The Fallacy Of Iron-Handed Leadership: A Biblical Perspective On Rulership, Accountability

BY ISAAC ASABOR *

In Nigeria, as in many other parts of the world, there is a widespread belief among politicians and leaders that they can avoid the consequences of their decisions. Many corrupt leaders and politicians believe that their wealth, power, and influence will protect them from justice. However, this belief is based on a dangerous misunderstanding. It is a lie to believe that they can avoid divine retribution because, as the Bible repeatedly states, God rules over men’s affairs. Leaders may have temporary immunity from accountability, but history and scripture demonstrate that no one escapes God’s judgement.

The Bible is clear about one fundamental truth: God governs the world, including the rise and fall of leaders. Daniel 4:17 reminds us that “the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He will.” This verse makes it abundantly clear that no leader is beyond God’s will, and no one can rule without divine intervention. Leaders may believe they are untouchable, but their reign is permitted by God for reasons He alone knows, and they are ultimately accountable to Him.

In Nigeria, many leadership crises stem from a failure to acknowledge God’s supreme rule. Politicians amass wealth through corrupt means, impoverishing the masses while living extravagantly. Some believe they are immune to all forms of accountability, both from the people and from God. However, this viewpoint is a fundamental misunderstanding of how divine justice works. Proverbs 16:4 states, “The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.” Leaders may rule corruptly for a time, but they are unwittingly serving a purpose that will be revealed in their reckoning.

A closer look at the Bible reveals examples of leaders who believed they could avoid judgement, only to face the unavoidable consequences of their decisions. Consider the story of King Nebuchadnezzar, a powerful ruler who believed he was invincible. He became arrogant and believed that his kingdom was built through his own might. God quickly humbled him, forcing him to live like an animal in the wilderness until he admitted that “the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth” (Daniel 4:25). Nebuchadnezzar discovered the hard way that no leader is above God’s authority.

Similarly, in the New Testament, King Herod Agrippa, inflated with pride, accepted praise from those who claimed his voice was that of a god rather than a man. Acts 12:23 describes his demise: “Immediately, an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God glory, and he was eaten by worms and died.” Herod’s arrogance resulted in his quick and humiliating death, demonstrating once more that God rules all and no leader can escape His judgement.

Leaders today, particularly in Nigeria, should heed these lessons. The idea that they can go unpunished for corrupt governance and oppression of their people is a serious misconception. It is true that some appear to thrive in their corruption for years, if not decades, but the wheels of divine justice turn at God’s pace, not our own.

Psalm 37:1-2 encourages those who are discouraged by the apparent success of corrupt leaders: “Do not fret because of those who are evil, nor be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass, they will soon wither, and like green plants, they will soon die.” Though justice may appear delayed, it is unavoidable.

In Nigeria, where leaders frequently enrich themselves while leaving their constituents in poverty, it is understandable to believe that corrupt politicians will go unpunished. But scripture assures us that no one, no matter how powerful, is exempt from divine judgement. Even if their demise is not immediate, it is inevitable.

God’s timing frequently defies human expectations. According to Ecclesiastes 8:11, “When the sentence for a crime is not carried out immediately, people’s hearts are filled with schemes to do wrong.” This is true in Nigeria today, where the slow pace of justice promotes corruption. But, while human justice may falter, God’s justice is unwavering. No leader can outrun His judgement, even if they prosper for a time.

In fact, God frequently allows tyrants and corrupt leaders to rule for specific reasons. As seen in the story of Pharaoh in Egypt, God hardened his heart and allowed him to rule oppressively in order to demonstrate His power by liberating the Israelites. But Pharaoh’s downfall came quickly and decisively when God’s judgement finally fell on him (Exodus 14:28). Leaders such as Pharaoh may appear invincible for a time, but God’s plan will always prevail.

To believe that any leader who rules cruelly and impoverishes his people will go unpunished is to deny God’s sovereign rule, which is foolish. Scripture contains numerous examples of leaders who believed they could avoid divine judgement, only to meet their demise in humiliating or tragic circumstances. Nigerian politicians should take note: no amount of power, wealth, or influence will protect them from God’s justice.

Psalm 75:7 reminds us that “It is God who judges: He brings one down and exalts another.” The notion that corrupt leadership can continue without consequence is a dangerous and false one. While the people may suffer temporarily under bad leadership, justice, whether divine or historical, will eventually prevail. Leaders, particularly those in Nigeria, would do well to remember that they rule by God’s grace, and they are ultimately accountable to Him.