POLITICS WHERE IS YOUR LION? WHERE IS YOUR BEAR?

By Femi Abulude

The title of this article is credited to Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo the wife of the Vice President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. This brilliant lady made an inference to what David said in (1 Samuel 17:34-36) when he was confronting the war Lord, Goliath. “But David said to Saul, your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock. I went out after it and struck it and deliver the lamb from its mouth, and when it arose against me, I caught it by its bear and struck and killed it. Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God”

According to Dolapo, David relied on his previous exploits that was what gave him the confidence and audacity to face the intimidating giant Goliath. She made this statement in the concluding part of her closing remark during the 4^th Annual Birthday lecture of Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). The lecture was delivered by erudite lecturer, Professor Jide Osuntokun.

The lady advised that if any politician knocks on our doors and solicits for our votes, we should ask him/her for his or her lion or bear. What she is simply saying was that if you want our votes, you should let us know your previous achievements.

Your previous achievements could be at any level of endeavor. What have you done in your Local Community? What did you do when  in school? What have you contributed no matter how small to benefit the life of people?

God is so passionate about the poor and masses. He knows their weakness and vulnerability. Jesus said the poor are blessed because theirs is the Kingdom of God. (Luke 6:20b) our leaders don’t appreciate this; they cheat the poor and make them more impoverished. Probably if we have been asking them salient questions and making them accountable for their previous actions, governance would not have fallen into the hands of adventurists, fraudulent and selfish individuals. When these people get into office, they become power drunk and fallible because they have nothing to build on, unlike David who built on his exploits in the jungle to defeat Goliath on the battle field.

Some of these politicians bought their ways into the corridor of power, playing on the vulnerability of the hungry masses. Most of them had the opportunities but wasted them. They had the opportunities of slaying lions and bears but allowed the rampaging animals to escape with their loots. These set of politicians should be blocked out completely.

Succinctly put this phrase, “Where is your Lion? Where is your Bear?” should be our watch words as we are marching towards  another election period.

God will guide us aright.