JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
His Eminence, Dr Samuel C. Kanu Uche JP, Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria, in this interview: Blueprint.ng offers a deep and unflinching analysis of the nation’s challenges. From the Church’s central role in government to the worrying sponsorship of insecurity, the cleric calls for sincere repentance, selfless leadership and a renewed love for the country as the only path to peace and prosperity.
The Church is often said to be insulated from politics, and some believe this has contributed to bad governance. What is your opinion on this statement, sir?
Politics is fundamentally about leadership: how to lead people and organize society in an orderly manner. In a historical sense one could say that the Church is the mother of politics. Great empires such as Rome and Alexander gave rise to modern political systems, but religion influenced their moral fabric. The Church is made up of human beings who are part of this country. For this reason they are intrinsically involved in the leadership of their nation. It should be their concern to see how the country is governed and how things are done. So I believe that the Church is, and always has been, involved in politics.
If the Church is indeed involved, why does Nigeria still face myriad challenges?
Is there a country in the world without challenges? Challenges have existed since the beginning of the world. What we need is for those in authority to govern and lead the masses in righteousness. The Bible says that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. Our leaders must embrace justice, fairness and enthrone the rule of law, the law of the land and that of the international community. Without law and order there is chaos.
The 2027 elections are fast approaching and political activities are already underway. How can the church participate to ensure there are servant leaders in various positions?
Before Nigeria gained independence, we had figures like Nnamdi Azikwe, Obafemi Awolowo and Herbert Macaulay. Were they not Christians? And they were the champions of Nigerian democracy. The Church has been involved in politics since the beginning and, at this critical moment, it will not give in, but will become even more involved. In fact, other people of faith, such as our Islamic brothers, have also been in leadership because they are people who believe in Almighty God. Those interested in the upcoming elections should act in the fear of God.
However, I believe that Christians should be deeply involved, not as a collective church, but as individuals. The people who make up the Church should be heavily involved in politics, from registering political parties to conventions and primaries, ensuring that good candidates emerge. They should care about rendering service, diligently serving their country, and making a positive impact.
Insecurity has become a signpost that seems to have defied all solutions. What do you think is the solution to this challenge?
I believe that when people cherish the love of their country, insecurity will decrease. Unfortunately, much of this insecurity is sponsored by disgruntled politicians, all because they want to outsmart, outdo, and humiliate each other. Bandits and thugs are sponsored. Remember what happened during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration? Insecurity was rampant as some wanted him to leave office. Currently, some people are importing bandits from West Africa to ensure that the current administration is also destroyed.
But let me tell you a simple truth: My father used to say, “If a hen drops her droppings on the eggs, she will eventually soil both the eggs and herself, because the hen has to sit on them to incubate.” Likewise, those who sponsor insecurity in Nigeria are shooting themselves in the leg. Insecurity in Nigeria is mainly sponsored by political heavyweights and people of ill will and unfortunately, they use it to destroy the peace and harmony of the nation.
What is the way out for the common man, who is the recipient and feels the pain of this insecurity?
There is a need for true repentance, not only on the part of followers, but on the part of the political class, religious leaders and traditional rulers. We must love our country and stop throwing stones from a glass house. If you live in a glass house, you don’t throw stones at another person’s house. There must be a serious resolution to not cause the downfall of our nation. We need a change of heart and attitude. Once this is done, Nigeria will overcome insecurity challenges and there will be peace. But if we continue to try to outdo each other for political reasons, insecurity will persist.
Democracy is famously defined as “the government of the people, by the people, for the people”. Another definition by political scientist Harold Lasswell is that politics is about “who gets what, when and how.” If both leaders and followers have the fear of God, Nigeria will experience peace. But if your goal is to disturb others, you will end up disturbing yourself. This is exactly what we are facing.
Since independence, our leaders have often been elderly. When do you think we can have young people at the helm? Younger aspirants are emerging at the moment. What do you think of their chances?
I don’t want to name names because it would make me biased. Whether the candidate is old or young, all we need is good government, someone who loves the country and has its best interests at heart. I do not condemn the older ones because they have experience, nor do I condemn the younger ones because they have dynamism. But it is essential that they have a love for the country and a desire to make it better, prosperous and peaceful. We need those who govern us well, whether they are from the South, West, North or East. This is good as far as I’m concerned. I have no preference except for candidates with a godly heart.
The United States and Israel are currently in conflict with Iran, a situation some have called a religious war, with the clergy taking sides. What is your opinion?
When nations produce excessive amounts of weapons, they must find a way to sell or use them. America is a world power, Iran is rich in uranium, and Israel is known for its military prowess. But we must understand that war does not pay for any country. We can see the effects everywhere. The world is a global village, and that is why the war in the Middle East has a spiraling effect on goods and services globally: the cost of transportation has increased. War is an evil wind that brings no good to anyone. My request is that they come to the round table and stop the war. They should keep their weapons in storage and allow peace to reign. The international community should also create laws to prevent nations from overproducing weapons of war, because if you produce them, they will inevitably be used, either as a means of generating revenue or as a means of aggression. This war is not religious. If this were the case, countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates would be directly involved. These are nations flexing their muscles, trying to determine who has the most power. They should sheathe their swords and stop this useless war.
What do you think of President Tinubu’s government, which has now been in office for three years?
For the common man on the street, good governance means food on the table, affordable education, affordable livelihood and access to social services. These are the things the masses are clamoring for. All the big figures and complex economic terms we hear on television – billions, trillions – what impact do they have on the common man? I appeal to the President, his administration, governors and legislators: please do more to solve people’s problems. Love your country. Listen to the heartbeat of the people you lead. When you see citizens crying in pain, pacify them and do things that bring them relief. There must be a reprieve for Nigerians. When this administration achieves this goal, everyone will be happy. On the other hand, Nigerians should have faith in their country, keep hope alive and sincerely love their nation, and all will be well.
The Bible in 1 Timothy 2:1-3 says, “Therefore I urge first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all men, for kings, and for all those in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and reverence.” Nigerians are quick to criticize, but we don’t always balance our criticism with constructive engagement. Our approach is often one of total condemnation. But let’s be honest: Even if you brought Jesus to rule Nigeria, some people would find fault.
