…call for faith-government partnership to rebuild nation
…God has placed you for a purpose, lead with truth, Integrity – Bishop Nwaogu
By Gloria Ikibah 
The Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has urged Christian leaders to rally around political leaders in prayer, guidance and support, saying that Nigeria’s progress depends on unity between faith and governance.
The Deputy Speaker made the appeal in Abuja when he received the Lord Bishop of the Diocese of Isiala Ngwa (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev’d Temple O. Nwaogu, and his delegation on a courtesy visit, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Welcoming the cleric and his entourage, Kalu said the visit was “spiritually significant,” describing it as a reminder of the bond between spiritual leadership and civic duty.
Kalu, who hails from Abia State, said he was deeply moved that leaders of faith from his home state came to pray for him and offer encouragement.
“Your presence here is both a personal privilege and a symbol of enduring partnership between spiritual leadership in this country and civic responsibility.
“Supporting me is supporting this government. Praying for me is praying for this government,” he stated.
The Deputy Speaker called on the Igbo Nation to abandon the long-held notion of “Igbo Enwe eze” — meaning “Igbos have no king” — which, he said, had hindered collective progress.
He also likened the relationship between leaders and followers to the biblical story of Moses, stressing that leadership requires encouragement and prayer.
Turning to the clergy, Kalu emphasised the church’s vital role in national healing, moral renewal, and unity.
“We must change that mindset. Once a leader emerges, whether spiritual, traditional, economic or political, we must learn how to rally around leadership for the people to succeed.
“When you lift a leader’s hand, the people move forward. When you pull a leader down, the people are stagnated. When Moses’ hands were lifted, the people prevailed. When his hands fell, they struggled. That’s the power of support.
“In every age, the church bears the torch of conscience, moral clarity and communal hope. Our generation needs hope — hope that things may be hard now, but they will get better. A message of hope sustains nations”, he explained.
The Deputy Speaker said faith leaders must continue to speak truth to power while fostering peace and patriotism.
He therefore called for closer collaboration between churches and government to support communities through empowerment and social programmes under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The voice of the faithful must not be silenced. Law without vigilance is brittle, policy without conscience is hollow, and prosperity without peace is precarious.
“We will partner with the church in identifying widows, widowers, and small business owners who need help. Every citizen is either in a mosque, church, or parish. Together, we can reach everyone”, he asserted.
Speaking on the South-East region, Kalu declared that despite its challenges, the zone is “pregnant with promise”.
“There is something good coming out of the South-East that will benefit not only Nigeria but Africa. The region is going through the refining fire, and what will emerge will shine like a precious stone”, he said.
The Deputy Speaker further reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu, saying the President’s “body language towards the South-East is positive and sincere.”
Kalu urged the Bishop Nwaogu to take this message home, stressing that partnership and dialogue between regions were essential for national stability.
“This is the time for the South-East to support the President. Our time will come, and we will be measured by the level of our current support.
“Let us support this administration so that tomorrow, when it is our turn, others will also support us.
“Nothing has brought me this far except the grace of God — not intellect, not wealth, not strategy. The Nigerian project is not merely political; it is divine. It is God’s project, and we are His trustees.
“May God bless Abia State, may God bless the church, may God bless Nigeria, and may He bless the House of Representatives as we labour together for a new nation worthy of future generations,” he prayed.
Earlier in his remarks, Bishop of the Diocese of Isiala Ngwa (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev’d Temple O. Nwaogu, lauded the Deputy Speaker, he described his rise in public service as a divine appointment and urged him to lead with truth, peace and integrity.
Bishop Nwaogu expressed deep gratitude to the Deputy Speaker for granting the delegation audience, describing the opportunity to meet with him “one-on-one” as a special privilege.
“Thank God for sustaining our lives and keeping us together as a country despite sociological and religious differences.
“Our God has been so faithful. It is by His mercy that we have not been consumed.
“Thank you so much, Your Excellency. In every generation, God, in His mercy, chooses men and women and places them in leadership positions over His people. It has pleased Him at this point in time to place you in this prominent position in our country,” the Bishop stated.
He congratulated Kalu on his electoral victory and appointment as Deputy Speaker, saying, “That victory is our victory, and we appreciate God for doing it for all of us. We know it is not easy to lead human beings — not to talk of a country like Nigeria. But we thank God for using you, and we pray He will continue to strengthen and guide you”.
The Bishop commended Kalu’s dedication and the positive impact of his leadership, particularly in his efforts to empower citizens and uplift communities.
“We thank you for your effort, your dedication, your commitment. You are putting smiles on the faces of many of our people and giving hope to the hopeless. Posterity will never forget the effort you are making,” he said.
He likened Kalu’s leadership journey to the biblical principle of purposeful stewardship, saying, “One thing is to be in office, another is to make a positive impact with the position God has given you.”
Bishop Nwaogu also encouraged the Deputy Speaker to continue supporting President Bola Tinubu in realising his Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasising that effective governance depends on teamwork and unity of purpose.
“The President cannot do it alone. Just as in the Anglican Church we say the diocese is episcopally led and synodically governed, leadership must work hand in hand with the people. When there is peace and collaboration, we all prosper,” he said.
He offered prayers for Kalu, calling on God to grant him wisdom, strength and divine favour in his service to the nation.
“We wish you well and pray that the Lord Almighty will continually strengthen and bless you. Lead us in truth, maintain integrity, and let God be glorified in your office,” the Bishop said.
