Inibehe Effiong, a public interest and human rights lawyer, has accused Nigerian politicians of destroying the country and hiding under religion to save face.
Effiong, known for his stance against corruption and injustice, noted that politicians had mastered the art of covering their ineptitude by constantly calling the name of God in all their affairs.
He was reacting to a recent comment by the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, who said an ordinary human being could not carry the weight of Nigeria except with the help of God.
“The weight of Nigeria is not the weight any normal or ordinary human being can carry except with the help of Almighty Allah.
“It is evident, therefore, that Almighty Allah is with our president. He is carrying the weight for him,” Gbajabiamila said after observing the Eid al-Adha prayer in Lagos.
Effiong said such comments are used to hoodwink unsuspecting Nigerians and to shield the politicians from their incompetence.
His words:
”The problems of Nigeria are not spiritual, but our politicians keep engaging in the sinister and blasphemous pontification of constantly invoking God’s name for their failures, corruption and wicked actions.”
Káyọ̀dé Ògúndámisí, a former secretary-general of the Oodua Peoples Congress, agrees.
He said:
”I think this VERY NIGERIAN thing of ascribing to God what are humanly created problems that requires human solutions is a diversionary tactic/excuses for when promises are not fulfilled.”
Edo Kadiri, a quantity surveyor, wrote:
”It is funny the way incompetent people in power speak, like Nigeria is the country with the biggest and most unique problems in the world. Like God must come down to solve our problems. It’s just sad and shameful!”
Jeremiah Baba Adamu, the General Oversee of Godspower and Miracles Ministry, says Gbajabiamila and his cohorts should resign if they can’t handle the nation’s challenges.
”COS Femi Gbajabiamila, governance is not passing the buck but owning reality, solving problems and delivering dividends of democracy to Nigerians.
”It is not acceptable to be in government just to lament the ills, chopping and telling God to fix Nigeria’s problems. If you have no solution, resign.”