Profligacy in Nigerian Governance and Possible Lessons from Luke 15: 11-32

ABSTRACT: The parable of the prodigal son is one of the most well-known and frequently referenced parables of Jesus. The parable, simple and profound, is narrated from three perspectives- that of the younger son, that of the father, and that of the older son. The work reviewed some scholarly works that gives exposition of the prodigal son‟s narratives. It shows a picture of self- centeredness, repentance, acceptability and jealousy. Using a descriptive method, these four main points were applied to Nigeria situation and therefore used as a challenge to end the culture of profligacy in Nigerian governance. Most Nigeria politicians and leaders in governance are likened to the prodigal son who engages in careless and wasteful spending. The paper noted that the money that could have been used for the collective good and welfare of the populace are in the hand of privileged few and self centeredness politicians who usually squandered it. The average Nigerians who are doing most of the job do not have access to the wealth of the nation, the politicians are the ones who earn more, despite the little efforts they put into the service of the nation. The work, therefore, argued that Nigerian leaders in governance, who are fond of unnecessary wastage, should follow the process of conversion that looms large in the parable of the prodigal son. In this regard the paper recommends that, Nigeria politicians with profligacy nature should return through contrition, through the conversion of the heart which means a desire to change and make a firm decision to improve the lots of the citizenry. When this is done, they will become a great hero been celebrated like the prodigal son. Also the entire populace should not feel bad when some decisions are made to cut down the expenses of the nation particularly the sponsorship of holy pilgrimages by some states. They should know that whatever decision made, is to reduce the profligacy of our society, and to make Nigeria a better place.
KEYWORDS: PROFLIGACY, GOVERNANCE, POLITICS, PRODIGAL SON, NIGERIA