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OPINION: The Trinity – Do Christians and Muslims Worship The Same God?

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By Reno Omokri,

This is a recurring question and there is a lot of misinformation and ignorance on this issue and it affects peaceful coexistence, therefore, it is worth treating. With facts. Not emotions.

Yes, Judaism, Christianity and Islam are all Abrahamic faiths, but whether or not they lead to the same God should be settled by what the holy scriptures of these religions say, rather than what we think or feel.

Religious conflicts occur when we let our EMOTIONS dominate us. If we want to be stable persons, we must obey these four things before we obey our EMOTIONS.

  • CONSCIENCE
  • PRINCIPLES
  • WISDOM
  • INTELLIGENCE

All four of them are greater than EMOTION when it comes to making religious decisions.

I strongly disagree with those who say we are worshipping the same God with Muslims. I have read The Bible and the Quran. The God of The Bible called Christ His Son with His own Voice (He did not speak through a prophet. He spoke by Himself from heaven to the hearing of those standing with Christ and Yohannan (John the Baptist) by the River Jordan in Matthew 3:17. Meanwhile, the Quran rejects that Christ is the Son of God in Quran 6::101. By this alone, it is indisputable that we do not serve the same God.

Allah is not the name of God. Allah is the Arabic word for God, just as El means God in Hebrew. The word Allah existed even before Islam existed. One of the companions of Prophet Mohammed (SAW) was Waraqah, a Christian priest. He read from an Arabic translation of the Christian Scripture, which used the word Allah and it referred and refers to God. For the Christian, God’s name is not God or El. God has a Name that is Holy and that Name is written in Scripture.

I know His Name, but I do not pronounce it. Jews will never pronounce the Name. Many Pentecostal Christians choose to pronounce the Name. That is up to them.

A famous Bible scholar named Daddy Freeze once said that all those who disagree that Christians and Muslims worship the same God are motivated by money. I give my congregants money, and I do not take from them. I don’t receive tithes. So, this is not about money. I have no other motive for saying this other than loyalty to God.

John 14:6 says “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”. Any route to the God of our Lord and Saviour that does not go through Christ is a route to another deity.

I believe this because Scripture says “To us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things”-1 Corinthians 8:6.

We may all want to serve the same one God. But we do not all worship the same God

In search of coexistence, those who love peace sometimes overzealously seek to compromise, to syncretise our various faiths and come up with a hybrid faith that pleases everybody.

But guess what, religion is not meant to please man. It is meant to please God. So, no matter how annoying your faith may be to the next man, do not try to seek peace with him by amending your beliefs to suit his. Instead, seek peace by understanding his religion for the purpose that as much as depends on you, you should not do anything to offend his religion.

it is better to be willing to die for your faith than to live to see it watered down or synchronised with another religion. That is why I respect Leah Sharibu and have gone to 36 countries at my own personal expense, begging influential world leaders to help secure her release.

The God and Father of our Lord, the Christ, is not the same God as is worshipped by other religions, with the exception of Judaism. He cannot be. Galatians 1:8 put paid to that. That verse says “even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel OTHER than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!”.

I will never make a judgment on Islam or on any other religion. There is no compulsion in religion. But I am a Christ follower and I make no apologies for that. I do not believe in any other holy book outside Scripture, though I have read the Quran and the holy books of others religions. The difference between Christianity and Islam can never be forgotten. It can only be understood.

I have read the Quran and I believe what Quran 5:116 says. That surah says:

‎وَإِذْ قَالَ ٱللَّهُ يَٰعِيسَى ٱبْنَ مَرْيَمَ ءَأَنتَ قُلْتَ لِلنَّاسِ ٱتَّخِذُونِى وَأُمِّىَ إِلَٰهَيْنِ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ قَالَ سُبْحَٰنَكَ مَا يَكُونُ لِىٓ أَنْ أَقُولَ مَا لَيْسَ لِى بِحَقٍّ ۚ إِن كُنتُ قُلْتُهُۥ فَقَدْ عَلِمْتَهُۥ ۚ تَعْلَمُ مَا فِى نَفْسِى وَلَآ أَعْلَمُ مَا فِى نَفْسِكَ ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ عَلَّٰمُ ٱلْغُيُوبِ

English translation:

And when Allāh will say, “O Jesus, Son of Mary, did you say to the people, ‘Take me and my mother as deities besides Allāh?'” He will say, “Exalted are You! It was not for me to say that to which I have no right. If I had said it, You would have known it. You know what is within myself, and I do not know what is within Yourself. Indeed, it is You who is Knower of the unseen.

