Nigerians And The Art Of Praying For Their Enemies
Even though the Holy Book admonishes us to pray for our enemies, it is rather a misconception for people to think that their duty extends to shielding such an enemy from the heavy hand of God anytime they soil His holy garment.
This analogy rings particularly true when we consider how a number of Nigerians—old and young, haves and have nots—put their weight behind political office holders or appointees who are being indicted for mismanagement of public funds or any related misconduct. It is a culture that has survived the test of time, and, sadly enough, its end is not forthcoming.
The present scandal involving Yahaya Adoza Bello, the 48-year-old immediate former governor of Kogi State, who was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for offences relating to diverting public funds, is one of a thousand instances where Nigerians sympathise with politicians in 'trying' times. For once, why should someone who has not committed a crime be running away from arrest? This leaves no room to doubt the efficacy of a verse in the Holy Book that says, 'The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion'. The question begging for an answer is: Why are people pitying Adoza? Suffice it to say, the only difference between an offender and their sympathiser is that while the former breaks the law openly, the latter does the same in secret.
Regrettably, religion, tribe, and political affiliations have mostly been the common factors by which Nigerians are divided on matters of national concern. Rather than call a spade a spade, many would prefer to call it 'a garden tool for digging', even though they know fully well that this might be confused with a shovel. The irony of the whole event is that politicians do not feel the pains of the people when they are syphoning public funds into their own pockets, whereas the people feel the pains of the politicians when the full wrath of law rests upon them. How would someone on an empty stomach who manages to access Facebook in free mode be fighting tooth and nail over a politician connected with the alleged case of money laundering to the tune of N80,246,470,089.88 (eighty billion, two hundred and forty-six million, four hundred and seventy thousand and eighty-nine naira, and eighty-eight kobo)? So, I ask: Is this what it means to pray for our enemies?
Even though Mr. Bello remains a suspect in the accusation of money laundering involving over N80 billion (as reported in the Premium Times on April 18, 2024) until proved guilty by the court of law, there is little or no justification for the impoverished average Nigerian to be emotional about the situation. Yaya is a brilliant politician, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, a two-term former governor and number one citizen of his state, and a former presidential aspirant who should have the wherewithal to pay the piper all by himself.
Tayo Ogunkanmi writes from Ibadan, Nigeria.