Pastor Goodluck Elisha Ideozu, the General Overseer of Transformation Ministry Worldwide and an adept authority on Nigerian affairs, addresses pertinent issues, critiques the status quo , and investigates potential pathways for Nigeria’s advancement. He articulates candid insights regarding the nation’s current condition and proposed solutions for progress. Newswriter’s Samuel Marshall and Beauty David Nteugot engage him in this interview held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.
Q: MAY YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO THE READERS, SIR?
A: My name is Pastor Goodluck Elisha Ideozu, and I’m the General Overseer of the Sword of Transformation Ministry Worldwide, located here, at Bernard Carr Street, Port Harcourt.
Q: IN YOUR SERMONS AS A MINISTER OF GOD, WE BELIEVE THAT YOU, AT TIMES HIGHLIGHT SOME OF THE HAPPENINGS OF THE SOCIETY.
A: Yes, Of course
Q: WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT THE CURRENT HARDSHIP IN NIGERIA AND THE POSSIBLE OUTCOME GIVEN THE COUNTRY’S LEVEL OF RIGHTEOUSNESS?
A: Looking at the state of the nation, it’s evident that we have regressed by 25 years. The level of suffering is incredibly high, affecting families across all social strata. Then unrighteousness and decay is pervasive, not just at the top but also in the middle and lower levels of society. From what I see, the future appears bleak unless our leaders acknowledge the truth and reverse the damaging policies while implementing better ones. As hunger intensifies, so does the threat to Nigeria. When people reach a certain level of hunger, it becomes unbearable.
Q: WHAT DO YOU THINK IS CAUSING THE NATION TO REGRESS?
A: The sudden withdrawal of the petrol subsidy is a major factor. The lack of proper preparation for its gradual removal has led to negative effects. While removing the subsidy itself isn’t necessarily a bad move, the sudden withdrawal without adequate provisions and policies to mitigate its impact has resulted in an increase in the prices of goods. In Nigeria, the price of goods is closely tied to the price of petrol, so the removal of the subsidy has led to higher prices for various products.
Gradual removal would have allowed people time to adjust to the change. Policies such as the Central Bank increasing tariff charges and Value Added Tax are contributing to the problem. These policies hinder the efforts of poor Nigerians to improve their businesses, leading to business closures. This, in turn, increases insecurity and hardship as more people turn to crime due to financial desperation.
Q: WOULD YOU LIKE THE REMOVAL OF SUBSIDY TO REMAIN AND THEN SCHEMES TO CUSHION ITS EFFECTS INTRODUCED OR DO YOU WANT OUTRIGHT STOPPAGE OF THE REMOVAL OF SUBSIDY IDEA?
A: At this point, given the problems caused by the sudden removal of the subsidy, simply cushioning its effects would not be sufficient. It would be best for the country’s President to first reinstate the subsidy and ensure that the promised CNG Buses are running in all states. These buses would help to control the cost of transportation, which in turn affects the prices of goods and services. Once transportation costs are managed and security is improved in vulnerable areas, and farmers are able to return to their farmlands and be productive, then the subsidy can be gradually removed. Additionally, if the country’s refineries are operational and petrol products are produced and distributed locally, the cost of these products can be reduced, benefiting businesses and consumers. With the right approach, the president can still address these challenges effectively.
Q: DO YOU PREFER CHRISTIAN LEADERS PRAYING FOR GOVERNMENT FOR PEACE TO REIGN DESPITE HARDSHIP; OR DO YOU, AS A MAN OF GOD, PREFER GOING TO THE GOVERNMENT LIKE THE PROPHET NATHAN WENT TO KING DAVID TO REBUKE HIM?
A: Praying for our leaders is the responsibility of every child of God. Church leaders should lead in praying for our leaders. However, in a situation like Nigeria, where many leaders have lost their moral compass, I don’t believe that religious leaders should go to the State House to appeal for help. I think that instead of visiting the government, Christian leaders should write public letters to the government to speak truth to power. This approach would be more transparent and would allow the public to see what is being communicated to the president. It’s important for religious leaders to be honest with the public about the state of affairs and to prepare people for difficult times ahead. It’s not helpful to offer false hope when the reality is different. It’s also evident that the president is not entirely in control of the government, and this should be brought to light. Therefore, rather than visiting the government in person, open letters would be a more effective way for religious leaders to communicate the truth to the people and the president.
DO YOU EXPECT THINGS TO GO THIS WAY AS FORETOLD BIBLICALLY – THIS GENERAL DRIFT FROM BAD TO WORSE?
A: According to the Bible, “you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free”. Unfortunately, politicians in this generation often deceive the people with false promises. It is important for individuals to carefully evaluate those making promises to determine if they can actually fulfill them.
The younger generation of Nigerians is feeling helpless as politicians continue to borrow money, leading the country into more debt. Recently, a Chinese company even seized Nigerian airlines and put government property abroad up for sale due to debt. Despite claiming to borrow for infrastructure development, it seems that politicians are simply accumulating more wealth instead of actually building necessary projects.
It is crucial for Nigerians to speak honestly about the situation. People must be willing to acknowledge when someone is not fit for a certain role and stand by their decisions. Citizens must remember their struggles and defend their votes to ensure that the right actions are taken. Many families are struggling to feed themselves, with some only eating once a day and relying on water to survive for days on end. It is unrealistic to expect a security guard earning N 25,000 per month to support a family of four. If Nigerians are pushed to the brink, reactions may escalate. It is not sustainable to push a population to such extremes and expect them to remain content.
WHAT FINAL ADVICE WILL YOU GIVE TO POLITICAL LEADERS AND FOLLOWERS?
To political leaders, I would say that nothing lasts forever. Every political office has a limited timeframe. Therefore, when in office, understand that society will judge you based on your performance during your term, whether it’s four or eight years. So, don’t try to silence the media and the public through intimidation because you won’t be in power forever. Do good things that people will remember you for.
To the followers, I would advise them not to blindly follow leaders. Consider the impact of their decisions on your family and future generations. Everyone has a role to play. Follow wisely, and if the leadership is heading in the wrong direction, you have the right to disengage. You can leave a political party if its ideology doesn’t align with your values. So, it’s left for you now to decide.***
