“Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is.” Mahatma Gandhi

By Aluu Vincent

The contest between religion and politics for supremacy and eminence is far from being over. They are both but different institutions that operates in the same sphere of influence. Religion as it were can be seen as a wholesome part of culture, even as the people in politics are also ‘people of culture.’ Whereas, the state derives its supremacy and nourishment from extant laws in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which is the grundnorm, religion is in a class of its own, deriving sustenance from its firm belief in the supreme extra-terrestrial omniscience force, which controls the affairs of mortal beings.

It is near impossible to say that religion should be divorced from politics in the Nigerian context. The both as Siamese twins that have been exploited for political gains by our leaders. Religion as the opium of the masses has a lot to do with politics. Undeniably, politicians have ways of whipping religious sentiments to their favour. Ignore this fact to your own peril. The voters, delegates and stakeholders all belong to one Church bloc, religious inclines or the other.

Let me remind us of some democratic utilities of religion which include the integration of human societies composed of individuals and social groups with diverse interests and aspirations. Here religious bond transcends these personal and divisive force. We tend to forget the ability of religion to legitimise the existing social order. In addition, religion play critical roles of restraining or criticising the conduct of government, encouraging political participation, promoting democratic values and norm, articulating and aggregating distinctive societal interests, generating cross-cutting identities and providing avenues for the development of leadership skills,

The emergence of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe and Sir Ahmadu Bello as premiers of the Western, the Eastern and the Northern regions, maintained the status quo in the manipulation of religion in Nigerian politics. Christianity continued to wield greater influence in the South while Islam was in control of the North. This issue of politicization of religion was more glaring in the North, majority of who were from royal families. They had full control of Northern politics and those were highly influenced by Islam.
Nigerians have demonstrated stronger link or alliance to their religious organisation than the political body. This perhaps, accounts for why Nigerians have been adjudged the most religious people on earth. The fact remains that this tendency, rather than stabilising the polity reinforces differences and ethnic variations. If the Pastor or Priest preach to the people year in year out, pray for them, reassure them of God’s promises and they are better off, are you saying such clergies can't make pronouncements about who they should vote for and they obey without hesitation?

Few days ago, Pastor Umo Eno the preferred and chosen, was endorsed by leadership of the Apostolic Church as choice for the 2023 governorship election in Akwa Ibom. This has not gone down well with a section of the faithful. While a handful have had to vent their anger in public citing the fact that they have their own candidate hence cannot be bound by the decision of the church leadership, others have gone ahead to cry blue murder and even resigned their membership of the church. While these decisions and outcries are understandable, the truth is, there is nothing sinister about the endorsement of Umo Eno by the Church. We seem to forget that Umo Eno was groomed and raised in the Apostolic fold; was ordained there and began his pastoral calling there. When it was time to forge ahead, the same church called and prayed for him and also sent him forth as an ambassador of the church. It is unthinkable that a dog will eat his own. Were we not told that charity begins at home?

The Apostolic Church did no wrong in endorsing their son in whom they are pleased. It does not also stop other aspirants from seeking the blessings of the Church.
Those kicking against the endorsement seem to forget that politics and religion have a meeting point which is hard to separate as long Nigeria is concerned. Examples abound to show how religion determines the direction of politics and vice versa. If the endorsed candidate was your preferred, would there be this hullabaloo? Can we just give this a break and concentrate on the strength of the candidates which of course is the meat of the matter?

Why the fuse as to why churches are endorsing Umo Eno? Is it his fault that he is a Pastor ordained in Apostle Church? Have you ever heard of a dog eating his kind before? We are still in Akwa Ibom, the system and actors have not changed. Like Prof Dode will say, "Until political behaviour and electoral politics in Nigeria is sanitised to reflect what ought to be as against what is, it is not yet uhuru". Until then, you cannot rule out religion from politics and you cannot stop the church in a Christian dominated state as Akwa Ibom from pitching tent with a particular candidate.

