Ikorodu, Lagos — June 12, 2025, As Nigeria marks this year’s Democracy Day, the General Overseer of The True Covenant Church of God, Bishop Festus Olufemi Otusanya, popularly known as Omomajemu, has delivered a powerful message calling on Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to democratic ideals despite the growing hardship and discontent in the nation.
In his message to commemorate the June 12 Democracy Day, Bishop Otusanya acknowledged the deep pain and agony many Nigerians currently face. “Though some Nigerians are celebrating Democracy Day with pains, agony and sadness, yet we need to thank God Almighty for the sustainability of democracy in our nation,” he declared.
Reacting to growing sentiments in some quarters suggesting a preference for military rule due to present economic and security challenges, the cleric warned strongly against such thoughts.
“I heard some people saying they prefer the military to take over the affairs of our nation, but I can tell you over and over again that that will add to the problems we are passing through,” he said.
“We should not forget we’ve had military governments between 1960 and now. If the trend of military takeovers had continued, the result would have been worse than what we are experiencing presently.”
Bishop Otusanya admitted that while there are visible shortcomings in Nigeria’s democratic governance, there is still some sense of direction in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. However, he expressed concern over the uneven impact of the policy.
“Truly without bias, I can see some sense in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, yet Nigerians await the positive results,” he stated.
“Governors, local government chairmen, and some politicians benefit more from the agenda because there is no proper monitoring of these policies at the state and local levels.”
Highlighting the disconnect between the leaders and the people, the Bishop said, “Our people are suffering, leaders are enjoying. We can’t continue like this. Something must be done for the positive changes we are waiting for to be manifested.”
He further emphasized that for democracy to truly thrive, good governance must be prioritized. “As we celebrate our democracy, we must remember that good governance is key to our nation’s progress. We urge our leaders to prioritize the welfare of Nigerians, ensuring transparency, accountability, and justice in governance,” he charged.
Bishop Otusanya also made a clarion call for inclusive governance and responsible citizenship.
According to him, “Leaders must be accountable to the people, upholding the principles of democracy and good governance. Governance should be transparent, with decisions made in the best interest of all Nigerians, and justice should be equitably dispensed.”
He encouraged citizens to be actively involved in the democratic process. “Citizens should be encouraged to participate in the democratic process, holding leaders accountable and contributing to decision-making.”
The cleric did not shy away from addressing the pressing national challenges. He stressed that the government must intensify efforts in tackling insecurity, protecting lives and property, and stabilizing the economy. “Economic policies should aim to reduce poverty, promote economic growth, and stabilize the currency,” he said.
In conclusion, Bishop Otusanya called on all Nigerians to unite in building a just and prosperous nation. “Let us work together to build a Nigeria that is just, equitable, and prosperous for all. We must prioritize good governance, accountability, and transparency and ensure that our leaders serve the people, not just their own interests.”
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