Popular Nigerian cleric, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has sparked widespread reactions following a sermon in which he criticised the impact of poor leadership on citizens’ wellbeing.
Speaking to his congregation, the outspoken preacher warned that spiritual devotion alone cannot shield people from the consequences of bad governance.
“It is a waste praying when you have elected a bad person. The only prayer left is for the grace to endure the suffering,” he said.
Suleman also condemned what he described as a lack of empathy among leaders, particularly during periods of national tragedy. He criticised the tendency of authorities to prioritise media management over compassion.
“The height of insensitivity is when people are mourning and you are deploying media for damage control,” he stated.
Reflecting on the country’s current situation, the cleric lamented what he described as the growing normalisation of hardship and loss, noting that repeated incidents of violence and tragedy have reduced public sensitivity.
According to him, such developments point to a deeper societal issue where suffering is increasingly accepted as routine.
He concluded by urging leaders to show empathy and responsibility, especially in times of grief, stressing that citizens deserve more than symbolic responses.
The remarks have since generated conversations online about leadership, governance, and the role of citizens in electing public officials.
