Political leaders in Nigeria have been urged to rise to the occasion and address the growing hardship faced by citizens due to the nation's economic challenges.

The Prelate of the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church Worldwide, His Eminence Dr. David Bob-Manuel, issued this call, emphasizing that leaders must focus on improving the lives of the people, especially the underprivileged.

He stressed that elected officials, including President Bola Tinubu and state governors, should govern with the fear of God and not act as overlords over those who entrusted them with leadership.

Dr. Bob-Manuel noted that true leadership demands compassion and accountability in managing the nation’s resources to ease the burdens of the populace.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the prelate advised Nigerians to cooperate with and pray for their leaders, encouraging a spirit of unity and spiritual support in governance.

At the briefing held at the church’s National Headquarters Annex, he warned politicians against abandoning their electoral promises and urged them to remain committed to improving living standards, especially for the downtrodden.

He stated that elected officials must do everything within their capacity to alleviate citizens’ suffering, describing leadership as a responsibility that should be executed with empathy.

“When you hold public office, you are expected to lead with the fear of God. The people who elected you are human beings. Their pain should be your concern—just like Christ shared in people’s suffering,” he said.

“A true leader must be compassionate. You must care for the people who voted you in. It is wrong to become disconnected from their needs once in power.”

Dr. Bob-Manuel also clarified the church’s position on politics, noting that while church leaders refrain from direct political involvement, they are permitted to pray for political aspirants seeking divine direction.

He added that individual church members are not barred from active political participation and emphasized that when the righteous are in authority, society flourishes. He further highlighted the church’s contributions over the past century to Nigeria’s educational, political, and economic development.