By Tony Okafor
If Satan were to be blamed for every evil in our society, one might be tempted to ask whether he has become more powerful than God.
But perhaps the uncomfortable truth is that Satan has died long ago, and man has taken over his job. This is not necessarily a theological argument; it is a reflection on humanity’s capacity for evil and its persistent refusal to accept responsibility for its actions.
Consider religion, particularly the modern church, where the pursuit of wealth has, in some quarters, overshadowed the pursuit of righteousness. How do we explain the avarice of some church leaders who accumulate enormous wealth while their congregations wallow in poverty? How do we reconcile extravagant lifestyles, manipulative fundraising, and the exploitation of desperate worshippers with the teachings of Christ?
Yet, when questions are raised, Satan is conveniently blamed for every misfortune. Surely, no devil is needed where greed, hypocrisy, and the abuse of spiritual authority have become the order of the day.
In politics, the tragedy is even more glaring. Nigerians endure poverty, insecurity, unemployment, and deteriorating public services, yet many continue to celebrate and defend the very politicians whose policies and conduct contribute to their suffering. We smile through our misery, dance at political rallies, collect crumbs during elections, and return home to endure another cycle of hardship.
We defend our oppressors with the passion we should reserve for defending our rights. This is a crisis of civic consciousness.
Our troubles, however, extend beyond religion and politics. We cut corners, offer and demand bribes, celebrate ill-gotten wealth, disregard traffic regulations, falsify records, and condemn corruption in public while practising it in private.
We demand honesty from leaders but excuse dishonesty among friends and family. We preach equality but discriminate against others. We condemn injustice until it benefits us. We demand accountability but resist it when our own interests are threatened.
Perhaps our greatest misfortune is not simply the presence of bad people but the silence of good people. In our churches, workplaces, communities, and political institutions, sycophancy often triumphs over courage, while critical thinking is sacrificed on the altar of loyalty. We watch wrongdoing unfold and choose convenience over conscience.
Until we accept responsibility for our actions, challenge oppressive leadership, reject religious exploitation, and cultivate integrity in our everyday lives, our circumstances will remain unchanged.
Satan may be the convenient scapegoat, but man is often the willing culprit. No society can pray its way out of problems it refuses to confront.
Only truth, accountability, courage, and a genuine change of attitude can set us free.
Perhaps it is time we understood that prayer is not a substitute for action, faith is not an excuse for indolence, and religion is not a licence to escape responsibility.
We must rise above hypocrisy, challenge injustice, hold our leaders accountable, and do the work required to transform our society.
Laborare est orare—to work is to pray.
