Is politics for ungodly men?

Tamuno Dagogo

Recently, former President Olusegun Obasanjo who has emerged as a controversial person declared that ‘politics is not for ungodly men’. The former Nigerian leader made the remarks while commissioning several landmark and economical valuable projects and structures put in place by the amiable Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi.

The former president was clearly impressed and astonished by the variety of projects and the distribution which ensured that no part of the State was left behind or ignored by the Rotimi administration. By declaring that politics is not for ungodly men, the former president was replying those who are wont to say that politics is a dirty game, and that politicians are liars.
While one agrees with the former president that politics is not and should not be for ungodly men, it is important to stress that politics in Nigeria acquired such notoriety because of the lies, waywardness, impunity and corruption that pervade politics in Nigeria which has resulted in many a decent Nigerian finding it difficult to join the vocation that ordinary should demand the highest level of discipline, honesty and probity.

And top politicians like former President Olusegun Obasanjo is one of these types of political leaders. They lie, they cheat and rig election and they employ violence to have their way. For example, recently, President Jonathan gave what has been dubbed ‘marching orders’ to some of his notorious party members to capture the South west from the All Progressive Congress (APC) or any party which the people of that region would want to vote for! This means that people in the region and indeed all over the country who yearn for a good and better leadership have to be vigilant and guard their votes with their lives, as the incumbent who wants another term, has the mentality of vote capture or snatching!

If a politician were a godly man, like the way President Jonathan wants us to believe by his itinerant worship at different churches on Sundays, why would he talk or contemplate of capturing the votes of those he suspects might not vote for him. Capture is akin to stealing through rigging and announcement of false results. Only the ungodly go so far in the quest for public office.
Coming back to Obasanjo’s comment in Rivers State, we wish to state that in the midst of lies, deceit and massive stealing of the resources that belong to the people; a few bright stars have emerged in some states. The Rivers State governor is one, that of Akwa Ibom State is another and the one in Kano, Sokoto, Edo, Ondo and Delta are others. It is hoped that more should join this club including the head of the Federal government otherwise, the system we practise will not worth the effort.

Another aspect of ungodliness among Nigerian politicians which is at the root of many of the political problems of the nation today, is the difficulty the Nigerian politician has in keeping agreements , either oral or written. It is on record how former President Obasanjo who tries to wear the toga of a statesman tried to short-change the Constitution by seeking a third term. Many people also remember with much regret how he paid back the loyalty and support given to him by his former deputy, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar with ingratitude and political vendetta. Obasanjo, who should tender an apology to the frontline Adamawa State- born politician and national bridge- builder, had by his ungodly treatment of Alhaji Atiku, postponed the quality and humane leadership which that great man ought to have given this country. Many Nigerians are praying that Atiku’s entry into the popular opposition party, the APC would be another opportunity for Nigerians to choose a quality and humane leader, who is also a unifier!

Ungodliness pervades much of the nation’s politics discouraging the gentle and focussed from participating. Corruption and ill- gotten wealth ensures that many wealthy persons of questionable character hold public office or lead political parties making the future bleak if there is no drastic change. Obasanjo ignored the rotational principle of his party and sought a third shameful term in office. It cost the nation and the few good men around a lot to stop him! Again, his protégé, the incumbent Goodluck Jonathan, after six years of below average performance, and in spite of gentleman’s understanding for him to do one term in office aside completing late Yar’Adua’s tenure, now lies about even in the churches where he goes to worship, denying he accepted to do one term. He is amassing funds never before imagined through all sorts of means to contest and win the 2015 polls, by capturing the votes of Nigerians!

Dagogo wrote from Jabi, Abuja