Bishop Ignatius Kaigama, of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, has attributed Nigeria’s corruption crisis to a widespread failure of critical self-analysis.
Speaking on the Arise TV Morning Show, Kaigama criticized the accumulation of wealth by individuals indifferent to the welfare of children and youth.
“We, as religious and traditional leaders, share the blame along with those in governance,” Kaigama stated. “We need to reflect deeply on our roles examining who we are, what we do, and our true motives in our positions. This lack of introspection fuels the corruption we see today.”
Kaigama lamented that many leaders, both religious and political, disregard the conditions of children and common goals once they have access to public funds.
He questioned whether the prayers and religious rituals have any real impact on effective governance or leadership. “Is the morning bell and our prayers just hypocrisy? Why does it not translate into good governance and conduct? Why is religion so often detached from social issues?”
He also noted the disconnect between religious practices and the struggles of the congregation, citing a lack of access to leaders and real solutions to pressing problems. “People might physically attend services for comfort, but it often doesn’t address their deeper issues like hunger and unemployment,” Kaigama observed.
Despite his concerns, Kaigama acknowledged that while he has been assured of eventual change, he cannot predict when it will come. “I can’t say when things will improve,” he admitted.
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