According to Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German Lutheran pastor, theologian and anti-Nazi dissident, "One act of obedience is better than one hundred sermons." Nigeria is said to be a religiously diverse society, with the religion of Islam and Christianity being the most widely professed, with a tiny minority of adherents practicing traditional African religions and other religions. But is the lifestyle of Nigerians reflecting their claims as a people who fear God?

Religion as defined, is "the belief in and worship of a superhuman power or powers, especially a God or gods." (Oxford) and "human beings’ relation to that which they regard as holy, sacred, absolute, spiritual, divine, or worthy of especial reverence..." (Britannica).

In relation to the two widely professed religions in Nigeria, it is generally believed that the adherents of Islam (Muslims) and Christianity (Christians) devote their lives to the worship of a 'Supreme God' and the pursuit of holiness (God-like). By this they are supposed to demonstrate and not only preach or confess a 'God-like' lifestyle—pursuing and doing good in the fear of God!

But in reality, majority (if not all) of Nigeria's leaders and her citizens profess to be either Christian or Muslim. Yet, Nigeria is a country that is plagued by corruption, selfishness and greed, which is the opposite of the God-like version that the adherents of these religions, profess. So, what is amiss?

Patriotism as defined, is "the quality of being patriotic; devotion to and vigorous support for one's country" (Oxford) and "the feeling of love, devotion, and a sense of attachment to a country or state" (Wikipedia). As such, in the spirit of patriotism, both leaders and followers alike should be devoted to doing what is good for the benefit of the generality of citizens. Yet, the act of patriotism to country has been eroded away by the same evils acts tainting religion—corruption, selfishness and greed.

The objective reality of Nigeria's public leadership position as it exist today is no longer to serve the generality of her citizens, but instead public leadership positions have become an avenue to get rich quickly, to siphon public funds, to wield power irresponsibly, and even use its influence to corrupt the adherents of religion. As such poverty, unemployment, crime rate, collapse of public institutions have skyrocketed, creating a wide gap between the elites and the commoners.

The syndrome of poor leadership has trickled down to the masses such that majority of Nigerians have deviated from the pursuit of 'God-like' in their quest for fortune and fame, and in the process have become unpatriotic citizens like those who lead them. Go to the churches and mosques and behold the large numbers of attendants there. Yet, society has become a war field where Nigerians daily cheat, kidnap, kill, abuse, fight... one another. And rather than focus on what each and everyone should contribute towards its growth, Nigerians are instead divided on a daily basis on frivolities, fanned by tribalism and religious sentiments that are politically induced by her bad leaders.

Patriotism in Nigeria is dead. Religion is only but a disguise. In all, it can be said that Nigerians are a religious people that pretends to be 'God-like' on the outward but within they are ravenous wolves who seek to destroy society. While majority of Nigerians profess to be adherents of one form of religion or the other, in reality they do not practice what their religions preach, but are driven by their selfish desires that are propelled by the greed to amass wealth, which further fuels corruption.

If Nigerians truly fear God as they profess by their religion, then the country would not be where it currently is today—plagued by corruption and economic misfortunes. In the reality of the fear of God, leaders would be patriotic as there would be no looting of public funds, no waste of resources on unviable projects, elections would not be do or die, and transparency in public administration would be the watchword. In same vein, citizens would show love, respect public institutions and obey its laws, as everyone join hands together to build a prosperous country.

Are you a Christian, Muslim, or Traditionalists? Are you part of the problem or you are a part of the solution? If your religion doesn't breed patriotism towards 'God-like', then it is not worthy to be practiced as one.

#penglobaldiscourse