Should religious leaders be involved in politics like they do presently?

In recent times, the participation of religious leaders in Nigerian politics is not entirely a new phenomenon. Since our return to democracy in 1999, their involvements have mostly been seen in their interest in occupying elective offices. While some like Reverend Jolly Nyame of Taraba State came out victorious, others such as Reverend Peter Nwangwu and Chris Okotie were not so lucky. Yet, it appears the nation’s clerics have started politicking in the build up to the 2015 general elections.

Our religious leaders have never been this involved in politics as they presently are in 2015, and they are essentially doing this through public utterances which are unfortunately believed by many to be divinely-inspired. Ample instances that readily come to mind are the postulations by Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka and Sheik Ahmad Gumi. Aside these two who have made public statements that betrayed their political leanings, there are many others far removed from the public eye who have turned their pulpits into a soapbox. These ones use their weekly sermons to direct worshippers on whom to vote for or against.

Last Sunday, the Methodist Prelate, Most Rev. Samuel Uche, openly called for the arrest and prosecution of Governor Chibuike Amaechi for threatening that his party, the APC, will form a parallel government if it does not win in next February’s presidential election. His statement came the same day the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, enjoined religious leaders to desist from insulting political leaders, noting that they should instead advise and pray for them. He added that casting aspersions on them would not augur well for the country. 

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