By Kingston Magare 15.9.2026
Controversial Charismatic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria president Bishop Leonard Kawas said religious leaders cannot live on preaching alone; they have to get involved in politics to make money too.
Bishop Kewas recently attracted national scrutiny after he led his organisation to endorse President Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027.
“We do business. And politics, politics is one of the businesses that we do,” Bishop Kewas said.
“Full-time ministry has led to beggarly ministry.
“And that is why we believe that men of God should also be gainfully engaged in any other lawful businesses that can empower them to take care of the poor.”
He cited Apostle Paul’s teaching in Acts 20:35, saying religious leaders should be able to support themselves and help vulnerable people rather than depend entirely on offerings.
“Every Sunday, including last Sunday, I gave out 240 bags of rice to the widows.”
He also said he had about 600 orphans on his list benefiting from various aspects of his free education initiative.
Kawas maintained that his political involvement should therefore not be viewed simply through the lens of financial gain, saying his organisation had participated in political campaigns while also carrying out humanitarian activities.