The Bishop of Catholic Diocese Osogbo, Reverend John Oyejola, has called for accountable governance, moral citizenship, and justice, warning that power, votes, and public office are sacred trusts that must not be traded for greed, violence, or personal enrichment
Oyejola made the call on Sunday during the 2nd Catholic Bishops’ Conference Of Nigeria (CBCN) Plenary meeting held at the St Benedict Catholic Cathedral, Osogbo.
Speaking during the meeting themed “Prophetic Call for Accountable Governance and Moral Citizenship in Nigeria”, Oyejola said the readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, spoke directly to Nigeria’s political and moral moment
He stated that the readings from Sirach, Romans, and Matthew held up a mirror to leaders, citizens, and religious shepherds alike, challenging resentment, impunity, vote-selling, insecurity, and the neglect of the poor
Oyejola said the Word of God confronts those who cling to malice and greed, govern without pity, manipulate elections, or treat public office as a family inheritance
He further described mercy and justice as companions and called on citizens to reject violence and vengeance
The clergyman urged government to protect life and property, secure communities, and ensure that the vulnerable are not abandoned
“Accountability is not merely a civic expectation but a spiritual obligation When we forget our last day, we forget who we are, who we belong to and to whom we must ultimately give account to.
“We shall all be accountable to God, for power acquired through bloodshed, fraud, manipulation, or intimidation becomes a curse upon the soul If you subvert the will of the people, you may deceive institutions, you may intimidate communities, you may manipulate processes, but you cannot deceive the Almighty God.” Oyejola said.
He also warned that vote is more like a seed the nation will reap in the future of the young ones, admonishing leaders to abstain from cruelty while doing good to the Nigerian citizens
“A vote is not just a piece of paper; it is a moral act, a seed planted in the future of our children When we trade it for money, we trade our dignity, our future and our voice. Mercy without justice becomes weakness.
“Justice without mercy becomes cruelty When mercy and justice meet, society is healed. Citizens must refuse violence and leaders must ensure protection and justice.” he warned.
Also speaking at the event, the representative of The Pope Leo XIV in Nigeria, Rev Michael Francis Crotty, urged Nigerian leaders to engage all citizens in the democratic process.
“The most important part is the citizens to be engaged in democratic process, to make their votes count and democratic process that we can have to build up the future of Nigerian society I think the important thing is for the people’s votes to count and to participate in the election process and all other occasions.”
Cotty also expressed concerns over low turn out during elections and poor participation of citizens in the electoral processes