Nigerian leaders must abandon excuses and take ownership of the country’s deepening security and economic crises, the Anglican Bishop of Lafia Diocese, Rt. Rev. Godwin Robinson, has said.
In a sermon at the close of a three-day special church programme in Lafia, Bishop Robinson declared that “blaming particular regions or offering excuses will not solve our problems.” He insisted that the core duty of leadership is to inspire public confidence through decisive, practical action.
The cleric specifically urged President Bola Tinubu to restore hope by adopting a collective and proactive approach to end insecurity across Nigeria “in the shortest possible time.”
Citing the biblical story of David, Robinson said leaders should emulate David’s refusal to shift blame despite overwhelming losses, choosing instead to seek guidance and solutions.
He faulted the gap between narratives from Abuja and the daily realities of rural Nigerians, where he said millions battle abject poverty, live under constant threat from bandits and insurgents, and face growing ethno-religious mistrust.
To reverse the trend, the Bishop called for a sincere national dialogue stripped of political interests, aimed at forging common ground on economic recovery, national unity, and peaceful coexistence.
“Only purposeful leadership, collective action, and genuine commitment to the welfare of the people can restore public confidence,” he told the congregation. “That is what will return Nigeria to sustainable development and lasting peace.”
