Matthew 5:14-16

14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

‘Corruption has eaten deep into the fabrics of our nation’ is used to describe the menace that has crippled our nation and is now considered ‘normal’. Being corrupt is a way of life in Nigeria; refusing to partake in corrupt behaviour is considered abnormal in today’s Nigeria.

In the Catholic Church, the fourth Sunday after Easter Celebration is referred to as The Good Shepherd Sunday. The Gospel text of the Good Shepherd Sunday is usually taken from the Gospel of John. John 10:11 reads, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep”. John 10:10 gives an insight about individuals who are not fit to be shepherds, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy...”.

We have too many thieves elected into leadership positions in Nigeria. Given that these leaders are mostly Christians and Muslims by faith, the leadership of these religious bodies need to set up a framework to call their members who occupy leadership positions to account.

Christians are often advised to ask the question “What would Jesus do?” in any situation they find themselves. Pastors, Priest and Church leaders need to answer the same question today.

This article is my reflection to the questions, “What would Jesus Do?”, “What would Apostle Paul do?” if they were to be alive as Nigerians at this time. What would Jesus do to call members of his flock who participate in governance to order and account?

For the Christians, the leadership of the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) must take the lead and responsibility of creating a framework for her members to adopt.

The word “governance” is derived from the Latin verb “gubernare” or more originally from the Greek word “kubernaein” which means “to steer.” From its etymology, governance refers to the manner of steering or governing, or of directing and controlling, a group of people or a state.

Governance refers to structures and processes that are designed to ensure accountability, transparency, responsiveness, rule of law, stability, equity, inclusiveness, empowerment, and broad-based participation. It assures that corruption is minimized, the views of minorities are taken into account and that the voices of the most vulnerable in the society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society.

Leadership is a critical ingredient of good governance. The effect of a great leader is transformational, the ability to bring out the best in others for the greater good of all. Leaders instill a sense of moral and social responsibility into their every activity and help build communities of common ideas and ideologies. Leadership is leading from the front.

How can the Church help to rescue Nigerians from poor leadership? My suggestions are the following:

1. Every Church should set up a Leadership/Accountability Unit. One of their responsibilities will include keeping track of members who occupy leadership position with a view to monitoring their activities and contributions while providing reports to the church leadership and recommending these individuals for commendation or retribution.

2. Churches should organize bi-yearly Governance/Leadership retreats for their members who occupy leadership position. Attendance should be made compulsory and attendees should be made to give an account of their performance in office.

3. Church leaders should regularly write commendation or retribution letters to their members who occupy leadership position.

4. Serving public leaders should not be invited to launching events as Chief Launcher or other related titles that will put pressure on them to donate huge sums of money to the church

5. Special seats or recognition should not be accorded any church member because they occupy a public office

Not minding the passage of the Freedom of Information Bill (FoI), certain information that is important to civil societies and members of the public are kept secret. This information should be obtained from representatives who are members of the body of Christ. Isn’t this what being Christ-like is about?

Church leaders must not fail to remind their flocks, particularly those occupying leadership position, about their responsibility to be the light of the world, to bear good fruits. In describing the Good Shepherd in John 10, Jesus paints the picture of leaders who care deeply for those entrusted to their care, whose actions are sacrificial and not selfish.

The Church cannot afford to look away anymore. The time has come for the Church to wage war against her members who occupy leadership roles and bear evil fruits or no fruits. If need be, the church should excommunicate those who refuse to repent from their evil ways.

There has been too much darkness in our public institutions that one wonders if there are no Children of God there to shine the light of Christ. The body of Christ undoubtedly has a role to play in salvaging the catastrophic leadership situation that is the bane of the Nigerian nation.

Politics belongs to the devil, his demons and their human agents so no child of God (Christian) can be a part of that arrangement! John 17:14

Jesus refused to be a politician or a ruler {John 6:15} because Satan has been ruling the world after the fall of man in the garden of Eden {Luke 4:6; John 14:30 compare to 2Corinthians 4:4; 1John 5:19} our own government is not from this source {John 18:36} that's why we keep praying for God's Kingdom to come {Matthew 6:9-10} so that righteousness could take over throughout the earth {Daniel 2:44} and God's will may be done on earth as it is also taking place in heaven!

God bless you!