Priests, Pastors, Prophets, & Politics of Prophecies

(By Immanuel JamesIbe-Anyanwu) – Mbaka’s god and the future of Imo

There are two consistent attributes of the Mbaka god. It is an arrogant god that forecloses commentary, hence the warning that those who will criticize the Catholic priest over this new year prophecy, will attract divine wrath. Gods are like that though—often demanding unquestioning credulity. But because critical intelligence is also a divine gift, I do not believe God gave it to us not to use it. Besides, unlike Mbaka, I am from Imo State, the constituency whose destiny is being purported for change; I should therefore be free to discuss my fate.

Second feature of the Mbaka god is that it loves the APC. Mohammadu Buhari, it once declared, would transform Nigeria. In fairness, Buhari has truly transformed Nigeria, but in reverse. “There will be more hardship in 2020”, Mbaka’s god assures again, which is consistent with the Buhari prophecy of 2015: Buhari has so far transformed Nigeria into grievous hardship, but will do even more this year. 

Hope Uzordimma, 4th runner-up in the state’s last guber poll, will become Imo Governor this year, says the Mbaka god. Hope is “an agent of salvation” who would “restore the dignity of that noble land”. This is at least the third APC prophecy largesse blasting through this curious oracle. Which raises two fundamental concerns.

One, Hope Uzordimma as “salvation”. I have heard that God can use anyone to bring change. Hope. Hope is the rural version of Rochas Okorocha. Stories about how he made his money are on the streets. The vulgarity of his politics is common knowledge. Barely enlightened about governance, during the last electioneering he was asked of his blueprint for Imo. He will raise a team when he wins and come up with governance ideas, he answered. It is curious how prophetic gods in Nigeria are often drawn to impeachable character, never mind they are holy. Mbaka’s god once said a lot of good things about Orji Uzor Kalu, promising him more greatness. Kalu is now a great inmate. 

Second concern: I suspect that partisan prophecies are a call to action. A script. When a prophecy like this is issued, locusts in power begin to plot its eventual fulfillment. Permutations are already flying around as to how this prophecy will materialize. There will also be aberrant actions taken towards said fulfillment, in the belief of actualizing a divine purpose. A pious judge sitting on a petition relating to the prophecy, for instance, might be influenced even subconsciously. We are a religious people often trying to evade the divine wrath. 

It is for these two planks that I speak, otherwise I would have ignored the prophecy. I consider prophesies totally useless, as there already is sufficient prophecy in Nigeria’s very structure and evil politics. As individuals too, our actions, pursuits, associations, and environment are themselves eloquent prophecies of the future, more than what anyone can predict. I believe we only need a measure of grace to support the work we do, and that’s it. Nigeria has never lacked prophecies, only governance. 

Meanwhile, Imo State slogan was once “Land of Hope”. The people got tired of hoping and trashed the darn motto, because Hope is not enough and never will be.