PASTOR, SHEIKH GIVE ME SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE NOT YOUR POLITICAL PREFERENCE.....Clerical establishments have proven extremely effective at mobilizing the masses and all politicains know that. This is especially true for country like ours Nigeria which has been described as the most religious (not necessarily Godly ) country in the world. Many Nigerians rely on their Sheikh, Pastor or Babalawo for guidance in spiritual personal, family and business matters. But it is the incursion of renowned Nigerian clerics in political matters that is raising cause for concern in a country where religious clashes are frequent. We are seeing a tendency where clergy are trying to trade off the spiritual hold they have on Nigerians into a political capital and there is inherent danger in this. When some months ago, Sheikh Gummi tried to test his spiritual hold on Nigerian muslims to disparage a popular politician, he was shocked by the avalanche of criticisms that greeted his experiment. The message was clear…...Give us religious guidance only , not your political preference. In fact some adherents from that day vowed not to even listen to the sermons of the famous Sheikh who has inherited a large following from his even more famous father the late Sheikh Abubakar Gummi. I was sure then that the mistake was done by Sheikh Gummi but that the lesson was learned very well by all Nigerian clerics . I did not see another cleric on either side of the divide attempting such a hara kiri. Then Bishop Oyedepo spoke recently and opened the gates of hell. I must warn that with the political sagacity in Nigerians a cleric would be staking his spiritual following and even his reputation if he decided to openly profess his political preference especially when such declarations are made in places of worship. Gummi made his remarks in a mosque and Adeboye made his in a church which could be interpreted as an injuction from God by unsophisticated followers. However, more sophisticated followers, and we are getting more of them will resent such incursion into the political terrain by clerics. What one should expect from clerics desirous of peace in this electioneering times as we all pray to avert bloodshed? Keep your political views and preferences to yourself and maybe members of your immediate family. On voting day take your voters card and vote for the candidate of your choice When asked about individual candidates or parties by anyone or by your flock tell them to pray for the best for Nigeria and vote their choice Never issue a general statement of endorsement for any politician on behalf of all your followers or your church or your mosque or your sect. At political events or when receiving politicians (if you must attend such events or if you must receive the aspirants) confine yourself to praying for a peaceful election for Nigeria.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 11:08:33 +0000
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