16/06/2026
God, Arise for Justice: Why I Pray for a Change of Leadership
There are nights when the sound of gunshots travels farther than hope. A brother goes to the farm and his family spends the day wondering whether he will return. Mothers clutch photographs of children whose lives were stolen by violence. Communities mourn while leaders address the nation from podiums, issue statements, promise action, and move on. The cycle repeats. The speeches continue. The killings continue.
As Christians, we are often reminded to pray for our leaders. The instruction is biblical. But somewhere along the way, many of us were taught to think that such prayers are only about asking God to bless leaders, prosper their plans, and give them wisdom to govern. What is rarely discussed is why Scripture tells us to pray for them in the first place.
Romans 13 describes leaders as God's agents, appointed to restrain evil and protect the innocent. Yet what many Nigerians see today is a lacklustre approach to security. Bandits overrun communities. Students are kidnapped from schools. Families sell property to raise ransom. Criminals are offered amnesty. We hear talk of negotiations. We hear explanations and excuses. Meanwhile, fear spreads across the land. When those meant to be our shield start romancing the sword, we the people are left exposed.
This is not politics for me. It is personal. When my sister travels the Abuja-Kaduna road, I worry. When my uncle abandons his farm because it is no longer safe, I feel the loss. When children become afraid of going to school, I see a nation mortgaging its future. My well-being is tied to national security. The safety of my family depends on whether those entrusted with power are willing and able to do their jobs.
I have often heard clergy insist that the Bible says to pray for our leaders in the affirmative. That's true. But they seldom tell the body of Christ that it's also within our provision to pray for God to remove leaders who cause us pain. I'm here to say it: Christians can pray for a change of leaders and also act toward it. It is both biblical and civic.
The Bible itself provides the pattern. God chose Saul and anointed him king through Samuel. Yet while Saul still occupied the throne, God rejected him because of his disobedience. Before Saul's reign ended, God instructed Samuel to anoint David. The lesson is clear. The God who installs leaders is also the God who removes them. Leadership is not permanent. Divine approval is not unconditional.
For that reason, my prayer is not that anyone should die. I am not praying for sickness, tragedy, or harm. Christian principles will not permit me to wish evil upon anyone. What I am praying for is an end to their governance. The command to pray for leaders exists for the benefit of the people, "that we may live peaceful and quiet lives." The goal is not the comfort of rulers but the flourishing of citizens. If leaders will not change their behaviour, then removal from office becomes a legitimate prayer.
That is where I stand today. I pray for God to remove leaders who refuse to protect the people entrusted to them. I pray that He raises men and women who fear Him, value human life, and understand that public office is a sacred responsibility. And while I pray, I will also do my civic duty. I will speak. I will vote. I will participate wherever lawful opportunities for change exist.
I have lost faith in the electoral process, but I will still do my part: pray and vote out evil.
Let security mean action, not grammar. Let justice roll like water. God, arise. Do what only You can do.
