Of recent, our opinion, religious and respected former leaders now top the chart of the newly recruited spokespersons or rather attack dogs of political parties and politicians seeking elective positions.
Our religious, past and present political leaders who are supposed “role models,” must guide their utterances on burning national issues with moderation and decorum. They are weighty and as such are capable of revving up emotions and swaying opinions throughout Nigeria especially as the 2015 general elections inches closer. For the religious leaders specifically; they should endeavour to preserve and maintain absolute neutrality, poise, solemnity and serenity known for their vocation by shunning any bait capable of knowingly or unknowingly dragging them into the murky waters of Nigerian politics.
The Holy Bible provides unassailable direction to behaviour or reaction of men towards situations like ours in 1Timothy 2:1-3 which says: “I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men. For kings and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our saviour.”
In a similar vein the Holy Quran 4:59 says: “O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the messenger, and those of you who are in authority. It is obligatory upon a Muslim that he should listen (to the ruler) and obey whether he likes it or not except when he is ordered to do a sinful thing, in such case there is no obligation to listen or to obey.”
Sunday Onyemaechi Eze Zaria, Kaduna State
E-mail: [email protected]