Indeed, The Quran is right here. Christ never taught about the Trinity or claimed that He is the God that seats on The Throne and to whom prayer should be made.

I have read Scripture cover to cover in multiple translations and in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. You will never see anyone in Scripture praying to Christ.

Everyone in Scripture, including Christ and the Holy Spirit prays to the only true God who sits on The Throne.

We see this in multiple verses, of which the most notable are Matthew 26:39:

“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”-(NIV)

And in Romans 8:26:

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” (NIV)

Here, we read that the Spirit intercedes for us with God when we do not know what to pray.

The Trinity has not always existed. For the first 300 years of Christianity, there was nothing like the Trinity. The word does not exist in the Holy Scriptures. It was introduced by the Holy Roman Catholic Church during the First Council of Nicaea in the year 325 AD.

After the Council of Chalcedon decided to alter the nature of Christ and change Him from the Son of God to God the Son in AD 451, many churches broke away from Christendom and coalesced into what is now known loosely as Orthodox Churches, some of which reject the Trinitarian doctrine.

According to the official creeds of the Catholic, Anglican and the World Evangelical Alliance, the Trinity is a doctrine that projects one God in three Divine Persons, in which the three Persons are co-equal and co-eternal and omniscient.

Now, I am not going to give my opinion about the Trinity. Rather, I will let The Holy Scriptures speak.

Is there co-equality between God, His Son and the Holy Spirit? In John 14:28 The Son said “My Father is greater than I.” Obviously, that verse contradicts the first leg of the Trinity. During my investigations, I confronted a member of the US Southern Baptist Convention about this and I will quote his response verbatim. He said “Jesus was just being modest”.

Almighty God is omniscient. He knows all things. But is His Son omniscient? In Matthew 24:36, The Son said “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, NOR THE SON, but only the Father.”

It is clear from the above Scripture that only The Father is omniscient.

So where does the biblical authority for the Trinity come from? It comes from 1 John 5:7 in the King James Version. That verse says:

“there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”

Now here is the problem. When you read the original Greek manuscript, that verse does not exist. This is not even an argument or controversy. It is a FACT. Both the Catholic and Anglican Church admit that those words are not to be found in the original Scriptures.

I know right now your religious spirit is telling you that Reno Omokri is deceiving you. Okay. Open any other version of The Bible other than the King James Version and read 1 John 5:7.

I will now quote it in the NIV, NLT, ESV and the Aramaic Bible in Plain English:

“there are three that testify”-NIV
“we have these three witnesses”-NLT
“there are three that testify”-ESV
“The Spirit testifies because The Spirit is the truth.”-Aramaic Bible in Plain English.

So where does the KJV get the part that justifies the Trinity? From men, not from God. Why did they do it? I do not know. But what I know is that many, if not all, the scholars who translated the Holy Scriptures into the KJV were high level Masons. It is said that King James himself was a Master Mason of the 33rd Degree (the highest level of Freemasonry). I have not been able to verify the one about King James. But that some of the translators of the KJV were freemasons is not arguable or controversial. It is a historical fact that is not even hidden.

Many Christians try to use John 1:1 to justify the Trinity. They quote it as “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

But that is not what it says in the original Greek manuscripts. I have The Original Manuscript. I tweeted and facebooked a picture of it. The first mention of God in the original Manuscript is Theon, while the second word used is Theos. These are Greek words that have significance. For instance, Greeks called Zeus, who is the head of their pantheon of gods, Theon. They call Zeus’ children Theos. For instance, Dionysius, the son of Zeus is referred to as Theos. When you translate John 1:1 to Latin, the first use of the word God is translated Deum. The second use is translated Deus.

People erroneously cite Philippians 2:6 in the KJV as justification for the Trinity. That verse says:

“Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be EQUAL with God:”

Actually many scholars believe that is a wrong translation. If you read the original Scriptures, you will see for yourself that translations, such as the ESV, and the NASB are more accurate. They say:

“though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped.”

What this means is that Yeshu’a, our Saviour, did not try to be equal with the Most High. satan did it. The Holy Scriptures record satan as saying “I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”-Isaiah ‪14:14‬.

Yeshu’a had an even better opportunity to do what satan attempted, but He did not do it. That is why God promoted Him and said “in The Name of Yeshua, every knee shall bow, which is in Heaven and in The Earth and which is under The Earth.”-Philippians ‪2:10‬ (Aramaic Bible in Plain English),

But then some read the above verse and still use that to justify the Trinity. Before you do that, I urge you to read and understand 1 Corinthians 15:27-28. Those verses say:

“For he “has put everything under his feet.” Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subjected to Him who put all things in subjection under Him, that God may be all in all.”

I know this is a lot to take in. It is possible I have upset a lifetime of religious programming. However, you will agree with me that I have backed everything I have said from Scripture. I have said what I studied, researched, investigated and prayed over. I went physically to these places mentioned in the Holy Scriptures. I went to Israel, Rome, The Vatican, Corinth and Athens in Greece, Ethiopia and Palestine. I never wanted to do this. But I believe God will not be happy with me if I act the coward like Jonah.

A popular and well respected Pentecostal pastor, who agrees with these things, appealed to me not to reveal them. But I have achieved everything I want to achieve on earth. If I die without saying this, I will not be fulfilled.

Bear in mind that the Trinity did not exist for the first 300 years of Christianity. The doctrine was invented in 325 AD. What did Paul say about this?

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”-1 Timothy 4:1

Others will ask how this builds faith. My response to them is this-is faith built on a lie still faith or is it delusion?

However, I do not agree with Quran 6:101, which in Arabic says:

‎بَدِيۡعُ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالۡاَرۡضِ ؕ اَنّٰى يَكُوۡنُ لَهٗ وَلَدٌ وَّلَمۡ تَكُنۡ لَّهٗ صَاحِبَةٌ ؕ وَخَلَقَ كُلَّ شَىۡءٍ ۚ وَهُوَ بِكُلِّ شَىۡءٍ عَلِيۡمٌ‏

And when translated to English, says:

“He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. How can He have a son when He has had no mate? And He has created everything and He has full knowledge of all things.”

What the Quran says in Quran 6:101 about Christ not being the Son of God, is a direct contradiction of what the God of Scriptures said directly from His throne in Heaven in Matthew 3:17 (“This is my beloved SON, in whom I am well pleased”).

It is the same thing as saying that that Voice which Spoke from heaven lied and I do not believe that our God is a liar. So, the best thing is that we agree to disagree without fighting each other.

The first person who actually made the statement to my hearing that we, Christians, worship the same God as Muslims, was not my friend, Daddy Freeze, but an Archbishop and former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, whose name a present leader of CAN has appealed to me to keep out of this article. I will only say that this fellow recently retired from his office as an Archbishop.

The fellow said that to my hearing on November 7, 2013. He said and I quote “we (Christians and Muslims) worship the same God. When we get to heaven we will know who is right”. Nowhere is that statement by Archbishop * supported in Scripture.

Two months ago, I saw Archbishop * at the Business Class lounge of Ethiopian Airlines at Addis Ababa, and he looked perhaps surprised when I walked past him and totally ignored him. I have nothing but contempt for Archbishop *. On the day he made the statement, I felt like giving him a piece of my mind. I was fuming!! I had to restrain myself because I was representing then President Goodluck Jonathan at the Interfaith Activities and Partnership for Peace and it was being aired on television.

You may say, it is unChristlike for me to have shunned Archbishop * as I did this past September. I direct your attention to Romans 16:17 “MARK them who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the DOCTRINE which you have learned; and AVOID them.”

I have to say that that statement by Archbishop * undermined the faith of many believers. By saying (and it is caught on camera in case he tries to deny it), that “we worship the same God. When we get to heaven we will know who is right”, Archbishop * exposes the fact that he does not know his God and as Scripture says “the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.”-Daniel 11:32.

Beyond that, it also betrays the fact that Archbishop *’s faith is not certain because he says it is “when we get to heaven that we will know”. That is not faith. That is speculation.

Job 19:25 says, “I KNOW that my Redeemer lives”. (NIV). That is certainty! It does not say that I GUESS that my Redeemer lives and when I get to heaven I will be sure! I pray that Archbishop * gets an encounter with God.

Any faith that is built on ‘when we get to heaven we will know who is right” cannot rightly be said to be a faith. It is best described as gambling. John 3:16 is the cornerstone of Christianity. That verse says “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever BELIEVES in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Salvation is only for those who BELIEVE. That is why Romans 10:9 says “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and BELIEVE in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be SAVED.”. There is no room for UNCERTAINTY. You must BELIEVE 100% or your salvation is questionable.

I appeal to you, if you are a Christian and you are reading this, do not force your faith on anyone. But much more importantly, do not compromise on your faith just to promote peaceful coexistence. Remember what Christ said.

