Prioritize Good Governance over Elections: Catholic Archbishop to Nigeria’s Political Leaders

He said, “It is very unfortunate. We simply hope and pray that good sense will begin to prevail, and funds that ought to be used to better the lives of people will be applied for governance and for the welfare of people.”

The Nigerian Catholic Church leader noted that a significant portion of national resources is often diverted to political campaigns long before elections, leaving pressing social needs unattended.

“I believe that we need to call upon our government and indeed to continue to hammer it into their ears that we need governance, good governance, rather than people squaring up for elections in two years,” he said.

Archbishop Adewale reminded leaders that political power is temporary and that they will ultimately answer to God for how they govern.

“We cannot afford to lose hope that things will turn around. What we must continue to do is to tell our leaders, make it clear to our leaders that we do not accept a situation in which the welfare of Nigerians is being relegated to the background in favor of the welfare of politicians or in favor of political parties,” he said.

He cautioned leaders against selfishness, urging them to remember their mortality and the eternal consequences of their actions.

“Power is only a temporary thing. Whether they stay on it for God knows how long, they will still come out of power and be held accountable in the presence of God. And where they will live for eternity, they should be preparing for it now. Otherwise, the whole moment of being in power will jeopardize their eternity,” the Local Ordinary of Lagos said.

He acknowledged that Nigeria has produced some capable leaders but said many others have failed to live up to the expectations of citizens.

“I am not sure I can say with one clean sweep that we have not had good leadership or we have not had good leaders. But there has been leadership that has not lived up to the expectations of Nigerians,” the Archbishop said.

The Local Ordinary of Lagos Archdiocese noted that electoral malpractice, manipulation of poor voters, and political maneuvering have prevented the best candidates from emerging as leaders.

“People, Nigerians, at the time of election, have been led in different directions as a result of poverty, as a result of the antics of politicians over the years. And that is why we really have not had our first team, so to speak, in the leadership saddle,” he said.

The Archbishop expressed confidence that once electoral irregularities are addressed, the country will be able to elect men and women capable of transforming Nigeria.

Archbishop Adewale also expressed gratitude for the resilience of citizens who continue to survive and adapt under difficult circumstances.

“We must thank God that Nigeria is still floating as it were. Many countries have undergone similar troubles as we have and have not been able to survive it. We must thank God for the resilience that He has given to Nigerians, for the ability to cope, adjust, and adapt, which has enabled us to continue to be,” he said.

He urged Nigerians not to lose hope but to continue pressing their leaders for accountability.

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The Nigerian Catholic Archbishop praised Caritas Nigeria for intervening in areas where government responsibility is lacking. 

He underscored the importance of voter education and public enlightenment to improve governance.

“We hope that with the work and effort at encouraging and fostering good governance that Caritas Nigeria does, along with other similar agencies, we shall begin to reach the measure of good leadership that we deserve,” he explained. 

Archbishop Adewale added, “We need to do a lot of education, voters’ education in particular, and awareness about what good governance means.”