Benue State: “You don’t know what to do” – Catholic Priest Rev Fr Obinyan To Fr. Alia

Benue State: “You don’t know what to do” – Catholic Priest Rev Fr Obinyan To Fr. Alia

Rev. Fr. Andrew Obinyan of Benin City Archdiocese advises Fr. Alia to begin his administration with a plea: “God, I don’t know what to do. But my eyes are on you” (2 Chron 20:12). Yes Father, I am not asking you to spiritualize governance, but I urge you not to rely solely on yourself and your cabinet. Remember, God’s grace is available for you. Pray with your eyes always on God.

I know, by God’s grace, you will weather the brutal storms of governance that will bring the needed rainfall for Benue State to grow and prosper. However, this will take time. For now, start with this consciousness and plea: “I don’t know what to do, God, my eyes are on you.”

It’s common and easy to immediately focus on problem-solving, creating opportunities, and giving instructions. But the success of a leader depends on the level of humility that underpins them, the wisdom that compels them to always seek God’s face.

This is the essence of excellent leadership: “Lead yourself to God and allow God to lead you to others.”

Never forget, “the Priest is not his own.” Do not consider your actions as impacting only yourself; understand that they are likely to affect many, including fellow priests, both in their temporal and eternal lives. The unprecedented clamor of the Benue Masses saying “Yes Father” is a passionate appeal, a heartfelt cry, “Help us, Father.”

You, who possess the dual authority of the priesthood and political powers, stand on the loftiest pinnacle of service to God and humanity.

From those to whom much is given, much is expected. May your sincere service bring honor upon you, the Catholic Priesthood, and Benue State.

Rev. Fr. Andrew Aigbe Obinyan writes from Benin City.