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”-Matthew 10:28.

Finally, let me state categorically that to me, there is only one God, and He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph. Samuel, David, Daniel and Christ is the only Way to Him. I do not care who is offended by that. I will say that at pain of death. I do not have to go to heaven to know that this is true. A faith that you can only be sure of when you get to heaven is not blessed. For as Christ said “because you have seen me, you have believed: BLESSED are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”-John 20:29.

I might have been representing then President Jonathan that day on November 7, 2013, but I represent God every single day of my life. And that is of greater importance to me.

Reno Omokri

Gospeller. Deep Thinker. #1 Bestselling author of Facts Versus Fiction: The True Story of the Jonathan Years. Avid traveller. Table Shaker. Hollywood Magazine Film Festival Humanitarian of the Year, 2019.

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Tinubu The Audacity To Hope – Two Years After

Article Written By Segun Adeleye

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

The second year has gone since Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was sworn in as the President of Nigeria, which translates to half of his tenure already spent!

At the first anniversary, the thinking in some quarters was that one year was too short to access the performance of any government. But now that it’s half of the tenure and behind the scene networking for him to return for the second term is in full gear, a comprehensive assessment should better be done now by anyone that cares or never.

Surprisingly, there is no meeting point between the two opinions on the performance of the President so far, and it seems there will never be a convergence, with those that are against him having nothing good to point at as achievement, while those in support are ready to sing his praise to the heavens.

Those on the left pole as expected are from the camp of the opposition parties who are yet and may not be able to cross to the ruling party, and of course millions of citizens who are negatively hit by the president’s economic policies in the last two years. It has been very difficult for many to comprehend why government cannot banish an extreme hardship that has even surpassed what they saw when they thought there could never be a worse clueless leadership in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s political system is yet to have a measurement mechanism where the performances of the leaders and the mood of the populace can be gauged as we see in many advanced democracies where opinion polls on leaders are released from time to time, and they are taken seriously, like a mirror to know the possibilities in future elections.

THE NAY SAYERS

The voice of those who seem to be discontented with the way things are going in the country no doubt is the loudest. The hardship voice is so loud in every corner such that if public opinion counts and if there is a remote possibility of having a free and fair election in the country, one would say that the President and his ruling party will be having sleepless nights.

It will be interesting to see anyone that can swear that there is a free and fair election in Nigeria. I believe the closest to a consensus will be that candidates will rig and win where they are popular. This can explain why some supporters will sing ‘ba tie dibo, oti wole’ (even if we don’t vote, you have won) during electioneering campaigns or the audacity that the PDP had then to boast that it will rule for 60 years.

The loud voice of discontentment in the last two years stems from  the removal of fuel subsidies, Naira depreciation, spiraling inflation as high energy and food costs eroded the purchasing power of most Nigerians.

In the opinion of the former Vice President Atiku Abubarka who is occupying the extreme end of the opposition, in two years, the Tinubu’s administration has proven to be one of the most incompetent, disconnected, and anti-people governments in Nigeria’s democratic history.

He claimed a disregard for transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership, saying the government has not only deepened poverty, but set new records in wasteful public spending.

Pointing out that Nigeria’s total public debt in two years skyrocketed from 150 per cent to N144 trillion when compared to those of state governments where debt levels dropped from N5.86 trillion to N3.97 trillion, he concluded that Tinubu administration was the primary driver of Nigeria’s debt crisis.

His former boss, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also shared same sentiment as he was quoted to have written in his book, Nigeria: Past and Future, that the Lagos-Calabar highway typifies waste and corruption.

He was quoted as saying, “Typical examples of waste, corruption and misplaced priority are the murky Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road on which the President had turned deaf ears to protests and the new Vice-President’s official residence built at a cost of N21 billion in the time of economic hardship to showcase the administration hitting the ground running and to show the importance of the office of the Vice-President. What small minds!”

Atiku’s political party, the PDP is also singing the same song while urging Tinubu to urgently address the issue of insecurity, reverse all economically suffocating policies and check the wholesale corruption, greed, unbridled profligacy, reckless misdirection of resources, arrogance in failure and totalitarian tendencies in his administration, which has shown itself as anti-people and impervious to the suffering of Nigerians.

Mr. Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party  has always been critical of President Tinubu’s administration, particularly on economic issues. He had expressed concerns about the country’s economic downturn, highlighting a significant decrease in GDP from $477 billion to $252 billion, which dropped the country from the biggest economy in Africa to number four.

