Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has called on religious leaders in the country to support the government in the fight against corruption,by preaching against it.
The Acting President Osinbajo who is in Enugu State for the 30th National Biennial Conference Organised by the Student Christian Movement (SCM) of Nigeria, said religious leaders are shying away in preaching against corruption, but would instead preach about prosperity rather than righteousness.
Osinbajo who himself is a Pastor and understands the teachings said:
“Very rarely do you hear our preachers talk about corruption from their pulpits. If a nation is not righteous nothing will help it.”
He said the problem with Nigeria was neither ethnicity nor religion but systemic corruption, which has been so entrenched in the country that if you dare challenge it, you will be in the minority.
Given the special occasion and the number of youth at the event, he used the opportunity to challenge the youths to change the narrative and make the difference by checking the impunity of those that had stolen the resources of the country.
He said our problem in this country is not ethnicity or religion; it is not about Christians or Muslims. Our problems are the same wherever you go in this country.
“The story of our country is about good and evil. It is about those that have left us in this condition by stealing our common resources.
“Do not let anyone deceive you.”
He urged the Student Christian Movement (SCM) to show an example, tasking them to lead the way, saying:
“You should understand that our country can be delivered by people like you.”
“All of the great nations of the world were transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is not a gospel that tickles people’s imaginations or dwells on prosperity.
“It is not a gospel that fits your fancy. It is a gospel that teaches that righteousness exalts a nation.”
Osibanjo appealed to Nigerians to stand against the plundering of the nation’s resources as well as support the anti-corruption initiative of the Federal Government, irrespective of party affiliations.
The Acting President was in the company of the State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu after he was welcomed by a mammoth crowd at the Enugu Airport.