This question arose as a result of two incidences I encountered that prompted that a religious leader should be neutral when it comes to politics. One of them is in the case of the catholic cleric Rev. Father Ejike Mbaka of Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria (AMEN )and Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

So, I'd like you to air your opinion on whether a religious leader such as Imam, Pastor, Priest, Prophet or even a native doctor should be politically neutral. I'd also prefer if your opinion has a Koranic, biblical , traditional or philosophical backing. Thanks in advance.

Their silence under the guise of been neutral has been the reason why Nigeria has been this backward, even in the Bible men of God warned leaders when ever they re going astray. So I expected all men of God to say the truth not biase.

In biblical tyms, prophets n priests were more or less d voice of the pple, d reverence pple had 4 dia leaders (kings) as @ d old testament was so huge dat de cudnt complain to d king. Hence d mantle of mouth piece rest on d shoulders of the priest n prophets n des pple were more or less d king makers.

In our tyms, clergy n religious, have dia opinion as do we all cos de too ar citizens, de still carry sum anointing n grace n dia teaching n stand ova certain issues av a way of influencing dia congregation. Wen d glory departed saul, it was clear even in d eyes of all d pple, David was just a young man as @ dat tym, d prophet samuel made d neccessary declaration to saul (note: he didn't go about shoutin it in d street or to d israelites) n wen it was tym to annoint anoda he went ahead to pik David who was attending to his fathers flock.

My deduction: clergy n religious can have dia opinion, if de choose to be politicians, fyn but de shud also be ready to face d problems politicians face n d wrath of politicians (just like d way saul killed d priests wen he was lookin 4 David), its dia congregants who have d choice to follow dia words/ teachings or not.

I honestly tink d glory of leadership has departed from d house of GEJ he shud try to get a reconnection wit God b4 14 feb.

As a religious leader, If you have a message, admonition or prayer for a political leader, go to his house and let him know. Or find a way to contact him.

Don't stand on the puppit making long and unnecessary verdicts knowing how much influence you can be to the religion drunk Nigerians.

#My opinion.

Yes, they should be politically neutral but should speak d ugly truth always like father mbaka

i tink dey have a right to support the rightside.
Religion does not mean set on d fence.....True religion means standing on the rightside.
Again being citizens dey need to tak side because d state of d nation also affects dem.

Thanks for all your comments. I sincerely appreciate. Some of you aired my mind. I also think a religious leader should be allowed to say what is good or bad when he sees one and not admonished to remain mute. The rate at which people are criticizing Rev. Father Ejike Mbaka is very alarming. But just like he included in his speech, "people will misunderstand me and also criticize this speech" and that's exactly what is happening. He also said that before they do so, that they should consult the Holy spirit to find out if he is lying just the same way he consulted Him before saying his. Thanks once more for all your comments, more are still welcomed.