I’m your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki. Today, I want to talk about a topic that may make some uncomfortable, but it’s a reality we must face: God is not mocked. Our prayers for Nigeria will continue to fall on deaf ears unless we address the deeper issues affecting this nation.
The Bible makes it clear: “If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and heal their land.” However, if we pray with iniquity in our hearts, expecting God to hear us while we perpetuate injustice and corruption, we deceive only ourselves.
Prayers Alone Won’t Save Nigeria
Many Nigerians, including those in government and high positions, now say that Nigeria’s problems are spiritual. It’s almost as if they’re preparing to take up a “contract” to pray for the nation. But what we truly need is not just more prayers; we need sincere action—justice, mercy, and truth.
Look around. How can we expect God to answer our prayers for Nigeria when we deliberately overlook oppression, enable poverty, and allow injustice to thrive? Leaders and people who should be in jail for corruption are instead celebrated and placed on pedestals. And then, ironically, these same people lead us in prayer! How can God respond to such hypocrisy?
Hypocrisy in High Places
One of the Bible’s strongest warnings is against hypocrisy, yet our country is steeped in it. We see people who perpetuate poverty and turn a blind eye to corruption claiming they will “pray for Nigeria.” But God doesn’t respond to pretenders. Unless there’s a change in attitude—a genuine one—God will not hear our pleas for change.
Imagine this: children detained and tried for so-called “treason” suddenly become “superstars,” flown around in chartered planes. From where did this sudden compassion arise? This is not the justice God calls for.
Real Change Comes from Real Action
God is not our mate; He sees the iniquity we try to hide. We can’t fool Him with showy prayers while we oppress, exploit, and mistreat our own people. True repentance, justice, and mercy—not empty religious performances—are what God requires if we want healing for our land.
It does not take miracles to turn Nigeria around. If there were sincerity in leadership, commitment to justice, and true accountability from day one, Nigeria could be transformed in six years. Yet, we choose shortcuts, self-deception, and hypocrisy.
Nigerians must realize that what we need isn’t merely more “prayers for Nigeria”; what we need is a heart shift, an attitudinal change. Until that happens, our prayers will remain unanswered.
Whether you agree with me or not, the truth stands: God is not mocked.
I remain Dr. Charles Apoki.
