A retired bishop of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Rev. Emmanuel Ajulo has advised political leaders to resist corrupt practices and prioritise the interests of the people who elected them into office for the sake of posterity.
Ajulo made the apeal during his sermon at the Trinity Diaconate and Priesthood Ordination, inauguration of the Greater Chapter and installation of church officials at the Cathedral Church of The Advent in Abuja.
He emphasised that leaders, including the president, governors, senators and members of the House of Representatives, are called to serve selflessly and must not allow the “spirit of Judas Iscariot” to corrupt their hearts and betray public trust.
Ajulo recounted the story of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for personal gain, warning that the same temptation exists in governance today.
“The testimony of Judas that Peter gave when there was a parliament, in Acts chapter 1. What is the testimony? This is how Peter started: ‘Brothers, the scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as a guide for those who arrested Jesus.’
“He was one of our number, did you hear that? He was one of our number, and he shared in this ministry. He did not cheat. With the reward he got, can you imagine that? He got a reward for betraying Jesus,” he said.
Ajulo described Judas’ actions as an “oxymoron,” stating that rewards should only come from good deeds, not wickedness.
“You reward only good things. But he got a reward, and Peter was deliberately sarcastic. Is he speaking to us here now? He is speaking to me; I am examining my own life,” he said.
The retired clergyman warned that no one was immune to the temptation of betrayal, urging the leaders to reflect on their roles.
“Who am I? What is my family that you have brought me so far? Who are you? President? Vice President? Governor? Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria? Member of the House of Representatives? Who are they representing?” he questioned.
Ajulo shared a personal experience to highlight the struggles of ordinary Nigerians, saying, “I came here by public transport. My wife, who is using a walking stick, a three-headed walking stick, can not walk from here to the western door.
“She cannot go on that road, not only because of the potholes but also because of herdsmen and other attackers who call it ‘conflict,” he said.
He likened modern-day betrayals to Judas’ actions, stating that corruption exists in government, the judiciary, and even among lawyers.
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