Popular Nigerian cleric, Johnson Suleman, has stirred widespread reactions online following a blunt sermon addressing leadership, suffering, and empathy in Nigeria.
Speaking to his congregation, the outspoken preacher criticized the role of poor governance in the country’s current challenges, arguing that prayer alone cannot undo the consequences of electing ineffective leaders.
“It’s a waste praying when you have elected a bad person, The only prayer you will now pray is the grace to survive the suffering.” he said
His remarks come amid growing frustration over insecurity and economic hardship in the country. Suleiman stressed that leadership choices directly impact the quality of life of citizens, urging Nigerians to be more mindful in their decisions.
The cleric also condemned what he described as a lack of empathy among those in power, particularly during times of tragedy.
“The height of insensitivity is when people are mourning and you are sending media to do damage control,” he stated.
Lamenting the current state of the nation, Suleiman said that hardship and loss have become increasingly normalized.
“This is one of the most terrible times to be a Nigerian because evil is becoming regular. Death is becoming normal,” he said. “Growing up, when a person dies in a street, for one month we are talking about it but now it’s a normal thing.”
He concluded his message with a call for compassion and restraint, especially from leaders and public officials.
“When people are grieving, tell your media men to keep quiet. It is lack of empathy,” he added.
The sermon has since generated mixed reactions on social media, with some Nigerians agreeing with his stance on leadership accountability, while others argued that prayer and good governance should go hand in hand.