For the avoidance of doubt, we have had cases where the church became partisan and went all out to support her own. Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu, a catholic priest became second Executive Governor of Benue State on 2 January 1992, elected on the Social Democratic Party (SDP) platform. He was not only endorsed by the catholic church, he was sponsored and supported by the church to win the said election. Although his tenure was short-lived due to military takeover, his impact as governor was enormous. Adasu said that politics is not a dirty game, but those who are in it for selfish reasons make it dirty. He said "I am in politics to baptise politics and make it pure"

Reverend Jolly Tavoro Nyame, an Ordained Reverend in the United Methodist Church of Nigeria became Governor of Taraba State in 1992 through the endorsement and support of the church. He went on to become a two-term governor when democracy returned in 1999.
In Anambra, the governorship seat alternates between the Catholics and Anglicans. Although Chief Chinwoke Mbadinuju who served as Governor of Anambra between 1999 to 2003 was a Pentecostal. His failure to secure a second term in 2023 was blamed on denominational politics and on account of his being a Pentecostal. His successors Chris Ngige, Peter Obi and Willie Obiano are Catholics while Andy Uba, Virgy Etaiba are Anglicans. The soon to be sworn in Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo is a Catholic. In Ebonyi my home state, the leadership of the state revolves around Assemblies of God and Catholic.

In Akwa Ibom State, the scenario is no different from that of Anambra state. Obong Victor Attah used it to favour the Catholics, Obong Godswill did same in favour BCS and the Catholics. He also used CAN as a bloc. During Senator Akpabio’s second term bid, did we not see Archbishop Cletus Bassey blessing him and the church queueing behind him? Did we not also see Bishop Josephine Eggar prophesying that the candidate of the APC was going to win the election? When Mr. Udom Emmanuel became Governor, the lexicon of Fathers of Faith was introduced into the political sphere of the state.

Have we not been hearing Akwa Ibom born Lagos Based Bishop Ekong, Primate Ayodele and a host of others release prophecies on the direction of politics in states and the nation? Just few days ago, more than 600 Bishops and countless churches gathered and honoured Prof Zulum of Bornu State in faraway Port Harcourt Rivers State. If it is not politics at work there, then it is something else. Those opposed to this endorsement have been clandestinely visiting churches and prophets of God to know their faith in the coming race. Is it not also a subtle way of seeking endorsement?

Make no mistake about it, religion play critical role in politics. Let no one deceive you. When FG brought out Governance code for churches few years ago asking that Church GOs spend 10 years and retire same as bank MDs, what happened? Just a comment from Daddy GO that it is time for the church to register her own political parties and sponsor candidates sent fear down the spine of Federal government. Of course, the obnoxious law was suspended while the head of NFIU was suspended immediately too. That is the efficacy of the power of the Church.

My take is that religion has a place in the life of every nation, Nigeria included. Irrespective of the faith or denomination, religion when truly practised in its truest form and spirit, has been and remains sacred. It plays a vital role in purposeful leadership, community building, social justice, law and order, peace-making, reconciliation, forgiveness and the healing of wounds, by the political, family and personal. Our political leaders, on both sides – Muslims and Christians have invoked the name of God in politics and sought to use religion freely in influencing the political decisions and swaying national political and economic policies and to that end governance.

That a particular candidate is a Christian or a Muslim or a traditional worshiper should not determine the voter turnout. Instead, politics, based on issues, should determine who rules and governs well. With it, the scorecards become easier to monitor and politicians are conscious of the essence of an abiding legacy. Politics of issues will not only bring instant relief to the electorate, but it can also drive our politics to make it more interesting and more productive. And that will be fantastic!

Finally, we must not forget the place of God in the equation of politics. He rules in the affairs of men and gives the kingdom to the chosen. It is the duty of the church to enforce what God has ordained. Umo Eno should be left alone. Perhaps it is his turn to enjoy ecclesiastical support. For candidates who are crying blue murder, maybe they should organize their own endorsement party after all, no one person has monopoly of endorsement.

Let the Kite Perch, let the Eagle Perch. The one who refuses the other the right to perch should provide another space for perching. Until then, you cannot deny candidates the right of endorsement by their various religious inclines. Do not forget the wise words of Mahatma Gandhi that “Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is.”

Vincent Aluu, a Research Scholar, Public Affairs Analyst and Publisher of Naija Eye Witness News contributes this piece from Uyo, 08036688375.