Lock Up Fake Prophets of Doom and their Sponsors -By Femi Amosun

Many proactive Social observers may have noticed the torrent of doom prophecies emanating perpendicularly from Nigeria. These prophecies are capable of creating confusion and misleading innocent Nigerians. The prophecies are not only evil thoughts of ordinary men but also capable of destabilizing our country with serious consequences. If indeed these prophets are blessed with prophetic gifts then they should have foretold the demise of thousands of Africans, including fellow Nigerians, who perished in the Mediterranean Sea in their desperate attempt to sojourn to Europe. How come these so-called prophets failed to foretold the brutal and fatal attacks unleashed on Nigerians residing in South Africa? Why are their prophecies always about Mr. President, APC, PDP or some entertainment industry figures? Are we now a nation that lives by the words of Men of doom? Is it conceivable that many Nigerians are so gullible and ignorant of the fact that the World does not prosper through fake prophecies?

Prophecy is not a substitute for national development or the general economic well-being of a nation. In the spiritual context, prophecy tends to guide the leaders and reveal or unravel the metaphysical world beyond a mortal comprehension. In ancient Egypt and Israel, Pharaohs, Kings and Queens were guided by true prophets of God.

Few weeks ago, Nigerians were unabashed with another so-called “Prophecies” from Ayo Fayose who is desperately trying to be accepted by right-thinking Nigerians. Astonishingly, a supposedly “Man of God” came out and acquainted us that Mr. Fayose is “the voice of Nigerians”. The fact is that only an impish and enraged Governor would descend to the level of giving prophecy whilst occupying an executive position in a State. I would have thought that the Office of the State Governor is magnanimous with responsibilities sufficient enough to keep a Governor busy. Instead of good governance from Mr. Fayose, we’ve seen him walked about eating Asun at a local market, physically assaulted (known as GBH) a presiding Judge, frustrated the State workers by not paying their salaries, stood in front of Fidelity Bank and arrogantly bragged about some N5 million he withdrew from his personal Account, and other notable criminal conducts. On top of Fayose’s calamity, he is yet to explain the N4.7 billion traced to him (by the EFCC) through the ex-Minister of Defense, Musiliu Obanikoro. Despondently, all his actions and utterances are far beneath the morality, high standard and the quality one would expect from a sitting Governor. Is it by virtue of an unholy-anointing, or some sort of an attempt to once again manipulate Nigerians, that Mr. Fayose is now being proclaimed as “the voice of Nigerians”?

As typical of fake prophets’ reprehensible acts, one has even prophesied that the “the president shall go the way of all men””. This is very shocking and should be reviled by all right-thinking Nigerians. This particular delusional prophet should be arrested and charged for committing treasonable offences. Let me quickly add that before some religious imbeciles or bigots start kicking the air; they should take a deep breath and be rational in their minds.

As progressive and enlightened Nigerians will know or should know, the advanced countries and their citizens do not really on prophets and prophecies before “doing the right things” for their country. They’re not only advanced in their thinking, planning, executing social projects etcetera, they lean heavily on an individual and collective responsibility to make things happen.

Nigeria is an indivisible entity and does not exist for a single individual or collection of few egocentric individuals. Nigeria is a nation of many tribes and branches with diverse resources, traditions and cultures. How come we have allowed hatred, religious bigotry, narrow-mindedness, blood feud and other negative vices to dominate the centre stage of our economic, political, and social lives?

As part of good governance, the government must be able to anticipate, identify, and deal with any potential threats in equal measures. Incidentally, fake prophecies, kidnappings and other militancy activities are capable of destabilizing the country. Suffice to say that, these activities should be treated as an “act of terrorism” and dealt with without politicking the situation. Perhaps the Government of the day may want to consider introducing new laws to regulate religious organizations (Churches, Mosques, Assemblies, Individual Pastors and Ministers of Religion). Such legislations should seek to monitor and regulate the activities of all religious organizations in the country including prophecies, taxation, compulsory membership registration, and mandatory audited Accounts.

It is unequivocal that such law(s) would discipline many of these inept and so-called religious organizations who are clandestinely exploiting innocent Nigerians.