The Silence of Those Who Should Speak : When Leadership Fails the People

There is a deep frustration that comes when those who should speak refuse to, when voices that should cry out for justice remain silent, and when positions meant for truth are instead used to defend oppression.

Nigeria has endured padded budgets, unbearable hardship, and economic plunder at the hands of leaders who should have protected the people. One street light quoted at 266 million naira, blatant corruption staring us in the face, and yet, when some clergy speak, they defend the government. They excuse failure, they pacify suffering, they throw careless words like "Rome was not built in a day," as if Rome’s foundation was set by the hands of thieves.

It’s true, Rome wasn’t built by thieves, but by visionaries, architects, and laborers who dedicated themselves to constructing one of history’s greatest empires. The phrase "Rome wasn’t built in a day" is often used to justify slow progress, but when applied carelessly, it becomes a tool to excuse failure, corruption, and negligence.

The real lesson from Rome is that greatness requires work, structure, and integrity. Nations don’t rise from deception; they rise when leaders make intentional decisions rooted in responsibility and genuine care for their people.

Progress isn’t just about time, it’s about direction. And when a nation is heading in the wrong direction, waiting patiently isn’t wisdom; it’s disastrous.

A Crisis of Leadership and a Failure of Truth

Recently, another clergy, one I expected to speak truth to power, said, "With God's help, the president will keep Nigeria on the right track."

I paused and asked myself: Which God are we talking about?

Countries that openly deny God's existence are thriving; they have structured economies, fair governance, and functional systems. Meanwhile, a man stole an election two years ago, plunged the nation into suffering, yet religious leaders pray for his success instead of demanding justice.

Is this righteousness? Or is it cowardice wrapped in religion?

When Truth is Replaced by Sentiments

Men of God should stand for truth, not be tribalistic in their dealings with government. Truth should not be selective; truth should not depend on who is in power; truth should not remain silent when Christians are being slaughtered, but scream loudly in defence of the government when it benefits them.

If those called to represent righteousness choose to look away, if they remain quiet while innocent lives are lost, what then is their purpose?

Grey Hair Does Not Always Mean Wisdom

Gone are the days when elders carried wisdom.

Today, we have old fools, people who have walked years upon years but carry nothing but self-interest, deception, and blind loyalty to power. Their words reek of wickedness and foolishness, and their actions show a complete disregard for justice.

And the saddest part?

Many of us will stand before God's judgment on the last day, not for what we did, but for what we refused to say.

We were given voices for a reason.

And if we do not use them for truth, then what are we using them for?