 Published
June 6th, 2010
 The day was
Sunday, May 30, 2010 and I was in transit from Lagos to
Abuja for an interactive session with the Minister along
with the other State Commissioners for Women Affairs. The
boarding of Arik Flight W3 161Y has just been announced and
while looking inside my handbag for my boarding pass; I saw
a micro book presented to me by my darling sister, Princess
Banke Ademola, the General Manager, Gateway Radio. I made up
my mind to read the book inside the plane rather than be
idle. The title of this micro book is “Why did the
Chicken cross the Road” – a collection of Life
Puzzles written by Waheed Abiodun Ogunjobi, an Editor with
Gateway Radio. I knew in my mind that I will finish the book
before the plane landed in Abuja but then, I did not
envisage the kind of reactions that it generated. Before I
finished the micro book, many ideas kept crossing and
crisscrossing my active mind. I was in deep thought and
unusual inspiration was passing through my mind so I took my
pocket diary and a biro and started scribing words. At a
point, I paused because something dawned on me; I cannot
fathom some issues especially the behavioural pattern of my
fellow Egbas’. I started pondering on Political
Imponderables. As an author and researcher, my mind went to
several Imponderables and rested on Political Imponderables.
Biologically, I am a full-blooded Abeokuta woman. No one can
take from me, my birth right. My father is an Owu man from
Agbogunleri Compound, oke Ago-Owu in Abeokuta North and my
mother is an Egba-Ake from Ijemo-Agbadu in Abeokuta South.
By marriage and politically, I belong to Obafemi-Owode. My
pedigree is fully integrated in Egba Culture and history yet
I find the way of my people enmeshed in Imponderables. At
times I ask myself; what really do the Egbas’ want? This is
a question that keeps agitating my mind. One of us got the
chance to wear the political crown years past; he came, he
saw but failed totally to conquer and made the desired
monumental changes. Pre-2003, my homeland (Abeokuta) was
nothing but a glorified village.
Then came a
man predestined by God from a neigbouring zone still within
the same territory even though we can trace part of his
origin to Owu Kingdom. He came, he saw and conquered. What
His Excellency, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has done in the past
seven (7) years that he got the political Crown is beyond
human comprehension. OGD worked tirelessly sacrificing his
hours of sleep, directed his energy and God’s given talents
to developing the land. The Infrastructural development, the
Vision, the Mission, the accomplished goals and objectives,
the paths and direction, the lights shone and the benefits
accrued to the land of my birth are so incredible and
eye-popping but unfortunately my people fail to see or they
see and refuse to appreciate. OGD understands the terrain
very well having schooled in Abeokuta, precisely Baptist
Boys High School. As part of his contribution to a town that
nourished him educationally; he was determined to take
Abeokuta and the rest of Ogun State to an enviable height.
This was his mantra and he did it so well yet he has been
maligned and accused at all angles. What then is our problem
in Egba Land? Why are we bent in producing anti-thesis to
his thesis? Why do we not appreciate his good governance?
Why have rumours taken over the truth? Where is the fear of
God in a place that historically had the first Christian
Worship (Service)? Why are we making Governance a thankless
job? These are my puzzling questions; Imponderables
indeed!!!
The opening
guns of the Governorship Campaign that will lead to 2011
election will soon be fired. The pre-congress struggles have
commenced already. Who is fit to wear the Crown? Who can we
trust to sustain OGD’s legacies of Excellence? We will
listen to the arguments of all parties; those that make
sense or otherwise. The sovereign voters must be careful and
follow a performing leader who knows the way and will not
mislead them. The party machinery, the party structure ably
led by the State party leader must bear the brunt and
ensured a continuum to avert disaster in future. Political
Imponderables are all around us. The way of politicking is
truly imponderable; Belle-aches of politicians are
imponderables; pull me Down syndrome is imponderable;
destructive criticism is imponderable. What else can I
recount? There are millions of Life’s unthinkable that
confront us daily in politics; how do we resolve them?
