Somto Okonkwo has shared VeryDarkMan’s argument about the role of religion in Nigeria and why, according to the activist, Nigerians should not focus their criticism solely on religious institutions.
Okonkwo addressed the issue while responding to comments from people questioning why VeryDarkMan criticises the church instead of directing his attention toward the government.
“So I hear them say, ‘VeryDarkMan, why are you sounding as if the church is the problem of Nigeria? You should go after the government.’ You all are very naive,” the statement read.
According to the argument shared by Okonkwo, the Nigerian government allegedly benefits from the prominent role religion plays in the lives of citizens because it can divert attention away from demands for accountability.
The statement pointed to the way Nigerians turn to churches and mosques when dealing with some of the country’s most pressing challenges.
“People go to churches and mosques to pray for basic needs,” the statement said, citing insecurity, kidnapping, unemployment and health challenges as examples.
It argued that when bandit attacks occur in places such as Benue and Jos, some Nigerians turn to churches to pray for protection. Similarly, families affected by kidnapping may pray for the safe return of their loved ones.
The statement also referenced unemployed Nigerians who take their CVs to churches while praying for jobs and people suffering from illnesses such as malaria who turn to prayer for healing.
“These are basic things you shouldn’t have to pray for,” the statement read.
The argument further suggested that if Nigerians stopped relying on religious intervention for basic needs and instead demanded solutions from public authorities, there would be greater pressure on the government to address the problems.
“The day you stop praying for these basic things is the day you will turn against the government and that’s exactly what they don’t want,” the statement concluded.
Okonkwo’s post has since drawn attention online as it circulates the argument attributed to VeryDarkMan about religion, governance and accountability in Nigeria.
