Matthew Ashimolowo, a televangelist and senior pastor, has voiced trust in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that he thinks the Nigerian leader is dedicated to improving the country but cautioning that leadership by itself cannot address the country’s ingrained problems.
The 73-year-old priest claimed in a widely shared video on social media that Nigeria’s troubles are caused by systemic flaws that have existed for decades in addition to problems with leadership.
Ashimolowo stated that he thinks Tinubu has good intentions and is aware of the difficulties facing the nation, but he emphasised that rebuilding Nigeria calls for more than just changes at the top.
“I believe we have a president who is ready to fix this nation. I believe he’s seen it all and I believe he is good intended. The system is broken so you can’t fix the presidency, the leadership and leave the system.”
The pastor pointed out that Nigerians have always focused more on selecting the best leaders than on creating robust institutions and mechanisms.
He made the case, citing the United States as an example, that governments can operate efficiently independent of the president.
“In my opinion, I think we have a good head but the head is not enough. So leadership and system failure and in my opinion, therefore, as a 73-year-old man who has seen this nation and have lived in another economy for 41 years, I think we have focused too much on the people to lead and not the system to run.”
Strong institutions guarantee that no one person is greater than the system, according to Ashimolowo, who cited former US President Ronald Reagan.
“They have built a system that is bigger than the president and even the Supreme Court can say no to the president.”
The cleric insisted that any misconduct should be uncovered and prosecuted, and he urged authorities to take urgent action against corruption at all societal levels.
He contends that corruption permeates all facets of society, from public servants to common people, and is not just a problem for political leaders.
“From the presidency to the man on the street, mention who is behind any evil, let us know them, let them be taken to court, let them be charged and let there be no forgiveness.”
He further stated that commonplace bribery and wrongdoing add to the larger corruption issue, contending that both citizens and governmental institutions must be involved in significant transformation.
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