John ESENE

     The Annual Accountant Conference organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria in September 2019 in Abuja, with the theme “Building Nigeria for Sustainable Growth and Development” invited  the then President Muhammadu Buhari as a Special Guest; dwelled much on Corruption in Nigeria.

    The President said “Corruption was the major factor responsible for the suffering of millions of Nigerians. Corruption at all levels was the largest problem impending Nigeria’s economic growth and development.  Corruption is the major reason why many children cannot go to school, why we have few equipment and doctors in our hospitals. Corruption diverts public resources thereby causing much suffering, deprivation and unnecessary death in the country. Therefore if we do not stay corruption with the passion it deserves we will not get the result that we need.”

     In his remark the President of ICAN, Mr. Nnamdi Okwuadigbo pledged the Institute’s commitment to facilitating economic growth and development in the country. “Now is the time to redeem our image in the committee of nations. We cannot afford to fail as the largest economy in Africa. As Chartered Accountants we are at a vantage position to determine the effective use of public funds and we charge you all to be front runners in the fight against corruption.”

   Many marriages are experiencing tutelage because of bribery and corruption. A young man decided to entice a beautiful girl with money so he could marry her. Money is not everything: the girl has feelings and needed to be in someone’s arms but the man was not physically available to love her most of the time. The girl pretended to love him until she made away with the sum of N3,000,000 from him and wished him goodbye.

    Malam Musa Jubril said, “Even religiously it is allowed to tell a little lie to avert any trouble especially between co-wives. To be honest there is no way a man would have more than one wife and would not turn to an automatic liar: he has to lie to every one of them if he wants peace to reign in his home except if he desires otherwise for his home.  You women know what I am talking about. It is not easy to have more than one of you people and not tell lies. So in this case it is a necessary ability.”

     We fear death but when it comes we cannot resist it. So, why not say the truth as you know it even if you are under threat, knowing fully well that God may not forgive you if you lie? Mr. Oguche said, “In a perfect world, it is never right to tell a lie; but do we have a perfect world as sometimes we have no choice than tell a lie and save the society or world a lot of trouble and most time to keep yourself safe as long as your lies would not hurt anybody?”     

      As a Christian, stand your grand and say nothing but the truth at all times because He who is in you is the Truth and He is willing to set you free! It is not easy to do this but His grace in you is enough for this mission.  And the earlier you start the better, because today is certain and tomorrow may be too late. Pray and trust in God. “Even before they finish praying to me, I will answer their prayers.” Isaiah 65:24. 

    The Lord said, “Because your sins are fragrant, I have done these things to you. I will restore the tent of Jacob.” The Lord invites us not to allow the evils in the world to contaminate our hearts but that we spring forth goodness from the foundation of our hearts. We are what we entertain and grow. Hence, we must   take care that we guard against anything that may contaminate us and take us away from God.

    Truly, if we repent and return to God as His Prodigal Children, then Jeremiah 31:1, 3-4 will mean much to us. “The Lord says, ‘The time is coming when I will be the God of all the tribes of Israel (Nigeria) and they will be my people. I have always loved you, so I continue to show you my constant love. Once again, I will rebuild you. Once again, you will take up your tangerines and dance joyfully.” Are we ready to change for our common good as people of God?

    The ball is in our court and the earlier we decide to rise from our fall the better! The Canaanite woman who courageously cried to Jesus, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David, my daughter is severely possessed by a demon.” When Jesus refused to help her she did not relent in her efforts until Jesus said, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. Let us sincerely beg God to grant us the Spirit of wisdom to enable us despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal.             

   What difficulty are you facing now that is greater than that of Daniel, Susana, Shadrach and his colleagues? Do not let wealth, position, power or recognition from people push you to go against the truth. If you do not have Christ in you, you will have crisis. Because Jesus loves you, He says, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciple, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Jn 8:31-32.

     Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were saved from the wrath of king Nebuchadnezzar because they said the truth.  God has the power to change you and your situation. Right now, God is in our midst to save us and change Nigeria for good but we have to make a way for Him to change us for good!

     The Lord said in Isaiah 41:10 “Have no fear for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will give you strength, and bring you help. I will uphold you with my right hand of justice.” He said further in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope.” God who set the Israelites free from Egypt and made them to cross the Red Sea on a dried land is ready to set us free from selfish politicians, now! So, let us put our trust in Him for He has not changed.  

   Dear readers, we have been in this situation for so long. Now that we are tired of the old, let us surrender everything to Jesus and allow Him to drive us to a changed New Nigeria. Yes, our God is faithful and He has the power to make the impossible possible for Nigerians as He did for the Israelites of old. Almighty Father, the hour has come for you to deliver us from this garment of shame. Kindly deliver us now in Jesus’ Mighty Name. Amen!