In a powerful address that transcends mere religious exhortation, Pastor Oluwole Israel of The Disciples Church in Ilorin has issued a clarion call to Nigeria’s leadership class, framing the fight against corruption not as a personal virtue but as a non-negotiable pillar of effective governance and national survival.
Speaking exclusively to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Pastor Israel articulated a vision where discipline is the foundational currency of leadership. He moved the concept beyond its typical application to citizens, insisting it is a fundamental requirement for those in power. “True discipline in leadership,” he explained, “is the conscious, daily practice of subordinating personal ambition and greed to the solemn duty of managing resources and prioritizing the welfare of the community. It is the antithesis of the exploitation we too often witness.”
The cleric did not mince words in diagnosing the current ailment, stating that a prevalence of leaders who are “excessively corrupt and lacking in discipline” has created a profound crisis of trust. He elaborated on the cascading effects: “Financial misconduct and moral failure are not isolated sins. They actively undermine public confidence, strangle equitable development, and poison the well of national progress. When citizens see leaders enriching themselves from the common treasury, their belief in the system itself evaporates.”
His prescription was both practical and profound. He urged leaders to operationalize their duty by consistently keeping citizens’ interests at heart—a shift from transactional, election-cycle thinking to a stewardship model. This means deliberately designing policies and making decisions that ensure access to basic rights, resources, and opportunities for the masses, rather than erecting barriers for personal gain.
“Leadership is a privilege granted by circumstance, not a testament to one’s perfection,” Pastor Israel reminded, introducing a crucial note of humility. “This understanding should foster not arrogance, but a deep-seated commitment to accountability and positive impact.” He called for a return to leading by example, where financial and moral discipline are visibly practiced from the top down, creating a standard for the entire bureaucracy and society to follow.
Ultimately, the pastor anchored his appeal in a timeless accountability framework. “A leader’s decisions must be guided by a fear of God—a consciousness of a moral order and ultimate judgment beyond the court of public opinion or legal technicalities. This is the most powerful deterrent to the temptation of corruption and the surest guide for leaving a legacy of genuine service.” His message concludes that ethical governance, rooted in disciplined stewardship, is the only sustainable path to restoring trust and unlocking Nigeria’s stifled potential.
Reported by Toba Ajayi. Edited by Abiemwense Moru. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
