The Bishop of the Diocese of Amichi, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Ephraim Ikeakor, has taken a swipe at Nigeria’s political leadership, declaring that the country is bedevilled by the tragedy of confusing looters with leaders.
Speaking during a Pre-Synod press conference held at Immanuel Church, Akwihedi, in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, ahead of the 2025 Synod of the Diocese of Amichi, Bishop Ikeakor expressed deep concern over the absence of true ideology in Nigeria’s political system, describing politicians as self-serving power seekers with no interest in national development.
The cleric lamented that what Nigeria has are not career politicians but businessmen in politics, who are only interested in accessing power to perpetuate looting and escape justice.
His words: “We don’t have career politicians in Nigeria. What we have are businessmen in politics — people who lack political ideology and are only interested in grabbing power to continue looting and avoid accountability.”
Decrying the wave of defections and premature political endorsements, Bishop Ikeakor said the actions of politicians who are already campaigning and endorsing non-performing governments barely two years into their tenure are not only selfish but also insensitive to the plight of the suffering masses.
“It is foolishness and insensitivity for politicians to begin subtle campaigns and endorsements barely two years into a four-year tenure. Instead of focusing on governance, they are already plotting their next move to retain power,” he fumed.
He further bemoaned the state of the nation under the current administration, noting that Nigeria is directionless and governed by a political elite with no regard for the people.
“I honestly don’t know where we are heading. Nigeria is directionless under the current administration. The political elite don’t care about the masses, and I pray God touches their hearts. I don’t know how God will judge the members of the National Assembly — they are the most callous Nigerians,” he declared.
The Anglican Bishop attributed Nigeria’s political instability to the lack of ideology and clear vision among its leaders, stressing that party defections by politicians underscore the absence of principle and consistency.
“One of the core qualifications of a sound politician is ideology. In Nigeria, there is none. That’s why you see elected officials defecting from one party to another with no sense of consistency or principle,” he said.
Drawing a comparison with more developed democracies, he noted: “You don’t see this kind of party-hopping in countries like the United States. A Republican doesn’t just jump into the Democratic Party because there’s a clear ideological difference. But in Nigeria, people jump ship not out of conviction, but to protect themselves from prosecution.”
He also criticised the exploitation of party affiliations by corrupt politicians to escape justice, alleging that once a governor defects to the ruling party, corruption charges are swept under the carpet.
“Once a governor completes his tenure and the EFCC begins probing his corrupt dealings, all he needs to do is defect to the ruling party and — like magic — all his sins are forgiven,” he said.
Bishop Ikeakor therefore urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and not be swayed by political propaganda or orchestrated endorsements. He warned that silence in the face of rampant corruption and poor governance would only embolden the political class.
“Don’t be deceived by empty promises or endorsements. If we remain silent, these politicians will continue to take Nigerians for granted,” he cautioned.
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