The Pillars of Civilization and the Crisis of Dishonesty

 Civilization is fundamentally anchored on the principles of justice and honesty. 

By MUFUTAU OLUSEGUN SHOTE

To live in a civilized society means to treat oneself and others with a basic level of fairness and integrity. Tragically, contemporary Nigeria continues to grapple with systemic issues that suggest it has not yet fully internalized these principles. 

Many within the nation appear blind to the self-inflicted harm caused by widespread corruption and deceit.

The decay of these societal values is vividly illustrated through the personal experiences of individuals navigating the corridors of power, the betrayal of religious and spiritual callings, and the broader moral bankruptcy that threatens the nation's stability.

Power, Gatekeeping, and Betrayal in Aso Rock

The structural dishonesty within Nigerian governance becomes obvious when looking at how the average citizen, or even well-meaning spiritual figures, are treated by political gatekeepers.

 During the presidency of Muhammadu Buhari, an illustrative encounter occurred involving a spiritual man, Lukman, who sought to offer prayers for the leader in Abuja.

Initially, President Buhari noted that he was unable to see the visitor. However, after it was revealed that Lukman had observed a vision regarding the President’s prayer team, a directive was allegedly given to send the existing team away. 

When Lukman was subsequently assisted with funds to travel to Abuja to meet the President, he was repeatedly blocked by the individuals surrounding the Head of State.

> "The people who surround the leadership are often driven by dishonesty and greed, acting as barriers between the leader and the truth."

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Even when President Buhari reportedly authorized financial assistance of 500,000 Naira to support Lukman, the gatekeepers withheld the money, leaving the visitor empty-handed. This cycle repeated itself on multiple occasions. 

Even when the President later questioned Lukman directly, asking, *"What have I done to you? I didn't see you all these days,"* it became clear that the leader was being kept in the dark by his own aides. 

When Buhari authorized further financial support, the entourage embezzled the majority of it, handing over only a fraction (100,000 Naira) for transport. 

This rampant opportunism demonstrates how those tasked with protecting and managing leadership often exploit their positions for personal gain, disregarding both justice and loyalty.

The Commercialization of Prayer and Political Failure

The erosion of integrity is not confined to politicians and their aides; it has deeply penetrated religious practices. Prayer and spiritual intercession, which should serve as moral compasses, are frequently commercialized and weaponized for political ambition.

Following his interactions with the presidency, Lukman fell severely ill. Despite receiving financial support for hospital care and eventually relocating to Abuja for recovery, his spiritual focus shifted toward the political arena. 

Rather than returning to his home community after recovering, he was invited to Niger State by a friend to conduct prayers for the political success of Atiku Abubakar.

Political Figure | Spiritual / Political Outcome 

 **Muhammadu Buhari** | Insulated by corrupt aides; details hidden from him. |

 **Atiku Abubakar** | Sponsored prayers failed; election was lost. |

 **Peter Obi** | Accused of utilizing divisive tactics and insincerity. |

 **Bola Tinubu** | Targeted by spiritual warfare; current focus of national reconciliation. |

Despite these elaborate spiritual interventions, Atiku Abubakar lost the presidential election. The aftermath of this failure highlighted the transactional nature of these relationships: once the political objective failed, the spiritual team was promptly dismissed by their sponsors. 

When demands were made to return the funds spent during this period, the money was instead diverted to a friend who ultimately sought to destroy Lukman. This sequence of events underscores a bitter reality in Nigeria: many do not serve God; they serve money, position, and power.

Divisive Politics and the Weaponization of Spiritual Warfare

The political landscape following the recent elections reveals a deeper, more dangerous layer of dishonesty. Figures like Peter Obi have been accused of failing to maintain a straightforward and honest approach, choosing instead to engage in or tolerate divisive tactics. 

Critics point out that certain factions have gone so far as to organize spiritual attacks, or "traditional captivities," aimed at causing harm or madness to President Bola Tinubu.

Such actions demonstrate a complete lack of justice. A political figure or movement that relies on animosity, deceit, and wishes of physical harm upon opponents cannot bring true justice to a nation. 

True leadership requires a foundation of personal integrity. Fortunately, these attempts at spiritual sabotage have proven ineffective, as those who rely on injustice eventually face their own downfall.

Nigeria must remain highly vigilant regarding politicians who travel across the country pretending to seek justice while harboring deeper, self-serving motives.

## A Call for Truth and the Path Forward

The spiritual and moral crisis facing Nigeria requires urgent intervention. True justice cannot exist without honesty. This principle mirrors the ancient message given to Moses on Mount Sinai, where God demanded adherence to the Ten Commandments as the foundation for a righteous society. 

When the people strayed toward idolatry and vice, it brought divine displeasure. Similarly, the "devils" of modern Nigeria—manifested as corruption, kidnapping, robbery, assassination, and the fraudulent pursuit of wealth by groups like 'Yahoo boys'—are destroying the social fabric because people are pursuing things that do not come from righteousness.

True honor lies in acknowledging that humanity enters this world with nothing and leaves with nothing. In the eyes of the Almighty, the powerful figures of the world are mere grains of sand; only those who practice honesty and justice will find true peace.

To help address these deep-seated systemic issues, open lines of communication must be established with leadership away from the negative influence of corrupt local gatekeepers. 

Offering guidance to President Tinubu—potentially through external consultations in London, far removed from the insulations of Aso Rock—could provide a pathway to address Nigeria's challenges directly. Only by rejecting greed and embracing absolute honesty can Nigeria transform from a nation plagued by self-interest into a country guided by righteousness and genuine justice.