Popular Anambra-based cleric, Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, widely known as Odumeje, has alleged that many of those publicly defending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration are doing so because they have been bribed or stand to benefit personally from the government.
The outspoken preacher made the remarks while addressing members of his congregation during a church service, where he criticised the current state of the Nigerian economy and questioned the motives of politicians and public figures who continue to praise the administration despite the country’s economic challenges.
According to Odumeje, genuine support for the government should be based on visible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians rather than personal benefits enjoyed by political office holders and their allies.
He claimed that many governors, senators and other political leaders backing the President were primarily motivated by what they hoped to gain for themselves and their families, rather than the welfare of the Nigerian people.
“Anyone you see singing praises for the current government is doing so because that person has been bribed,” the cleric said.
“If you are coming into government, whether you forced your way in or the people elected you, we know all of you. As a governor, as a senator, I know why you are there supporting this man. It is because of yourself, your family, and what you can gather and acquire.”
Odumeje further alleged that many politicians focus on accumulating wealth while in office, with plans to relocate abroad after completing their tenure, leaving behind the citizens they promised to serve.
“After your term, if you win again, you will continue. If you do not win again, you will carry the money you have already acquired for yourself and your children and travel to another country, leaving behind the very people you called Nigerians,” he said.
The cleric argued that political leadership should be centred on improving the lives of citizens instead of pursuing personal enrichment.
He also praised politicians who, in his view, openly acknowledge Nigeria’s problems and speak honestly about the country’s economic and security challenges rather than blaming opposition parties or previous administrations for every difficulty.
According to him, leaders should be willing to confront the realities facing Nigerians and provide practical solutions instead of engaging in political rhetoric.
Odumeje also expressed concern over the Federal Government’s borrowing, calling for greater transparency and accountability regarding loans obtained by the current administration.
He questioned how borrowed funds were being utilised and urged the government to explain to Nigerians the purpose of the loans and the expected benefits to the country.
The cleric warned that excessive borrowing could place a heavy financial burden on both present and future generations, stressing that ordinary Nigerians would ultimately bear the responsibility of repaying the debts.
He maintained that public officials should be held accountable for every loan secured in the country’s name and insisted that citizens deserve to know how such funds are being spent.
His comments come at a time when the Tinubu administration continues to face criticism from opposition politicians, religious leaders and civil society groups over the country’s economic conditions, rising cost of living, inflation and growing public debt.
While supporters of the government argue that ongoing economic reforms are necessary to stabilise the economy and will yield long-term benefits, critics maintain that many Nigerians are experiencing unprecedented hardship and have continued to demand more effective measures to cushion the impact of the reforms.
