Archbishop Bemoans Nigeria’s Moral Decline, Urges Respect For Rule Of Law

Archbishop Emmah Gospel Isong, the national vice president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) South South Zone, has raised the alarm over Nigeria’s moral crisis, advocating for respect for the rule of law.

He spoke at the 3rd Birthday Colloquium in honour of Most Rev. Tunde Adeleye, retired Archbishop of the Anglican Ecclesiastical Province of Niger Delta, yesterday in Calabar.

Isong emphasised that Nigeria is at a critical point in its democratic journey, facing moral and institutional crises stressing the need for  governance to be  guided by the rule of law.

Speaking on the theme “Governance and the Rule of Law: The Acid Test for Nigerian Politician” he said, “The true test of leadership is not about winning elections or delivering powerful speeches at conferences, but governing according to the law,” Isong said.

He added that when leaders respect legal boundaries, institutions strengthen, paving the way for societies to thrive.

Isong outlined five key principles for responsible governance to include truth, justice, peace, love, and freedom.

“Truth is the only foundation of governance,” he said, stressing that without trust, public institutions lose credibility.

On justice, Isong averred that it remains the soul of the state, and insisted that laws must be applied equally.

He urged  the nation’s leaders to  govern with moral courage, connecting power with justice and authority with accountability.

The archbishop presented a seven-pillar framework for governance, which include integrity, constitutional supremacy, institutional strength, transparent accountability, impartial justice, ethical leadership, protection of fundamental freedoms, and peace centred governance.

Isong urged Nigerian leaders to prioritize the rule of law and good governance. “The future of Nigeria depends on the decisions made by its leaders and its citizens,” he said, calling   on those in authority to govern with integrity.

Isong highlighted the need for leaders to prioritize the rule of law and good governance, emphasizing that this is crucial for Nigeria’s progress.

In his remarks, Archisbishop Tunde Adeleye, expressed joy over the turn out promising to serve humanity even in next generation.