Pentecostal Leader Yemi Davids Calls for Empathy in Nigerian Government Policies

Yemi Davids, head of the Lagos State chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, has expressed concern that some government policies in Nigeria are starting to feel like "wicked deeds" to the public. Davids made these remarks during an appearance on the Morning Show on Arise Television, calling for a more compassionate approach to policy implementation.

Davids highlighted the increasing pressure on churches and their welfare programs due to a confluence of government policies, including the recent removal of fuel subsidies and rising electricity tariffs. He noted that churches are struggling to support their members amid escalating food prices and economic challenges.

“It’s a lot—the confluence of policies from the government. We have been trying to sort out the electricity tariff, and you know the food prices are up,” Davids said. “The pressure on us as churches is a lot. Our welfare system is stretched; unfortunately, we don’t get to talk about it every time. We spend a lot, virtually every week, feeding people.”

Davids urged the government to show greater empathy towards the public, suggesting that current policies lack a “human face.” He stated, “It looks like wickedness; I don’t know, everything coming together at the same time. It looks like somebody is being wicked to the people. We all feel the pain—the leadership of the church and members.”

He appealed for better communication and connection between the government and the people, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding when policies affect citizens. “As a leader, I think if you want to do anything that would affect the people, there should be adequate and prompt communication. We don’t seem to have that,” he said. “And when you’re communicating, there should be a sort of empathy; we don’t seem to have that.”

Davids concluded by urging the government to consider the broader impact of its policies, not only on church members but on all citizens, as Nigeria navigates these challenging times.