Scholars
reflect on imponderables with deep thoughts for self
actualization and knowledge; yet enough research has not
been carried out on politics and politicking. The
destructive tendencies of some politicians need to be
examined and re-examined. Does this tendency fall under
addiction? Or can it be Psycho? Why would a sane man be
determined to destroy goodness or a leader just for
political reasons or gains? Political Imponderables easily
lead to ‘Frustrations’. They are examples of imponderables
that occur in politics, the sudden, the unusual, the
bizarre, and the surprising. These imponderables affect
everything and everybody. Some of the wrongs are: a word
spoken by a politician out of order, a thousand and
unplanned actions, uncalculated little events that can occur
and change the course of events; negative and wicked media
reports. Imponderables play an enormous part in politics. An
imponderable is a state of affairs that which comes into
existence without known cause. Are our politicians ascribing
to Isaac Newton’s law of gravity that for every action,
there is an equal and opposite reaction. In this context for
a good deed, there is an equal devilish deed by the
opposition. No wonder the attacks are many on my leader, he
is blessed and has many things others crave for; to mention
a few:
1.
A handsome face
2.
A charismatic appearance
3.
An endowed physical build (Body)
4.
A powerful dresser
5.
An intelligent man
6.
Intellectual capability of high repute
7.
Uncommon high I. Q.
8.
Wealth and in fact became very rich before 30 years
of age
9.
Gold Personality
10.
Stands out in a crowd
11.
Uncommon Wisdom
12.
Deep Intellectual knowledge
13.
Warm Personality that commands respect and Love from
men, women and children,
14.
Proactive Nature, and above all
15.
God Fearing
The above
listed and more stands OGD out of a Crowd, no wonder there
are so many belle-aches. I appeal to my people to turn from
animosity, antagonism, acrimony, hostility, enmity to
goodwill and appreciation of good deeds. Yorubas’ must learn
to celebrate their own and not pull them down. His
Excellency Otunba Gbenga Daniel has performed creditably
well, and does not deserve attacks but commendation. He is
an Icon, a man of Integrity that should be celebrated by
all. Politicians of both divide must learn to appreciate
each other. Politics must not be a do or die affair; it is a
service to God and humanity. A selfless service must be sung
for others who are not doing so well to learn and note. OGD
is about ending his mandate; it is our duty to encourage him
by appreciating his efforts and contributions to the growth
and development of Ogun State. Why do we pour encomiums on
our leaders when they are no more rather than when alive?
Let us start to appreciate & reward the living Icons; it is
a sure way of getting others to serve meritoriously.
Politics in
Nigeria today is a game of self-aggrandizement,
self-seeking, idol worshipping and fleshy traits; so to have
a man of righteousness serve with Integrity; we must thank
God and appreciate such a man. OGD is truly a man of solid
character. In fact it is undisputable that there is no moral
fibre of any worth in today’s politics. Nigeria Politics is
that of opportunities and circumstances of seeking immediate
advantage with little regard for principles or ultimate
consequences. This actually leads to social chaos and
anarchy; samples of imponderables. We can begin to ask
ourselves these questions and annex the answers as we go on:
1.
What is it to enthrone in Politics? Or what is
Enthroning?
2.
What is Righteousness? Or who is Righteous?
3.
What are Politics and who are Politicians?
Enthrone by
definition means to mark the official beginning of the
period of rule which, is seating a Subject on a
Throne. The Subject in this terminology is RIGHTEOUSNESS.
What does it mean to be righteous? Or what is Righteousness?
To be righteous means doing what is morally good and just;
morally blameless, having JUST CAUSE. When we examine the
meaning of Politics we see a kind of contradiction to what
righteousness stands for. As Christians, we believe that we
cannot attain righteousness by ourselves except we are in
Christ. Jesus Christ is the Righteousness of God Almighty.
Righteousness is a fruit of the Spirit of Christ.
Politics or
Political affairs can be described as a means of winning and
keeping governmental control. A politician is a person,
whose business is politics; one who has been elected to a
position in government. Someone who is skilled at dealing
with people in a way that is advantageous to himself or
herself, or at using a system to his or her advantage.
