First among equals

First among equals

It is almost time for mid-term elections here in the United States and things are really getting frenzied; but first, let’s meet Ms Stacy Abrams. She is contesting for the post of governorship of Georgia and if elected, she will be the first female African American governor in the history of the country. By the way, Stacy Abrams was the first African American girl to be a valedictorian in high school, the first black female to get a law degree from prestigious Yale, the first female African American leader of the Georgia house of Assembly and an author of 8 romantic novels. Some resume!

With regards to the Nigerian politics however, the Igbos cannot and have not been allowed to boast of such resume as all their experiences in the political history of the country has always ended up in a perennial second. Though the general elections is still some five months away, delegates are already benefiting from the dividends of democracy in foreign exchange and it appears the Igbos are once again happy to play second fiddle.

While the rest of the presidential candidates are all at the domestic airports waiting for cheapest tickets to campaign around the country, the two serious contenders for the presidency- Obasanjo and Tinubu are busy preparing inauguration speeches for their parties. This election is already done and dusted. Nevertheless, you still ought to vote. Being on the queue may not necessarily result in the expected outcome, but you will have something to show for your effort anyway.

I have tremendous respect for Father Matthew Hassan Kukah and not because he is about the only Catholic priest without sexual scandal but because of his erudite and informed position on the state of the nation. So, with Bishop Oyedepo and Sheikh Gumi in tow, the trinity was in complete harmony with Atiku for his confession and reconciliation with Obasanjo at the latter’s home last week. Obasanjo has forgiven Atiku for his sins against him and in good faith has promised to vote for him at a political cost, since he blew the whistle on him and nobody did nothing about it. Atiku has paid restitution during the primaries for his sins against the nation. As for the rest of his sins, Gumi, Kukah and Oyedepo will handle that directly with God. If he cannot get into God's own country on account of his misdeeds, at least the trio will secure his passage to heaven at a cost. Salvation is no longer free.

Lastly, with Oyedepo and Obasanjo atoning for Atiku and Adeboye and Tinubu brandishing Buhari, it is just going to be a two horse race with no room for anyone praying for first break. Religion and politics used to be strange bedfellows but not any longer, there is provision for them in the other room. So, heads or tail, the people will always lose to their spiritual and political leaders.