OGHENETEJIRI NYERHOVWO
Nigeria would have developed more than the way it is now if her leaders have not mistakenly believed that they are wise and so can do without God just as all hands must be on deck to build the nation irrespective of religion differences.
This was disclosed by Rev. Dr. John A. Ottuh, Pastor-in-charge, Winners Baptist Church, Effurun during the nation’s Independence Day church service in a sermon titled, “The Role of Citizens in Nation Building” with a Bible reading taken from Psalm 33: 12-16, he said that God blesses a nation if the citizens appreciates Him, adding that Nigeria nation is where she is today because the people including the leaders has put God aside.
Rev. Ottuh further disclosed that Nigeria nation can still be great if the people allow God to be the supreme master adding that it is expected that since God created man, man is supposed to be completely loyal to Him and in return, the nation would be blessed and made great.
He added that for the nation to be great, leaders and the people should allow God to control them, avoid the ugly practice of nepotism , ethnicity and be patriotic with a consciousness that God is watching every action they take.
The outspoken clergy of Baptist denomination identified ineptitude of leaders, lack of integrity as well as living a life of lie as some of the problems militating against the overall development of the Nigerian nation.
He called on the citizens to be more patriotic and carry out all civic responsibilities as well as hold political leaders and parties accountable for the campaign promises made in their manifestos.
According to Dr. Ottuh, “nation building is not the responsibility of one person. It is the responsibility of all citizens. Irrespective of religion or ethnicity, all hands must be on deck to move the nation to greater heights. For Nigeria to grow, our leaders must make Nigeria stand on the tripod of equity, fairness and justice.”
He added, “those in power have mistakenly believed that they are wise and so put God aside in the governance of the country, God will only bless a nation that appreciates Him. Let’s allow God to be supreme in the affairs of our dear nation, Nigeria. We have a responsibility to abstain from evil ways and worship God the way it ought to be.”
Rev. Ottuh berated the nation’s leaders for allowing the principle of majority and minority ethnic tribe in giving opportunities to the people, adding, “you should not be more of a Nigerian because of your ethnic background, referring to some sections as minority is an insult.”
He then called on the citizens to also be alive to their responsibilities by always doing what is right, he queried the rational behind dumping of refuse on the median of major roads in our cities, adding, ” we should not promote ethnicity, religion divisiveness over nation building.”
Rev. Ottuh expressed hope that Nigeria would be great someday very soon, he prayed for the overall development of the nation as well as good leaders that would deliver good governance to the people.
