Apostle Goodheart Obi Ekwueme, son of Nigeria?s first elected Vice President, late Dr Alex Ekwueme, has challenged President Bola Tinubu and other Nigerian leaders to show greater sensitivity to citizens? struggles and lead by example during the nation?s economic hardships.

Speaking to journalists after the Easter Sunday Service on April 20, as the Apostolic Lead of Revival House of Glory International Church (RHOGIC), Ekwueme urged leaders to reduce government expenditure and avoid excessive perks while asking Nigerians to sacrifice.

He said, ?I challenge the leadership of this country to rise to be most sensitive to the plight of the people, because sometimes when you are a leader, whether in the body of politics, you can be desensitised to what people are going through. That is wrong. Every true leader should be able to be in touch with the reality of the people.?

Ekwueme further called for cuts in governance costs, stating: ?I challenge the leadership of this nation at this time to be more sensitive to the plight of the people, number one. Number two, to cut down on the expense of running the government. For where we are, if you ask the people to make sacrifices, you don?t take the chunk to take care of yourself and leave a pittance or so small for the people. So, if they are challenging Nigerians to sacrifice at this time, they should be exemplary and cut down on the perks and the comforts to run a government.?

His remarks reflect widespread calls for accountability and servant leadership in Nigeria. Ekwueme also highlighted the significance of Easter for Christians, describing it as a moment of hope amid Nigeria?s challenges.

He explained, ?This day is very major for Christianity. Two major dates: one, the birth of Jesus, which we celebrate globally in December, but this is very pivotal. Easter speaks of His death, His burial, and resurrection.? He added: ?Death is not so much a phenomenon because everybody dies, but not everybody rises. Jesus did die. He was buried. He rose again. That speaks of possibilities that dead things can and will come alive.?

Ekwueme noted that resurrection offers hope for Nigerians, saying, ?For believers, this resurrection power offers real hope in their daily struggles. No matter what is dead in our lives momentarily ? health, finances, marriage, or whatever it is ? we can take advantage of that power that raised Christ from the dead, and that will work in our lives as a present-day reality.?

Addressing Nigeria?s hardships, he acknowledged the resilience of citizens but recognised their hidden pain. Nigeria has gone through very difficult times beyond what anybody can imagine. Nigerians are quite resilient; they can stay strong, but really, beneath their faces are tears and pain.

Drawing from Ezekiel 37?s valley of dry bones, Ekwueme expressed hope for Nigeria?s revival, stating, ?Resurrection speaks of possibilities that dead things have come to life. So for me, there?s hope for a dear country that no matter how difficult things are, there are still possibilities of a brighter future. The story was told in Ezekiel 37 about the valley of dry bones? I pray for my dear country, as a leader and as one of the voices of clergy, that God will show our country mercy this season, quicken things that look like they?re dying, and give our country hope and life again.? (Daily Sun)

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