By Rev. Dr. R I Ibitoye
INTRODUCTION
EKWEREMADU FALLS FROM GRACE
Nigeria Tribune on Saturday (6th May 2023), had this head captioned; “Organ Harvesting Case UK Court: Ekweremadu falls from grace”. It is already in a public domain that Senator Ekweremadu, his wife and a Nigerian medical doctor “were found to have conspired to bring a 21 years old Lagos street trader to a private renal unit at London’s Royal free hospital as a potential kidney donor for Ekweremadu’s daughter, Sonia”. This action contravenes the United Kingdom’s law and anyone found culpable will face the wrath of the law.
Ekweremadu was found guilty. Why was he guilty? He was not guilty for taking good care of his daughter, he was not guilty for seeking medical treatment for his ailing daughter in one of the best hospitals in the world. He was not guilty for engaging a competent doctor around the world. He was guilty because he conspired to bring a 21 years old boy to London without his consent and the approval of his family.
God rules in the affairs of man. The judge (Justice Jeremy Johnson) in his judgement, asserted that “Mr Ekweremadu’s conviction represents a very substantial fall from grace,” what a heavy remark!
It is crystal clear that Mr. Ekweremadu until his incarceration was an high ranking Senator, and one time Deputy Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is note worthy that Mr. Ekweremadu has the potential to facilitate the establishment of a first-class hospital, with modern equipment and competent medical practitioners. If this had been done I don’t think Mr. Ekweremadu would need to travel abroad for the medical treatment of his ill daughter. This is a great lesson to all high-profile individuals in the society to always do the needful before it is too late.
POLITICAL OFFICE HOLDERS: DO THE NEEDFUL WHILE IN OFFICE.
It is only God who puts people in positions of authority, in order for them to represent Him and be His ambassadors where ever they may be found.
Political office holders must know that God has put them in office to execute people- oriented value projects, such as establishments of schools, hospitals, construction of roads etc. The reverse is the case in our modern society. Corruption and embezzlement of public fund is the order of the day. Elected and appointed officers must know that they may need the amenities which they establish today in the nearest future, when they most probably would have left office.
Joseph never knew that one day his father would reside in Egypt when he was giving counsel to Pharaoh on what to do to avert the looming food crisis, Joseph did the needful and history and posterity was kind to him (Gen. 41). Ekweremadu did not think that a world class hospital is needed in Nigeria. May be he could have sponsored a bill to establish such a hospital in the shores of Nigeria.
It is pertinent to mention that the judge acknowledged that Ekweremadu is a good person with charitable activities always carried out by him. However, the law of the United Kingdom must take its effects.
Help the less privileged in the society – Another candid advice to the politician is that they should help the less privileged in the society. The table may turn for good such that the person you assisted today may be of help for you tomorrow. Considering the scenario of David when his family was taken captive by the enemies he was helped by an Egyptian Slave whom they ought to have killed, “they found an Egyptian in a field and brought him to David. They gave him water to drink and food to eat, he was recovered and he led David down … and David recovered everything the Amalekite had taken, including his two wives…” (I Sam. 30: 11& 18). The act of kindness of David resulted to the recovery of his family members and all his stolen properties. Whatever you do today to the less privileged may result to a positive reward to you in the nearest future.
Rule according to the fear of God- Know that the position you are occupying today someone has been there yesterday and you will not be there forever. Let the fear of God be your hallmark. Direct the affair of government with the leading of God. “The fear of the Lord is the begining of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy one is understanding” (Prov. 9:10).
Know that you will give account to God – All our deeds and actions in this world will be accounted for on the judgement day. Every politician should know that they will give their stewardship account to God. Everyone will stand before the judgement throne of God, “Then I saw a great white throne and him was seated on it… and I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened…. anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire”, (Rev. 20:11-15) .
Create time to serve God while in office– It is evident that when some politicians (not all) assume positions of authority they don’t have time to serve God any longer. And when trouble arises, they will be looking for God who they have abandoned. God is never a caricature. He is a loving and caring father. Daniel was a good example to all Political office holders, “now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened towards Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before” Dan. 6:10.
MY INTERCESSION FOR THE EKWEREMADU AND ALL POLITICIANS.
CONCLUSION
Ekweremadu’s scenario is a lesson for all and sundry either in sacred or secular institutions. God will help Nigeria politicians to always do the needful when it is necessary, God will continue to guide and direct them unto glorious paths.
By Rev Dr R I Ibitoye, is a Pastor, Administrator, Columnist, International Peace Advocate & Ecumenist