{
  "id": 7147814,
  "title": "‘You May Manipulate Election But Can’t Deceive God’, Bishop Warns Politicians",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/you-may-manipulate-election-but-cant-deceive-god-bishop-warns",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-13T18:18:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Trust",
    "slug": "daily-trust",
    "url": "https://dailytrust.com/you-may-manipulate-election-but-cant-deceive-god-bishop-warns-politicians/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Reverend John Oyejola, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, delivered a powerful message to politicians at the 2nd Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) Plenary meeting. The theme of the event was “Prophetic Call for Accountable Governance and Moral Citizenship in Nigeria.” Oyejola stressed that power, votes, and public office are sacred trust that must not be compromised for greed, violence, or personal enrichment. Drawing from the readings of the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A from Sirach, Romans, and Matthew, Oyejola highlighted the need for leaders, citizens, and religious shepherds to confront resentment, impunity, vote-selling, insecurity, and neglect of the poor.\n\nThe bishop emphasized that mercy and justice must go hand in hand and urged citizens to reject violence and vengeance. He reminded everyone that accountability is not just a civic expectation but a spiritual obligation. Oyejola warned that leaders who acquire power through bloodshed, fraud, manipulation, or intimidation shall face divine retribution. He cautioned against trading a vote for money, stating that such act trades one’s dignity, future, and voice.\n\nRev. Michael Francis Crotty, the representative of The Pope Leo XIV in Nigeria, echoed Oyejola's sentiments during his address. He urged Nigerian leaders to actively engage all citizens in the democratic process, stressing that it is crucial for citizens to cast their votes and participate in the electoral process. Crotty expressed concerns over the low turnout during elections and the poor participation of citizens in the electoral processes.",
  "summary": "The Bishop of Catholic Diocese Osogbo, Reverend John Oyejola, has called for accountable governance, moral citizenship, and justice, warning that power, votes, and public office are sacred trusts that must not be traded for greed, violence, or personal enrichment. Oyejola made the call on Sunday during the 2nd Catholic Bishops’ Conference Of Nigeria (CBCN) Plenary […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Bishop John Oyejola warns politicians against election manipulation.",
    "Divine retribution awaits leaders who use fraud or intimidation to gain power.",
    "Participation in elections is urged as a spiritual obligation."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}