Okoh: Nigeria lacks service-oriented politicians

Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Dr. Nicholas D. Okoh has lamented that the country lacks service-oriented politicians, statesmen and women. He said the country had “excess supply of reward-induced politicians, including Christians” that forgot that true greatness lies in service to God and man.

Okoh, who made the observation, while delivering his Bishop’s Charge at the 3rd Session of the 10th Synod held at St. Matthew’s Church, Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja, said Nigeria needs leaders that would cater for every individual, irrespective of tribe, religion or status; true statesmen and not just politicians.

He said: “To have power but refuse to misuse it to prove a point as Jesus did; to have money but refuse to display it; to have eloquence but refuse to ‘parrot it,’ to gain victory but refuse to be carried away; to be great and even of royal birth, yet serve the poorest of the poor; to succeed but remember that God did it; to be knowledgeable, but remember that we know only in part – this is humility, which is the primary quality of a servant.”

Speaking on the theme of the Synod, “Servant-Leadership,” the Bishop of the Diocese of Abuja described Jesus Christ as the greatest Leader and Teacher, Who taught His disciples the timeless lesson of servant leadership in both word and deed. He explained that a leader must be an individual with a vision, one who motivates, serves, listens to, and manages others.

The cleric stated that leadership that does not influence and make servants out of subjects couldn’t pass the test of servant-leadership.

While calling Christians to emulate Jesus Christ, Who served obediently like a slave, Okoh said they should wholeheartedly serve society in their different callings. On state of the nation, the Primate said the renewed rampage of killer herdsmen and bandits around the country was worrisome.

He called on Federal Government to wake up to its responsibility and save lives and property. While commending signing of the New Minimum Wage Bill, Okoh called on President Muhammadu Buhari administration to remember pensioners and workers, to be dedicated.

He congratulated all the 2019 general elections winners and commended aggrieved parties and persons for seeking redress in the law courts, rather than taking laws into their hands. He appealed to government to create jobs for youths and deal decisively with the problem of power, which he said, was necessary for economic growth and stability. He urged Buhari to focus on uniting Nigeria, especially in second his term in office.