How religious leaders can mitigate tension during crisis

All over the world, religious leaders are revered because of their spirituality, knowledge on issues and unwavering ability to control the emotions of their followers. In times of stress, tension and confusion, political leaders and followers, more often than not, turn to their religious leaders for interpretation and guidance. In Nigeria, the role being played […]

All over the world, religious leaders are revered because of their spirituality, knowledge on issues and unwavering ability to control the emotions of their followers.
In times of stress, tension and confusion, political leaders and followers, more often than not, turn to their religious leaders for interpretation and guidance.
In Nigeria, the role being played by Muslim and Christian clerics in shaping the opinions of their followers cannot be contested.
They are our fathers and our spiritual leaders. They command great respect from us, more than the worldly leaders or the politicians. As such, they can play vital role in uniting the country and instilling tolerance among the people.
Of course, political leaders are humans; they have their strength and shortcomings. Most importantly, it is  God, in his wisdom, that makes leaders, not because they have superior wisdom or whatever. Indeed, they are bound to err like any of us.
Therefore, during crisis, or when political leaders take certain decisions, religious leaders should not resort to utterances which may hurt the feelings of anybody, or aggravate emotions, to the extent that the led would feel short-changed and therefore contemplate revolting against constituted authorities.
Religious leaders are our source of illumination; they should not take sides with anyone based on religious, tribal, ethnic or regional sentiments.
Based on these facts, I will like to use this medium to beseech our religious leaders to use their position in the society to appeal to their followers, to rally around this government by appreciating the efforts President Muhammadu Buhari is making to extricate this country from the difficult situation it has found itself.
 Recent decisions taken by President Buhari, such as the removal of oil subsidy, should not be seen as anti-people.
Any discerning mind can attest to the fact that the president would be the last man to think of increasing fuel price at this time. Personally, I have no doubt that had it been Buhari  became  president when a barrel of crude oil was above $100, or the foreign reserve was fat as it was during the former President Jonathan era, no man, no matter how technically sound he or she is, would have been able to convince him to increase pump price of petrol.
However, Buhari came at a difficult time; price of crude oil has crashed and the foreign reserve deflated. Worse of all is the excess crude account, which is almost empty.  Therefore, this administration cannot be held responsible.  Clerics, both Muslims and Christians should not allow Nigerians to treat Buhari’s government as a scapegoat. Buhari and his team should not be blamed for the mistakes of others.
We all know how our funds were squandered, and billions of Naira and Dollars were mis-spent. This is what plunged this country into the present situation, and not the measures taken by Buhari to reposition the economy.
 I strongly believe that if we endure, we would all smile. We should give Buhari the benefit of doubt to fix our refineries, to fix the railway and to fix the power sector.  Once the three areas mentioned above are working, we will be comfortable.
The strike by the Organized Labour is misplaced, because it is evident the members are not on the same page as Nigerians, who have suffered untold hardship as a result of fuel scarcity.
However, while President Buhari is working to revitalize the economy, all those who are responsible for the battering of the system should be brought to book, no matter how highly placed. Nigeria is above any individual. Justice should take its course.
Buhari should not be punished for the misdeeds of others. His government should not be crucified.
Evidently, the government knows where the shoe is pinching the people and it should be given a chance to do the right thing. One year in office should not be used as a yardstick to judge a government that has a mandate of four years.
Prof. Muhammad Muazu Nguru, is the Director/CEO, Nigeria Arabic Village, Ngala,  Borno State. 08066163910