SIMPLY THE BEST?

But in a sharp contrast, those that could see with the same lenses as the President, particularly those in the organised private sector are happy with what they are seeing so far.

Ironically, the removal of fuel subsidy which many are lamenting about is what the President’s admirers have embraced as one of his best achievements so far.

They believe that Tinubu’s economic reforms are promising despite being tough on Nigerians and businesses as they see positivities in the  fuel subsidy and foreign exchange rate unification; Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative to save over N2 trillion monthly by cutting petrol imports; Billions approved for the Student Loan Scheme; significant increase in government revenue with  funds being channeled into large-scale infrastructure projects; rise in oil production; over $500 million in foreign direct investments; other social intervention programmes which include  over N200 billion allocated to the newly established Consumer Credit Corporation;  N570 billion disbursed to states for livelihood support; new national minimum wage to N70,000; increasing NYSC allowances to N77,000; tariff waivers on food and pharmaceutical imports among others.

Abdul Samad Rabiu the Founder and Chairman, BUA Group in an interview listed what the administration had done right to include the removal of the fuel subsidy which he said was the biggest economic scam in our history. He said the administration unified the foreign exchange market and restored stability, fairness, and confidence in the economy.

“These are the foundations of growth. Nigeria is full of potential. With the right leadership, which we now have, there is no limit to what we can achieve,” Rabiu said.

The Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote also shared the same view with Rabiu as he described Tinubu as a visionary leader, saying one of the Tinubu administration’s most transformative initiatives is the Naira for Crude Policy.

He said that the policy stood out as a clear testament to the administration’s commitment to economic recovery and national sovereignty.

He said, “This bold policy has enabled us to reduce product prices consistently and guarantee availability for the overall benefit of Nigerians. It has also helped significantly in stabilising the prices of petrol, diesel, jet fuel, LPG, and polypropylene to their lowest levels ever. The effect of this development is the stabilisation of our currency, a critical element in the development of economic policy and budgeting by businesses.”

He also lauded the administration’s Nigeria First Policy, which aimed to drastically reduce reliance on foreign goods and services, prioritising local patronage in investment decisions, business operations, and consumption habits.

Anambra State governor, Prof Charles Soludo from an opposition party also joined the camp of those that believed that Tinubu had been outstanding in the last two years. He said the President’s bold and visionary economic reform policies, have positioned the country on a trajectory of sustainable growth and development, despite temporary setbacks.

He said President Tinubu’s game-changing initiatives, including the removal of fuel subsidies, foreign exchange reforms, and significant investments in infrastructure development, demonstrate his decisive commitment to building a prosperous nation.

MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE

As expected, the administration has not been slack at defending its record with the President dismissing critics of his legacy projects for being ignorant about how the government awarded them to contractors.

The President will be right if he borrows the phrase ‘man shall not live by bread alone’ to defend his administration’s thirst for legacy projects if one should reflect on the past when the country was turned into the dumping ground for imported products with strategic infrastructures left undeveloped.

The administration no doubt has been bullish and performed beyond expectations on infrastructure development if one should reflect on the time that these projects were conceived, like the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway which was said to have been envisioned 47 years ago under the Shagari administration.

Another area where one can argue that the President has also surpassed expectation is the quality of appointment into strategic agencies as he did away with the past culture of mediocre in high places. I had in one of my early series, ‘If I were Tinubu: Setting a Tinubunomic agenda’, wrote that “ The President will need the right professionals to run the oil industry. Specifically, there will be a need for a total overhaul of the system. The new NNPC Limited should be made to advertise the positions of its CEO and other top directors to attract the right professionals from all over the world.”

When the President initially retained the old management of the NNPCL, I had thought that could only happen because he had seen what people from outside could not see. But the dramatic replacement of the management and board which could pass for a corporate coup has been applauded in many quarters as the right thing to do.

On sports, while the Tinubu’s administration has been commended for its development initiatives, particularly the reinstatement of the National Sports Commission (NSC) as the governing body for sports along with the timely payment of bonuses and allowances to athletes, its yet to be seen when these will translate to Nigeria winning medals in international events.

With the government also deserving credit for the bold tax reform agenda which is expected to become more pronounced when the new tax bills are signed into laws, it’s not also too difficult to identify the areas where hope is still hanging in the balance.

For instance, the claim of a repositioned health sector despite all odds has not been felt by a large segment of the masses, so also the initiatives to boost local food production, support farmers, and stabilise food prices have not yielded recognisable results, as the level of hunger in the land is still at the extreme.

