THE HEROD (S) IN NIGERIA'S POLITICS

 

Yesterday, the Catholic Church in Nigeria celebrated the Solemnity of Our Lady, Queen and Patroness of Nigeria. The Gospel reading for the Solemnity was on the flight of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15). In that biblical passage, we witnessed the sinister character of King Herod, driven by his fear and thirst for power, seeking to harm the innocent. Given that yesterday was also the 63^rd anniversary of Nigeria’s independence, I attempted to see how that particular biblical narrative resonates with the leadership landscape in Nigeria.

King Herod’s reign was marked by insecurity, cruelty, and a relentless pursuit of power. He perceived the birth of Jesus as a threat to his rule and political ambition, leading him to take drastic measures to eliminate what he saw as a rival. Herod’s legacy serves as a warning against political leaders who prioritize personal ambitions over the welfare of their people.

In our political landscape in Nigeria, we can identify individuals whose actions and motivations bear a resemblance to Herod’s character. Some politicians exhibit a thirst for power that blinds them to the needs and suffering of the Nigerian people. Some politicians vie for political positions not out of a desire to serve but as a means of personal enrichment and a fulfilment of a long-held personal ambition. Like Herod, they prioritize self-interest, engage in corrupt practices, and even sow seeds of divisions in the heart of the people to maintain or attain power.

In Nigeria, we have seen the consequences of such leadership. Our nation has witnessed political unrest, economic struggles, and the marginalization of vulnerable communities. Similar to the era of Herod, the cry of the innocent, the poor, and the oppressed echoes loudly in our land. The poor can hardly breathe and just like the Holy Family of Nazareth who took flight from Jerusalem for safety, Nigeria has become uninhabitable and unsafe for the lovers of lovers of truth and admirers of good governance.

As a people, we have a responsibility to discern the character and intentions of our leaders. Let us not be complacent in the face of poor leadership. Rather, let us seek transformation, not just in our political landscape, but within ourselves as well because nation-building is a collective task. Today, our faith as Christians calls us to be vigilant in our pursuit of true leadership, knowing that it is through such leadership that Nigeria can flourish and fulfill its potential as a land of promise and hope.

As we reflect on these issues on the occasion of the anniversary of our independence, we turn to Our Lady, Queen and Patroness of Nigeria. Our Blessed Mother Mary exemplifies humility, compassion, and selflessness. She stands as a contrast to the selfish ambitions of Herod and our today’s political leaders. We must seek leaders who emulate Mary’s virtues, placing the well-being of the nation and its people above personal gain and selfish interests. May Nigeria experience a renaissance of leadership that honors the dignity of every citizen and fosters peace and prosperity.

 

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch