Aside morality, what else for Nigerians?

Sir: Many Nigerians have got to their wits’ end. They are not just afraid, they are threatened and helpless concerning the twist of the society they live in. So many have accepted that God is asleep in their own country. If not why are all these befallen us? The storms and the crises being faced by the masses have forced many to take recourse to ancestors, deities, and fetish priests/priestesses. Due to the fact that we are at our breaking point, losing our confidence; there’s need to restore morality and reintroduce sanctity in the society.

So many are of the view that the problem of Africa even Nigeria is religion which was brought to us by the white man in his quest for colonialism. They cite countries like Japan, China, Switzerland, and other European countries who have given up on religion yet they are prosperous.

Ignorantly, these people fail to understand that America and Europe operate on core moral values which hinges on honesty, sincerity, hardwork, respect for others and transparency. Perhaps, they imbibed those values from core Christian teachings. It’s scary to note that if not Christianity, Nigeria would have been in shambles today. Many journals discussed the impacts of moral decadence on the socio-economic aspects of life. Still, many Nigerians are not willing to change or develop a character. Sadly, there’s no model in leadership in Nigeria. We lack pacesetters and exemplary leaders. And that’s why whoever comes to leadership becomes more wicked than his predecessors.

Leadership positions in Nigeria reflect the majority of the citizens and mirrors the life of the general populace. Corruption, a manifestation of moral decay has become the norm in Nigeria’s political landscape. Leaders entrusted with the responsibility of serving the people, indulge in embezzlement, nepotism and cronyism, leaving the masses to suffer. Kidnappers, bandits and criminals in Nigeria display their trade, ill-gotten wealth in online videos. Social vices such as bribery, fraud and violence are common and perpetrators go unpunished. The consequence is a society where right and wrong are blurred, and the rule of law is disregarded.

The prevalence of corruption and fraud has discouraged foreign investment, stifled economic growth and perpetuated poverty. The education system meant to instill moral principles, has been compromised, and the family unit once the bedrock of moral instructions, has been weakened. The judiciary lack moral compass and the leaders do not embrace the moral fibre imbued in their consciences. Majority of the citizens are hurt because of the crazy and cruel things done by the leaders or those in sensitive posts/offices. What has kept Nigeria as one despite the brutal decisions of government is that Christians are taught to overlook offenses. And the more you understand someone’s background, the more grace you’ll show them.

Proverbs 19:11 says; “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. It’s neither smartness or cleverness of the political leaders that has quelled over 100 million Christians from the incitement for a full blown conflict or war. The tolerance of Christian leaders has united the country and kept it moving forward despite the bloodshed and atrocities. Morality is not Christianity because Christianity is not a system of ethics, morality or rightful living. It’s the belief and worship of a person. Now, society has invented what it believes are sufficient cleansing agents. Morality would surely help to keep the society as the dwelling of sane people, assist in the maintenance of law and order, prevent bloodshed, cruelty and wickedness. The 18th century preacher, Charles Spurgeon illustrated that morality would keep people out of jail.

Some Christian leaders have advocated for working out a system of morals, ethics and religion that would bring together all the religions of the world just to maintain peace but it’s seemingly impossible. Matter of fact, pressure, affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance among believers. Our world and the systems of government is old, repaired, patched up and made over. Nigerian leaders or those who found themselves in exalted positions lack self awareness. No man is more pathetic than he who is in great need and is not aware of it. Anyone who lacks morality in any given society is shriveled and deprived. There’s always something pathetic about a man who thinks he is rich when he is actually poor, who thinks he is good when he is actually vile, who thinks he is educated when he is actually illiterate. Lacking morality amongst leaders in Nigeria is like a man who is so sick as he who has a fatal disease and is not aware of it.

• Obiotika Wilfred Toochukwu, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Awgbu.