Moreover, the government has not been convincing with its programmes to improve electricity supply as the grid keep on suffering multiple collapses, with most people still living with poor supply despite increase in tariff.

Also the blue economy that raised so much hope with the creation of the Marine and Blue Economy ministry has not lived up to the billing, with no sign of definite direction to harness the huge potential in the sector.

While the road infrastructure where huge resources have been committed also hold great prospect for the country, it is understandable that the impact may not be felt in the next one or two years.

TINUBU UNSTOPABLE?

Going forward, it will be difficult to expect any dramatic change in the posture of the president for the rest of his term, more so when the groundwork for his reelection has started.

By now, most Nigerians would have formed their opinions about who the president is, yet no one can absolutely boast that they know him. To say that he is stubborn or brave would be an understatement. Like a script in a mafia book, he has plotted his ways through the political trench to built a cult of followership and emerged as the most powerful and influential leader Nigeria has ever seen. His influence in the National Assembly is overwhelming, which would make it possible for him to push his agenda either legislatively or through Executive Orders. Unlike Obasanjo who would have instigated crisis in order to uproot their leadership as he would not like to share the limelight with anyone, Tinubu has allowed them the room to breath while pulling the string behind the scene to get his ways.

In a congratulatory message to the President on the second anniversary in office, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio said Tinubu had restored the hope of Nigerians for a viable and sustainable nation through transformative and courageous leadership… he had placed Nigeria on a solid developmental pedestal using the Renewed Hope Agenda as his policy thrust.

There may be likelihood of positivities in the enormous power that the President has amassed if positively deployed as the case of Lee Kuan Yew, the Singapore’s first Prime Minister who transformed his nation from a developing country to a developed one through visionary leadership and pragmatic policies between 1959 and 1990. If Tinubu can push through his legacy projects and other reforms, he could achieve the feet of Yew with Nigeria. However, since he is human and as absolute power corrupts, the fear of abuse cannot be overlooked.

The opposition parties that could give him a run for his money are currently in a disarray. One will be expecting more manoeuvring to weakening them and lure away their remaining prominent leaders in the coming months, which will make victory look very obvious for the President in 2027 even if the masses are crying murder.

The minister of Finance and coordinating minister of the Economy, Wale Edun told foreign investors few months ago  that the government through its veracious reforms had laid the foundation that would make the country the desired destination for private investors, saying the country is on the road to 7 per cent annual growth, while the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, similarly said Nigeria’s economy is on a path of stabilisation and recovery following months of tough but necessary reforms.

With assurances like these coming from government officials while the opposition parties are at disarray with defection waves sweeping through the South South up to the North, Nigerians can only buckle up for the rough ride that may  go beyond 2027, with hope and prayer that light will eventually come at the end of the tunnel.

*Segun Adeleye is the President/CEO, World Stage Limited, the publisher of WorldStage Newsonline. He is the author of Tinubu The Audacity To Hope, So Long Too Long Nigeria among others.

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Atiku Abubakar’s Coalition on a Path to Failure after Struggles

By: Prof. Ojo Emmanuel Ademola

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Atiku Abubakar

In Nigeria’s political landscape, Atiku Abubakar’s coalition stands as a significant challenger to the status quo but faces challenges like internal disputes, regional divides, and distrust among stakeholders. To succeed, the coalition must present a clear economic vision resonating with an informed electorate. Fostering unity, transparency, and inclusivity while addressing internal conflicts and regional disparities will enhance trust and strengthen its position in Nigerian politics.

Atiku Abubakar is leading a coalition of major political parties, including the APC, PDP, and Labour Party, to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. The coalition aims to tackle regional insecurity and economic issues, which Atiku believes the current government is mishandling. In response, President Tinubu is employing a carefully crafted strategy, termed a divide-and-rule approach by some analysts, to weaken this coalition. However, analysts suggest that Nigerians are increasingly focused on economic solutions rather than divisive politics.

Political analysts assert that Atiku Abubakar’s coalition faces immense challenges, indicating it is “dead on arrival.” Atiku Abubakar’s coalition is plagued by internal conflicts, particularly between him and Peter Obi over leadership and the presidential candidacy. Regional divisions have weakened the coalition, with the PDP losing influence in the South-South and South-East to Obi’s Labour Party. Trust issues persist as members question Atiku’s motives and whether the coalition serves a collective purpose. Amid Nigeria’s economic and political instability, the coalition struggles to gain support and maintain unity, highlighting the need for cohesion to navigate upcoming challenges, especially ahead of the 2027 elections.

