By Joe Ephraim, Calabàr
The Spiritual Leader of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, has cautioned Nigerian leaders against placing political interests above the long-term welfare and unity of the country, urging them to treat leadership as a sacred responsibility.
Olumba Obu gave the charge in his Independence Day message to Nigerians on Thursday at the World Headquarters of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star in Calabar, Cross River State, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
He urged political leaders to deploy the authority entrusted to them to protect the vulnerable, uphold justice and peace, promote the welfare of citizens and build institutions capable of serving future generations.
“Do not sacrifice the enduring interests of the nation for temporary political interests,” he warned.
The spiritual leader also called on Nigerians to rise above tribal, regional, religious and political divisions, saying the country’s strength could not be built around any particular ethnic group, region, political party or religious affiliation.
“Let every Nigerian therefore rise above tribalism, regionalism, religious division, political differences and every form of selfish interest,” he said.
Olumba Obu said Nigeria should be viewed beyond its geographical boundaries, describing the country as having a profound responsibility in what he described as God’s divine plan for humanity.
According to him, the manifestation of the “Man Child,” through whom the New World Government would be established, in Nigeria had given the country a unique position in divine revelation as the seat of the New World Government.
He said Nigeria’s political history, which had witnessed different systems and forms of government since independence, had not altered the people’s aspirations for peace, justice, equality, security and prosperity.
“This also gives deeper meaning to the remarkable constitutional and political journey of this nation, which has passed through different systems and forms of government since independence. Yet the fundamental aspirations of the Nigerian people for lasting peace, justice, equality, security and prosperity remain,” he said.
Olumba Obu further urged Nigerians not to place their entire hope in political and human systems, noting that administrations and political structures would continue to change.
“Systems of government will surely change, administrations shall come and go, and political structures shall be transformed, but the Divine Will of God cannot be altered,” he stated.
He said Nigeria’s survival through decades of political, economic and social challenges remained a testimony of what he described as God’s grace and mercy, adding that several situations capable of producing uncontrollable consequences had been averted through divine intervention.
The spiritual leader also charged Nigerian youths to take responsibility for the future of the country by acquiring knowledge, developing their talents and rejecting violence and other destructive influences.
“To the young people of Nigeria, recognize that you are both the present and future of the nation. Pursue knowledge, develop your talents, reject violence and destructive influences, and channel your energy toward creativity, innovation, service, and national development,” he said.
Addressing the international community, Olumba Obu urged world powers not to judge Nigeria solely by its present economic difficulties, political disagreements and other challenges confronting the country.
He said there was more to Nigeria than its current difficulties, expressing optimism that the country would witness significant transformation.
“Nations of the world, I urge you to watch Nigeria closely, for something great and glorious is about to unfold in this nation—something that will bring honour, distinction, and remarkable transformation to Nigeria and shall place this nation ahead of the world,” he stated.
He further said the meaning of independence should extend beyond freedom from colonial rule to freedom from hatred, tribalism, religious intolerance, corruption, violence and oppression.
Olumba Obu consequently called on Nigerians to love, protect and preserve the country while exercising their freedoms responsibly.
“Today, I have once again covered this Nation with My Peace and Grace. Nigeria is Brotherhood and Brotherhood is Nigeria. Therefore, no force can destroy this Country in the Mighty Name of OOO!” he declared.
