OPPRESSION OF THE NIGERIAN PEOPLES: THE COMPLICITY OF THE CHURCH

No nation can long endure or be prosperous without morality in the people. The loss of principles and morals is the greatest threat to a people and will cause its fall faster than any enemy force can.
Therefore I say, the church is responsible for the condition of the Nigerian state. I say this not just from a theological view point for the scripture says we are the salt of the earth, but also from a practical understanding of oppression and the liberating of nations.
The church is the most powerful institution for the building of virtue and character in peoples of the world. Virtue and character is the key to free, prosperous and progressive nations. Where there are virtuous people oppression cannot thrive. A virtuous nation of 150 million people cannot be taken hostage by 4 wicked and corrupt individuals. We are where we are because of the coldness in our pulpits, because the church has failed to deliver its mandate. I
History has shown that virtue and character in a people is the basis of happiness in a society and is absolutely necessary for a state to long remain free. As human nature is corrupted, the foundations for freedom are easily destroyed; rebuilding these foundations is the primary purpose of the church in a nation and for this God will hold every Christian leader accountable.
In a nation where there is virtue and morals; the people will have concern for the common good above their own self interest; they will vigorously participate in local, regional and national government, and will seek to correct wrong conduct in public officials and if necessary, they will risk their life, fortune and honor for their country.
In a virtuous nation, the people will not live in fear of civil government. They will be vigilant and diligent to work to establish a free nation and then also to maintain it and bequeath same to their children. A people of character cannot be enslaved by a few individuals, they will rather die fighting to defend their honor, their consciences cannot be bought, and their rights cannot be alienated. While decades of oppression has de-energized and demoralized the Nigerian people, the church has God’s mandate to restore their dignity and build virtue by God’s power and grace.