Public opinion plays a crucial role in the success of political coalitions like Atiku Abubakar’s, influencing political dynamics significantly. Support from the public can enhance a coalition’s credibility and momentum, making it a stronger alternative to the current government. As politicians are attuned to public sentiment, aligning coalition goals with public concerns can motivate them to join or support the coalition. Positive public opinion leads to greater media coverage and supporters while mobilising essential resources for campaign efforts. Ultimately, electoral success depends on the coalition’s ability to connect with voters, making it imperative for Atiku’s coalition to engage with and address public concerns effectively.

Prioritising youth engagement, economic growth, and sustainability is essential for any administration aiming for progress. With Nigeria’s large youthful population, active involvement can enhance political participation, spark innovation, and build a strong workforce. Addressing the youth’s needs through targeted policies on education, job creation, and inclusivity is crucial.

Additionally, focusing on economic development is vital to tackle unemployment, poverty, and regional disparities, requiring policies that promote entrepreneurship and attract foreign investment. Emphasizing sustainability ensures economic progress while protecting the environment; this includes investing in renewable energy and eco-friendly technologies. President Tinubu’s commitment to these areas is key to fostering a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable Nigeria.

It’s an interesting perspective that Atiku Abubakar’s coalition might be seen as a distraction rather than a genuine attempt to address Nigeria’s challenges. In the digital age, where information flows rapidly and citizens are more informed, such strategies can indeed face significant hurdles. Here’s an expanded view on why this approach might struggle and what could be more effective:

Challenges of Distraction Politics in the Digital Age:

In today’s digital age, Nigerians have greater access to information through social media and online news, making traditional political diversion tactics less effective. This increased transparency allows citizens to monitor government actions closely and hold officials accountable. The youth, who are active online, prefer practical solutions over distractions, highlighting the need for meaningful policies to drive genuine progress and change.

Effective Strategies for Democratic Development:

Focusing on economic empowerment through sustainable initiatives such as job creation, small business support, and investment in technology can significantly improve citizens’ well-being. Enhancing education and skills for youth prepares them for the job market and strengthens the economy. Inclusive governance that addresses regional disparities fosters national unity and stability. Additionally, promoting environmental sustainability through green technologies and renewable energy ensures long-term prosperity and a healthier future for everyone.

Inspiring Examples:

Digital innovation has transformed governance and public services in Estonia, highlighting transparency and efficiency. Nigeria should adopt similar strategies to enhance its performance. Youth-led initiatives are crucial for economic growth and support young entrepreneurs. The tech industry in Nigeria is booming, with start-ups gaining global recognition.

Community engagement is vital for effective political movements, requiring grassroots involvement to address diverse needs. Leaders who connect with communities foster strong support, essential for successful governance. Nigeria can build a brighter future by embracing innovation, empowering youth, and engaging communities.

Distraction politics may have worked in the past, but the digital age requires more transparency. By focusing on real solutions and engaging with an informed electorate, leaders can foster democratic development and a brighter future for Nigeria.

Atiku Abubakar and his coalition have faced challenges in developing winning strategies. Let’s examine some democratic perspectives on the reasons behind this and potential alternatives.

Challenges Faced by Atiku Abubakar and His Coalition:

Progress in Nigeria’s political landscape hinges on overcoming formidable hurdles such as the lack of a unified vision, deep-rooted trust deficits, and intricate regional and ethnic divides. The coalition must navigate complex agendas and historical disappointments to present a cohesive front and inspire confidence among voters. Addressing Nigeria’s diverse societal scope requires inclusive strategies that bridge demographic disparities and deliver tangible solutions to pressing economic and social woes. By forging a unified vision, rebuilding trust, and fostering cohesion among varied communities, the coalition can chart a path towards transformative change and sustainable development in the nation.

Engaging Democratic Views:

To succeed, a coalition must first establish a unified vision that transcends individual ambitions and resonates with the broader public. Rebuilding trust is key, requiring transparency, accountability, and consistent communication to demonstrate a commitment to democratic principles. Inclusivity in policymaking is vital, necessitating engagement with diverse groups to address regional and ethnic needs effectively. A strong focus on the economy, with clear and practical plans for job creation and infrastructure investment, is essential for garnering voter support. Additionally, prioritizing youth engagement through education, skills development, and political participation initiatives can ensure a more inclusive and sustainable political strategy.

