Bishop Geoffrey Onah’s homily offers a powerful message that goes beyond the walls of the church. It is a call to Christians and all persons of goodwill to recognise that faith, citizenship and responsibility cannot be separated when the wellbeing of society is at stake.
Jesus did not run away from Jerusalem when His hour came. He entered the city willingly, knowing the challenges and suffering that awaited Him, because He had a mission to fulfil. His courage challenges us today: we cannot transform Nigeria from a distance. We must enter the public space and participate in the process of rebuilding our country.
Nigeria needs people of integrity, competence, courage and compassion to take responsibility for leadership. The time has come for good people to stop leaving politics entirely to those whose interests are contrary to the common good.
The choice before Nigerians is also a moral one. We must reject the spirit represented by Barabbas—the preference for wrongdoing, violence and selfish interests—and choose leaders who embody justice, sacrifice and service.
This does not mean supporting any particular political party or individual blindly. It means registering to vote, collecting our Permanent Voter Cards, studying the candidates and making informed choices based on character, competence, capacity and commitment to the common good.
And for those who are already within political parties, government institutions and the wider public space: speak up. If you are a person of integrity and you find yourself among people who are doing the wrong thing, do not remain silent. Your voice can make a difference.
The coming political season will bring another opportunity for Nigerians to decide the direction of the country. Campaigns will soon begin, and the responsibility belongs to all of us.
Let us therefore rise—not with hatred, insults or violence, but with courage, wisdom and peaceful democratic participation.
Let us enter the public square.
Let us register.
Let us vote.
Let us support honest and capable people.
Let us hold leaders accountable.
And above all, let us remember that Nigeria belongs to all of us.
The time for good people to sit on the sidelines is over. The time to participate is now.
May God, in His mercy and loving kindness, keep us alive to witness and contribute to the good things that are coming to Nigeria.
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