A well-known Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Barr. Ngozi Olehi says that a return to divine principles, integrity, and morally upright leadership is essential to address the systemic corruption and poor governance that have crippled Nigeria’s development which is, hitherto, fuelled by regulatory laxity, political instability, pervasive fraud, opaque transparency and incomplete disclosure amongst others.
Addressing journalists on the theme “2025: The Intrigues of the Journey,” Barr. Olehi said godly leaders prioritize service to the people and feel a higher sense of accountability, not just to citizens, but to a divine authority that hates and punishes looting of public treasury and other criminalities that have characterized governance and crushed Nigeria’s inestimable economic fortunes.
He stated that leaders who genuinely fear divine judgment would be less inclined to steal public funds, abuse power and normalize impunity pointing out that citizens are more willing to cooperate with government where appear sincere, live modestly and keep promises which are critical forces that drive peaceful coexistence and social cohesion.
Barr. Olehi, SAN said that governance guided by godliness fosters justice, fairness, and inclusivity, helping to address deep-rooted structural inequalities and ethnic/religious divisions but noted that godliness must be complemented by robust political will to build strong institutions, enforce the rule of law and entrench an independent and fearless judiciary.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria said United States and Europe which are prime choices of many all over the world for their outstanding quality of governance which were rooted in Christian morality adding that visionary, committed, and competent leadership that focuses on practical solutions, such as economic diversification, investment in human welfare (education, health, and social protection), and consistent policy implementation cannot come from morally bankrupt and selfish monsters that seek only to enrich themselves.
Barr. Olehi, SAN said godliness in governance does not mean spiritualizing over structural problems but advancing solutions to intractable challenges with the fear of God and with the integrity of heart and regretted that prosperity theology has been misconstrued to be a means to stabilize bad governance by making suffering morally meaningful as politicians launder legitimacy through churches as their donations to such places of worship replace accountability.
He contended that in as much godliness in governance has become imperative, Nigeria cannot be rebuilt by godly leaders alone without godly citizens defending strong institutions against ungodly incentives and advised Nigerians to hold leaders accountable and make their leadership choices based on character and competence, rather than tribal or religious sentiments.