Inspiring Examples:

Building grassroots movements is essential for a coalition’s success, as local networks create strong support. Digital campaigns via social media and online platforms can broaden the coalition’s reach. Collaborative leadership fosters voter confidence, as united leaders convey solidarity and commitment.

Atiku Abubakar and his coalition have struggled to meet essential foundational criteria. Despite the challenges they face, there are effective strategies they could implement to enhance their prospects. However, various reasons limit their ability to adopt these strategies. Instead, they should foster unity, trust, inclusivity, and economic development. By doing so, they can craft a compelling vision that truly resonates with the Nigerian public.

In conclusion, Atiku Abubakar’s coalition is at a pivotal moment, with the potential to either reshape Nigerian politics or struggle with its challenges. To succeed, the coalition must present a unified vision that resonates with all Nigerians. It needs to rebuild trust through transparency and accountability while addressing the diverse needs of the country’s various regions and demographics. By focusing on economic empowerment, youth engagement, and sustainable development, the coalition can provide a compelling alternative to the current administration. In a time when voters seek genuine solutions and meaningful change, the path to success lies in tackling the real issues facing Nigeria and engaging the public in a transparent and inclusive manner.

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GROpinion

Insecurity In Zamfara – Hold Lawal Accountable, Not Matawalle

Writes Nasiru Aliyu, Media Advisor to the Hon. Minister

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Zamfara and Bandits

The recent protest organized by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Akida Forum raises significant questions about political motivations and accountability.

Led by Musa Mahmoud the APC AKIDA group staged a demonstration at the Abuja headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS), demanding an investigation into the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, amid allegations linking him to banditry in the state.

The protest, predominantly featuring hired women and youths from Abuja, was framed as a response to escalating security concerns in Zamfara.

However, the underlying motives appear to be rooted in political rivalry rather than genuine concern for public safety.

The leader of the APC Akida Forum Tijjani Ramallan claims that Governor Dauda Lawal has accused Matawalle of collusion with bandits, suggesting that such ties have perpetuated the insecurity plaguing the region.

A critical point overlooked by Mahmoud and his supporters is that Matawalle is no longer the executive governor of Zamfara.

The current governor, Dauda Lawal, now holds the title of the state’s chief security officer, and therefore, he bears the primary responsibility for addressing the security crisis.

Instead of engaging in a blame game, Lawal should focus on implementing effective strategies to combat the rampant insecurity and provide the dividends of democracy to the people of Zamfara state.

The animosity towards Matawalle seems to stem from his previous role as the Director General of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign in the Northwest, where he played a pivotal role in securing significant electoral support for the current president.

This success has reportedly fueled envy among some political figures like Tijjani Ramallan, including Musa Mahmoud and others who may feel threatened by Matawalle’s rising profile.

It is noteworthy that allegations against Matawalle have been investigated by the National Security Adviser’s office, which found no evidence to support claims of his involvement in banditry.

This investigation contributed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to retain Matawalle in his ministerial position, where he has reportedly managed security matters in the Northwest with professionalism.

Adding to the complexity of this situation, a Kano High Court recently issued a restraining order against Governor Lawal and others, prohibiting them from continuing their smear campaign against Matawalle. This legal development underscores the court’s recognition of the potential harm caused by unfounded allegations and the need for accountability in political discourse and the state government has found an ally in APC AKIDA led by Tijjani Ramallan.

Despite the court’s intervention, Governor Lawal continues to leverage media platforms to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation, linking him to banditry and corruption without substantiating evidence.

Such tactics appear to be desperate attempts to undermine Matawalle’s credibility, likely motivated by Lawal’s desire to solidify his political standing.

The ongoing campaign against Matawalle by Lawal and his associates raises serious concerns about the integrity of political discourse in Zamfara.

It is imperative for the public to remain vigilant against misleading narratives and to recognize the broader implications of such political maneuvers.

The Kano High Court’s ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of due process and the need for responsible governance.

In conclusion, the focus of accountability in Zamfara should shift towards Governor Dauda Lawal, who now holds the reins of security in the state.

Instead of casting blame on former officials, Lawal must take ownership of the security situation and work towards tangible solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of the people of Zamfara.

Furthermore, since Matawalle operational visit to sokoto led to the elimination of Bandit leader Halilu Sububu who is alleged to have died with the treasure of the sponsors of banditry in zamfara state, the pain propelled them to further embark on campaign of calumny.

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