Is Obasanjo really a Christian?

Isa (Jesus PBUH) is not just any ordinary human being. To the Muslims, he is a venerable prophet of Allah and no Muslim’s faith is complete without believing in him. This is an important article of faith. To Christians, of which Obasanjo claims to be one, he has been attributed divinity, which clearly puts him […]

Isa (Jesus PBUH) is not just any ordinary human being. To the Muslims, he is a venerable prophet of Allah and no Muslim’s faith is complete without believing in him. This is an important article of faith. To Christians, of which Obasanjo claims to be one, he has been attributed divinity, which clearly puts him above any ordinary man. But, that Obasanjo will have the audacity to make this unwholesome declaration against such a pivotal religious figure is utterly condemnable and smacks of an over-bloated sense of importance.

That he has managed, through some machinations, to have a hand in the affairs of state even after he has left office does not in any way elevate him to the level of divinity where he can utter unguarded statements against prophets of Allah and engage religious leaders (of his own faith) in a war of words.

His refusal to withdraw that statement even after leaders of his faith called on him to do so, clearly demonstrated that his regard for God and divinity has ebbed probably because of the illusion the trappings of power have conferred on him. But he should remember that without God, man is nothing and for the mere fact that corruption is endemic in Nigeria – particularly the government he ran for eight years in this country, does not mean he has the resources to corrupt or bribe even the pious prophets who Allah chose himself. Obasanjo must not make the mistake of those who thought they were powerful enough to challenge even God because they were deceived by the power Allah allows them to wield only for a while.

There was once an Adolf Hitler who held Germany and most of Europe in an iron grip. Before him, there was Napoleon and before him there was even Pharaoh (Fir’aun) who even declared himself God. Today, they are confined to the pages of history and they have gone to account their deeds to the God who made them and caused them to be in power. Obasanjo too should remember that he too will face this same God, whose prophet he so denigrates. The prophets of Allah were not men of questionable reputation. They were upright and just.

His refusal to repent publicly does in fact, cause all men of faith to lose whatever little respect they have for the former president. But as it is not too late, I urge him to reconcile with God and men and guard his tongue against such utterances that not only brings his faith to question but show complete disregard for others’.

 For a former leader, Obasanjo ought to have learnt that religion is indeed a very sensitive issue in this country. His comments offend not only Christians but Muslims as well, who hold Isa (Jesus PBUH) in the highest esteem. He is among the five most exalted of all prophets sent to guide the human race. Therefore, to liken him with a corrupt government official who cannot conduct credible elections is unbecoming of a professed man of faith.

Our leaders must not forget that power is only transient; it comes and goes according to the dictates of Allah. They must not allow themselves to be misguided by the power they wield today into committing blasphemy against the God who made them as they will have to account for their deeds and utterances on judgement day before a higher power.

With this, I call on President Goodluck Jonathan not to allow himself be misled by misguided elements. He too should remember that before him there were others and after him there will be others still. When he stands before his maker to account for his deeds while in office, what will his account be like.

This goes for all Nigerians in the run up to the 2011 elections. We should not just profess faith and utter words or perform actions that nullify our claims. The kind of leadership we have is a reflection of the kind of people we are. We should vote for credible leaders so as to put to shame those who disrespect God and his messengers.

Usama Imam Funtua writes from Abuja