They say religion is an opium of the masses. Indeed it is, in a clime of poverty and deprivation. It is, in African countries where most leaders play Islam or Christianity in broad day while they belong to cults and secret bodies. African politicians don’t rely on God to win elections. Human sacrifices and taboo are committed by politicians to win elections in Africa and Nigeria in particular, acts that are never allowed in Islam or Christianity.
Take for instance, the returning officer in Imo State made it public that he was forced and threatened to announce Rochas Okorocha as the winner of his senatorial district in 2019 elections and because of such undemocratic act, INEC decided to withhold certificate of return.
If after horse trading by APC Rochas is eventually given the green light, do we have religious stand to attribute such victory to God or Jesus?
Today, many of those who stand firmly for Gov Yahaya Bello’s re-election have come up with God’s wish formula. That God will ensure his victory. Insha’Allah GYB will be re-elected by November.
I don’t have problem with that. In 2016 I did celebrate GYB as the chosen one who deserved to inherit the victory of Prince Abubakar Audu, not just because he is my tribal brother but I felt he was young and successful businessman whose experiences would make Kogi State better than he met it.
Today, in 2019, the story is sadly different.
Religion to me is personal affairs. Simple as that. Islam teaches moral and restrictions.
Because those who own or invented these religions know that human beings are too complicated and complex to leave their actions to abstract powers or beliefs, they decided to make laws and their laws work. That is why a pastor who breaks law in Nigeria and goes scot free will be adequately punished in UK. In US, the same pubic official who made Adeboye of Redeemed church to step-down as general overseer will be rewarded rather than sacked.
In the case of Kogi State, they say God is involved, How? 88 medical doctors left Kogi State civil service, is that the wish of God for Kogi people? In Kogi State, many civil servants have become beggars. Is that the wish of God?
Because of GYB wants Justice Ajana out by all means the entire workers under judiciary in Kogi State are being punished. No salary. Is that the wish of God?
Many people in Kogi state went through almost dry fasting in just concluded Ramadan. Is that the wish of Allah? Tell me!
Some civil servant’s children in Kogi State have been sent out of schools due to their inability to pay tuition fees. Is that the wish of God?
God created us with free will. We are not robots. And the holy books never made us ones. When human situation becomes bad we have all the power to change it because the consciousness and power to change harmful condition are inbuilt in us. In the Holy Koran, Allah says he will not change the situation of group of people until they change it themselves. That WAS how Americans rose and challenged British rules.
Stop abusing the doctrine of God!
– Anold Ali Ovurevu
derealanold@gmail.com
