Nyok|12 October 2018
Thursday 11th October 2018 witnessed the historic and fruitful meeting between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former President Atiku Abubakar —that meeting has incited the reactions of residents and indigenes of Nigerians in Cross River State because of the presence of Bishop Oyedepo, Sheik Gummi, and Bishop Matthew Kukah.
Cross Riverians nay Nigerians are divided into two camps in the attempt to answer the question —should religious leaders meddle in politics or should they be neutral?
Development Economist based in Georgia, Atlanta, has captured the question appropriately —'There has been serious backlash over the presence of Fr Kukah and Bishop Oyedepo of Winners in a meeting with OBJ and Atiku. Most people are angry. Some tweet that they are disappointed. The question is Should religious fathers continue to interfere in politics or should they remain neutral?'
Some have answered in both the affirmative and negative advancing beautiful reasons at both ends so much so that one is almost confused as to which camp to identify with.
Missang Oyama has this to say: 'Brother , I feel so disappointed with the comments of people on this matter. The meeting between Obasanjo and Atiku was actually beyond politics. It was first a peace and reconciliatory meeting. We all know of how frosty their relationship has been. These religious leaders from both sides of the divide (Christians and Moslem) represented by Bishop David Oyedepo, Bishop Mathew Kukah and Sheikh Gumi were there as witnesses to further consolidate the peace treaty between Obasanjo and Atiku. Remember that the religious leaders were invited to the meeting and their attendance was not based on any form of political coloration. My position here is based on objectivity and rationality. Of course, I'm not an Obj or Atiku's fan. I think we should be broadminded on issues.'
William Duke Anthony has countered Oyama thus: 'They church should have no business with These bad Ogboni Men. I am so dissapointed with oyedepo.there are apc People in his church Too. Give to ceaser what belong to ceaser. I am sad. These pastors See hxpocrites(sic)'.
Itari Itari said: 'political strategy, APC used osinbajo so could capture votes from redeem members, now PDP doing same, as long as it is still this same old men who helped buhari into office, Nigeria will not charge'.
Lambert Agama has this to say: 'What are you guys angry about? We all clamour for change and if God will use our religious leaders to achieve the change we are complaining. Really my people? It was the Evangelical Christians in America that help mobilized and elected Trump….what's wrong with that? you guys think God will come down to do the part we have to do? When the same religious leaders went to Aso Rock to pray for Buhari not one of you cried foul.
'…now it's time for change you looser and crying foul…Fulani Herdsmen murdered innocent Nigerians you guys were supporting Buhari and his dangerous policies. The same people castigated Jonathan and God allowed Buhari to teach us a lesson, we cried and prayed. Some of you wailing now where asking why is there so many churches and men of God and no body is praying or speaking up. You guys are crying to be delivered but now crying and speaking against those God want to use to deliver you. I am very confused dear Nigerians.'
Norma Kate Eblabor rather says that 'They are part of the system and if it's for good reasons then they should. Every true citizen should participate to bring us to light.'
Gbenga Abbey Shonubi argued in this line: 'Do you mind some Nigerians, if they do they're doom, if they don't they're double doomed. It's high time religious leader's leave their places of worship and be the voice of those they're called to serve and save.'
Donald Omang has this to say 'Well for all I know. Bishop kukah of the archdiocese of sokoto and has in several occasion even most recently criticise the APC administration for not fulfilling the electoral promise especially insecurity. While Bishop Oyedipo on the other hand spoke and reign spiritual courses on all those who have the support of the herdsmen clashes.So for me the two men are responsible enough to take an independent decision at this time to support who there want it there deem fit. Even though I don't whole heartily support Atiku because there are same crop of Nigeria old recycled materials, He is a lesser evil and I feel understands Nigeria economic far better than Buhari team. I wish a younger ,agile, clean person could be president like KINSLEY moghulu but the system will never allow such person to emerge. The only way is electronic voting linking our BVN to PVC .The only serious person in Buhari government that is giving it a face is Osinbanjo on who integrity and intelligence has been bastardise.'
But, Francis Bassey Inameti has this to say 'When there's conflict or war in communities, people run into churches for refuge, not because churches are fortified bunkers but because people believe that God will protect them supernaturally. Whenever family feuds escalate, it is usually the clergy that are called upon to mediate. When people survive calamities of life, they go to church/mosque for Thanksgiving. This is standard practice the world over. Clergies are seen as God's physical representatives. That's why even in America, the evangelicals gathered to pray for Trump's successful rule,after they had mobilised their congregations for an impressive showing at the polls.'
Oriri Ewa has said on his part, 'It's funny to read comments from Christians who claim to be disappointed that prominent clergy men who intervened to broker peace were wrong to have done so. At this moment I'm really shocked. They're so lost looking the political direction but forgetting that the whole intention of this meeting was to broker peace. But even if it had a political undertone, what is wrong with that? We pray for our leaders always, is that all that be! Well, just praying for them is like faith without work… We must learn to do more and those criticizing our clergymen are totally ignorant of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the gospel of peace.'
Thomas Ofem took a lash in this direction 'When Kumuyi visited Buhari recently, they all clapped. Oyedepo makes peace between Atiku and Obasanjo and they are having sleepless nights. Hypocrites!'
Peter Abuo says that 'Atiku was on a peace mission and if he requested the presence of spiritual fathers nothing wrong with that. Backlashers can go to hell, talk rubbish against them attract the wrath of God. Touch not my anointed and do my prophet no harm.'
Edu Eka has said, 'Religious leaders are also part of society on the receiving side of bad leadership and government. Political neutrality means endorsement. It's high time all religious leaders get political.'
For Cyril Agbor it is thus 'How long have Christians fasted and prayed yet Nigeria isn't working? The quicker we leave the pulpit and get to the streets to participate in electioneering, the better for us. Nigeria will work again'.
Nkosima Moses Egor tasked on truth this way 'I think their interference should be as sincere as possible……
They should stand for ONLY TRUTH .
Anything outside the TRUTH we know is of their personal interest. ….And me I no want that one. ….'
BLOGGERTORIAL
This is my take: What should they do —fast and pray, only!? That'd be irresponsible.
They've every justification to do what they're doing —first, they are human beings with 'fundamental' human rights; second, they are citizens with duties and privileges to the state; third, they are leaders implying are influential so, they can plow their influence for what ever positive purpose; finally, they may be under divine instruction to do so —they have been instances in the Bible prophets, religious leaders were involved in politics.
Nyok
Blogger-in-Chief, Editor-in-Chief & Publisher of NegroidHaven