Nigerian Archbishop Decries “ministry of corruption”, Urges Imitation of Christ’s Kingship

“To get into any choice institution, one must go through someone; to be recruited into any parastatal or security agency, you must have someone, know someone,” he said, adding that corruption in the country’s public or civil service “has become legendary.”

The Local Ordinary of Nigeria’s Abuja Archdiocese since November 2019 lamented that corruption has invaded “religious circles” and government sectors entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the people.

He said that the “scandalous amounts” spent during electioneering periods and on contesting elections in courts are clear indicators of corruption and selfishness.

Archbishop Kaigama said that rather than overspending in such ways, the money could be channeled to projects such as infrastructure, food, and housing for millions of Nigerians.

In his homily, Archbishop Kaigama reflected on the Kingship of Jesus Christ and said that it cannot be compared to human kingship as it does not depend on voter choices or kingmakers.

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The 65-year-old Nigerian Archbishop called the leaders of Africa’s most populous nation to emulate Christ’s kingship that he said is devoid of selfish interests and ambitions.

He said, “Christ’s leadership was one of service and selfless giving. He showed this by washing the feet of His apostles. Christ the King had no attendants, special advisers, security guards, and other paraphernalia that go with earthly leadership.”

“Our society continues to suffer many setbacks partly because of unexemplary leadership, the abuse of authority and betrayal of the public trust by leaders and their failure to address fundamental issues of poverty, hunger, insecurity”, Archbishop Kaigama said.

Unlike Christ, the Catholic Archbishop who started his Episcopal Ministry in April 1995 as Bishop of Nigeria’s Jalingo Diocese said that Nigerian leaders refuse to stand up for the marginalized and oppressed, the weak, the lost and straying citizens in the country.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.