There is nothing more important for the Prince than appearing to be religious.” ― Niccolò Machiavelli
God is too big to live in Jerusalem or Mecca and I wonder the God some persons go to worship or visit in Jerusalem or Mecca. This is because God does not resides in any particular territory. But if you may ask me, I will say it might just be mammon, the God of money, fame, guns and power they seek in those holy cities .
Forgive me, I may sound so cynical on the recent religious outing of President Goodluck Jonathan accompanied by some prophets and government officials but I am angry at the fact that Nigerians like to seek refuge elsewhere than their country.
The last time an Israeli came to this country was just on business transaction; even the man from Saudi Arabia too. We spend millions of dollars to sponsor pilgrims to travel to some holy cities that are far away from holiness and that serves as a conduit pipe to siphon our common wealth.
Going to Jerusalem or Mecca is a tourist affair, if I may say, and why should a country concern herself with such? Religion is a vehicle in which one finds solace in his or her creator.
The President is fooling us by running to Israel for cleansing before his declaration for re-election. His trip to Israel is clear indication of his religious bigotry, he is setting the country on a coalition course. Because by this, he wants Nigerians to vote along religious lines. Why can't he go to Mecca as-well and allow the imams to invoke prayers and Quran on him if truly he has Nigerians at heart and not pursing an unholy agenda.
This is an ominous sign. If only Nigerians can see the evil intents of our leader occupying the positions of governance by bringing religious colouration to every sphere of political events.
Tife Owolabi is an award winning Multi-Media Journalist working for Reuters and other international media outfit in the Niger Delta, Nigeria.
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