(Longman Dictionary). This, as we can see, is in conflict
with righteousness. How then can we enthrone righteousness
in politics of self-advantage and self-aggrandizement? To my
mind; it is possible, it can be done. Next week in
concluding this topic; I shall delve into what needs to be
done to enthrone righteousness in politics. Be alert; watch
out for the political dogs. They can never deliver dividends
of Democracy.
Give a
deep thought to my puzzling questions for they are truly
puzzling Realities.
Political
Righteousness can be done only by Infusion and transfusion
of new ideas, new meanings, new orientation, new game plan,
and new players. Political Players that are faithful, honest
and righteous can do this. Political players with
Conscience, Character, Honesty and
Integrity like my Leader (OGD) can do the enthroning.
Let me
enumerate the need to enthrone righteousness in Politics;
the great need to avert the consequences of Political
Imponderables. This can be done only by Infusion and
transfusion of new ideas, new meanings, new orientation, new
game plan, and new players. Political Players that are
faithful, honest and righteous can do this. Political
players with Conscience, Character, Honesty
and Integrity can enthrone righteousness in Politics.
Certain acts are directly recognized as universally and
unconditionally wrong. Falsehood for example is known to be
wrong, not from its own incompatibility with social
well-being but from its very nature. Honesty is seen to be
right in itself, and not because of its beneficent economic
and social results. Nigeria’s wealth has been hijacked by a
few, leaving majority weak and unable to defend them-selves.
This Comatose situation is largely due to unrighteous
leadership.
There is
then a dire need to enthrone righteousness in the politics
of the Country. It is imperative therefore for us as a
Nation to produce righteous Leaders. Only a righteous leader
can rescue the nation from the present downstream situation.
This is the only way to expunge the unrighteous viruses i.e.
ethnicity, nepotism, favoritism, greed, caprices, ‘419nism’,
etc. from our polity. Godly men and women must stand up in
order to achieve morality, selflessness, justice and
integrity in Politics and government without which this
generation and the coming generation may never have a taste
of peace, security and even prosperity in our Country. In
the past, Christians had been inhibited from taking a public
stand against societal evils by some neo-colonialist
propaganda of docility admonishing that Christians had no
business whatever in Politics; even in the face of wide
spread satanic encroachment in all public institutions of
our Country. Who is to enthrone righteousness then? All of
us are to enthrone righteousness in politics. We are all
political animals.
As long as
you cast your vote in any election you are part of the
system. That your lone vote
can actually build on a foundation of righteousness; using
your vote wisely, voting the personality with integrity and
character according to the dictates of your conscience.
Character is the sum-total of personal traits possessed by
an individual that makes him what he is. Character has
special reference to moral qualities, ethical standards and
principles, which guide a person’s conduct and cause him to
choose one course of action over another.
One vital aspect we must consider is the concept of honesty
and integrity in the politics of any nation. The dictionary
defines integrity as soundness of moral principles and
character, uprightness and honesty.
Integrity
means living by the laws – both God’s laws and those of the
society. Integrity presupposes that there is a situation and
a desire to live by it. A person who lives by integrity will
aim to do right and to wrong no one. His conscience will be
clear, both towards God and Man. Conscience is basic to a
work of integrity. Integrity is basic to righteousness. You
must strive towards righteousness to be able to enthrone it
in politics.
Two basic requirements bring peace and blessing to a nation.
That is:
1
The ruler must be JUST
2
The Ruler must rule in the fear of GodEvil is so entrenched in our Country today to the extent that
the virtuous, the law-abiding, the innocents, the charitable
and the altruistic are nowhere while charlatans, swindlers,
villains, fraudsters, traitors, dishonorable men & women,
murderers, robbers, manipulators and hypocrites are in
charge. Nothing is in proper order. Justice is thoroughly
perverted, everything is upside down, truth is crushed, and
evil repressed good. Our politicians must learn to walk in
integrity, blameless and with conscience. Some people act
against what their conscience tells them for so long that
eventually their conscience becomes numb – seared – no
longer sensitive to right and wrong.
