justice remains inevitable.
On the issue of forgiveness, Cardinal Onaiyekan lamented that many leaders refuse to admit their wrongs, justifying their actions through legal rulings. He stressed that true forgiveness requires acknowledging one’s mistakes.
The Archbishop further urged leaders not to suppress the voices of suffering Nigerians, saying: “You can’t stop people suffering from crying. The Lord is listening.” He reminded them that Nigeria has enough resources to provide for the needs of its citizens, but not for excessive greed.
Drawing from the biblical story of the Israelites in Egypt, he assured that God hears the cries of the oppressed and will act in due time.
The cleric called for prayers for those in power to govern with justice and compassion, while encouraging the Edo/Delta Catholic community in Abuja to embrace both their Christian faith and cultural heritage.
