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OBJ as a Christian
Felix Ajakaye
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By Femi Ajakaye
egacy is described by the Cambridge International Dictionary of English (1996) as “Money, possessions etc, which you agree to give to another person when you die, or something that is a part of your history or which stays from an earlier time.” Thus, it is necessary to reflect on the legacy President Olusegun Obasanjo as he packs out of Nigeria’s seat of power, Aso Rock, Abuja, in the last week of May. Precisely, on May 29, 2007, he will have to hand over power to another ‘elected’, ‘appointed’ or ‘selected’ president. From that day, like in 1979, Obasanjo becomes a former president and he will try to remain relevant in the society.
For two terms of eight years, President Obasanjo has pontificated on Nigeria as his sole empire and ruled the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, the self acclaimed “biggest party in Africa”, like the lord of the manor. Generally, Obasanjo tends to see himself as the only wise person in the land. He likes to bulldoze his way to get whatever he wants, using crude language and his sycophants. For his years in Aso Rock, the president began his Economic Reforms, pushing them vigorously. Truly, Nigeria began to regain her lost glory as she tried to retrace her steps from the misrule and mismanagement of the country by the past military dictatorships, which also included Obasanjo himself in his first coming as a military ruler (1976-1979). However, practically, the reforms seem to have turned to another Structural Adjustment Programme, SAP, though generally regarded as Suffer All People, introduced by another military dictator, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.
I recollect vividly here that during the tough days and times of Babangida’s regime, Obasanjo himself, not happy about the whole situation warned both Nigerians and foreigners to be wary of Babangida. He even insinuated that whenever Babangida greeted anybody good morning in the house, such person, before responding, must first of all look outside to find out whether it was really morning, even though it was indeed morning. This is vintage Obasanjo! With failed Third Term bid, as Obasanjo ‘reluctantly’ leaves Aso Rock as its paramount ruler for his ‘anointed’, he must be told unequivocally that his reforms (which seem not to have solid structures) have not impacted on the lives of the generality of the people. Many micro and macro companies have closed down within the eight years of Obasanjo administration due to lack of regular power supply and job security. His government can never be forgotten for its avowed selling and buying. It pursued it vigorously – it was selling Nigeria’s numerous public properties to known private individuals and groups, some being top government officials’ cronies, thereby the government became the seller and the buyer at the same time. I am aware that with Obasanjo’s exit from office this May, we shall be hearing more on this and other things. Outside office, I know his seemingly present larger than life status will be clipped. He will then become ‘anybody’.
I recollect here how the pair of shoes of one of Nigeria’s former military dictators was stolen at the entrance of a mosque here in Nigeria when he went to pray. At another occasion, an unknown man just walked to the same dictator, used the dictator’s babariga (top wear) to cover his face with the hope of strangling him with it. Definitely, the evil that people do does not only live after them, it also lives with them. Really, when the dictator was in power, security operatives would have been assigned to guide his pair of shoes.
Practically, Obasanjo’s government is popularly known for his failed promises and hope betrayed. For instance in 2003, he promised to install a 132/3 KVA Transformer in Ekiti State, and to work on Ado-Omu-Aran Road, but to date, none of the promises has been fulfilled. Instead, typical of the Owu chief, he turned Ekiti State into his ‘field’ of experiment of his known trademarks of his style of government – Divide and Rule. Ekiti State is the only State in Nigeria with one people, one culture and one language. Now, due to politics of intimidation, manipulation and divide and rule tactics, there is division that tends to portend danger if the sincere Ekitis within and outside Nigeria do not address the situation immediately. As somebody once remarked Obasanjo’s legacy is ably summarised in the different funny roundabouts in Ado-Ekiti constructed by the State Government. With the experience of Ekiti State, examples abound that Obasanjo takes delight in using and dumping people. He looks and talks down on people. Obasanjo is famous for his caustic tongue. I suggest that the retiring president should reflect on the book of James 3 the Holy Bible.
Many times, Obasanjo would remind people of his Christian background and he would always refer to God as his guide. He did this when he decided to go for the second term, and even when he wanted to elongate his term as against the Nigeria’s Constitution. The president once said that it was God who would decide the extension of his tenure as president. Hear him: “…I also believe that God is not a God of abandoned projects. If God has a project, He will not abandon it.” (cf. front page, The Punch, Tuesday, April 4, 2006) Just recently, he remarked again: “If I sought a third term, and I really wanted it, I would have gotten it. I would have worked for it, I would have prayed for it and God would have given it to me.” (The Guardian, Sunday, May 20, 2007, p. 3) This is how far Obasanjo opted to be using God’s name to achieve his desire. God does His own things in His own way.
I keep on wondering that despite the emergence of churches, mosques and shrines in different parts of Nigeria daily, many of the adherents of these religions do not translate their faiths into concrete action. They tend to use their positions to terrorise the people and enrich themselves, while Nigeria retrogresses. Indeed, when a true Christian is leading a country or any place at all, his/her faith will have real impact on his service to humanity. According to the same Dictionary referred to above: “A Christian is someone who believes and follows the teachings of Jesus Christ.” A true Christian is good, kind, helpful, humble, just, faithful, hopeful, loving. He has a forgiven spirit.
With the imminent retirement of President Olusegun Okikiola Obasanjo to his Ota Farms, I wish him happy and fruitful retirement. However, I have these posers for him. What did Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola do to Obasanjo that for eight years he did not make any positive reference to him? Why did he not forgive his ‘enemies’ such as General Abacha’s family and friends, Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, the Fasawes, the Adenugas, the Danjumas, the Malus, Ayo Fayose, Olusegun Mimiko, Bola Tinubu, the CAN, my foot people, ASUU (the list is really long – it is a legion)? Jesus Christ forgave his persecutors. Stephen too had soothing words for his killers. Pope John Paul II also visited a young Turk, Mehmet Ali Agca, who made an attempt on his life on May 13, 1981, while the Pope was “circling St. Peter Square before his general audience”. After his discharge from hospital after the major operation on him, the Pope later visited his attacker in his prison room, had a personal discussion with him and told him that he had forgiven him.
What is the essence of Christianity if a Christian does not forgive. A true Christian is a peaceful person. He does not use his position to intimidate people. He does not use military personnel and military fatigue to engage opponents in general elections. A true Christian apologises when he makes mistakes. A true Christian respects the rule of law. He worships his God with sincerity, in truth and in spirit.
To those eager to attain power this May never allow yourselves to be misled and never engage in artificial development. Artificial development fades. It does not last. Have listening ears and make yourselves available to the people. Always bear in mind that power is transient, and use it meaningfully to serve God in His people. Be dedicated and work to make people have confidence and trust in their government. Reflect on Psalm 23.
Let us pray. God, our loving Father and Creator, we thank you for being our source of joy, hope and inspiration. Kindly forgive us our sins of omission and commission, individually and collectively in Nigeria. Help us to acknowledge your love and presence in all the people we come in contact with daily. Renew us in our country and help us to be focused in our activities. Give us genuine and reliable leaders and make followers responsible and hardworking. Please, make Nigeria a worthy example for other nations. Send your Holy Spirit to Nigeria to inspire us to aspire to be just, united and peaceful in our search for development. Amen.
Rev. Fr Felix Femi Ajakaye is of the Bishop’s House, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
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