Election is
an integral part of politics. Election involves moral
responsibility. Israel presumed that election would
automatically guarantee God’s presence and blessing. Divine
Election involves Service to God. Instead of Politicians
seeing their elections to offices as special priviledge,
they should look at them as participation in the purpose of
God in the world. Isaiah poetically described Israel’s
election Mission:
I
have called you in Righteousness
I
have taken you by the hand and kept you
I
have given you as a covenant to the people
A
light to the Nation, to open the eyes that are blind
To
bring out the prisoner from the dungeon
From the prison those who sit in darkness (Isaiah 42:67)
The agent of
God’s Will is Man and God’s Will is for us to prosper, to
have hope and future. I have identified Thirteen (13)
practical ways to enthrone righteousness in politics. They
are:
1.
Mobilization of masses’ interests in politics.
2.
Promotion and participation of true believers in
politics.
3.
Educating the masses on their rights and awakening
their consciences to do what is right & Just. ‘Don’t sell
your conscience for a pot of porridge.’
4.
Educating the masses on proper utilization of their
votes.
5.
Each person in different ways must help to build a
stable society for the survival and prosperity of future
generations.
6.
All of us are to be law-abiding citizens; no one must give bribe or take
bribe. All concerned to pay taxies & levies as at when due.
Romans 13:5-8 “Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him; if you owe taxes,pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect; then respect; if honour, then honour, let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law.”
7.
Organizational bodies to be vocal on sensitive &
crucial issues through press releases, debates, seminars,
organized talks, workshops etc for the enlightenment of
the society.
8.
Those in government at all levels of governance to
recognize commend & reward excellence and integrity in
private and public services. This will ginger others to be
honest, dedicated & disciplined.
9.
Promoting peace and reconciliatory activities
individually & corporately.
10.
To always stand on Justice. “The Righteous cares
about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such
concern.” Proverbs 29:7. So let us all be on the
side of justice
11.
Refrain from fleshy traits such as Pride, Lying
Tongue, Bloodshed of the innocent, wicked
plotting, quick to do evil, False Witness and
Discord.
12.
Keep your way pure and Flee from Wickedness & ungodly traits i.e. Carousing, Impurity, Licentiousness, Idolatry, Sorcery, Enmity, Strife, Jealousy, Anger, Selfishness, Dissension, Party Spirit, Envy, Drunkenness & Immorality.
13.
Let us imbibe and pursue Godly Character Traits: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control; Virtue, Knowledge, Temperance, Patience, Godliness and Brotherly Kindness; Meekness, Hunger & Thirst for Righteousness, Merciful, Pure, and Peacemakers,
I want to
share with you, readers the twelve (12) rules for Godly
living. These rules when imbibed can change your orientation
& views from unrighteousness to enthroning righteousness in
all your ways.
1
Reject your sin, but never yourself
2
Be quick to repent
3
Be honest with God & yourself about yourself
4
When God gives you light, walk in it.
5
Stop putting yourself down, you’re contradicting God
6
Never have an exaggerated opinion of your own
importance
7
Don’t always assume that when things go wrong, it’s
your fault. Admit when you’re wrong; learn from it,
then go on to become stronger and wiser.
8
Beware of having yourself on your mind too much.
Don’t obsess over what you have done, right or wrong;
both activities keep your mind on yourself instead on
God. Listen to Isaiah 26:3 “You will
keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”
9
Take care of yourself physically. Do the best you can
with what God gave you, but don’t be excessive or vain
about your appearance – it’s temporal at best.
10
Don’t allow your education to become a point of
pride, or your lack of it a source of inferiority. God doesn’t use you because of your I.Q. He uses you because of your ‘I Will’.
11
Your talents are a gift from God, not something
you manufactured yourself so, do not look down on people
who cannot do what you do.
12
Don’t despise your weaknesses – they keep you dependent on God.
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