The pouring of libation during last weekend’s inauguration of President Bio caused consternation among some Christians and Muslims who had already heard the prayers of Christian and Muslim priests and thought that they were enough. It should be noted in passing that the two religions stated above are those recognized by the state in which almost all citizens belong either to one of them or the other. To give the impression that the practice of African Traditional Religion is also being slipped in for recognition is anachronistic and primeval.
There are two worlds, the visible and the invisible as the creed speaks –the world we see and the world we do not see. It really exists although we do not see it. Innumerable things lie about us animate and inanimate; but one particular class of these innumerable things is thus brought home to us –through our senses. But still taking the things we do not see altogether, the world we do not see is on the whole a much higher world than that which we do see.
Angels are also inhabitants of the invisible world and concerning them much more is told us than the souls of the faithful departed because the latter ‘rest from their labours’ but the Angels are actively employed among us in the Church. They are said to be ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation. No Christian is so humble but he has Angels to attend on him if he lives by faith and love. This is why the pouring of libation at such an august ceremony during the Inauguration raises poignant questions. After all Paramount Chiefs are also involved in the formal opening of Parliament but the Mother of Parliament does not inculcate such a practice and so it has not been appended.
It all has to do with the belief systems of the organizers of the Inauguration Ceremony. The Christian and Islam religions have their creeds stated though the Creeds of those who believe in necromancy have them written in their hearts. The Christians have the Apostles, Nicene and Alhanasian Creeds, etc and the Creed of the Muslims is “I believe in Mohamed and Mohamed is the prophet of God.”
President Bio has a human right to his opinions and beliefs but when these expressed publicky affect the nation in a putatively negative direction there is cause for concern. We may not like the specter of libations in and around State House as it was during the diabolic days of the past regime that depended on fetish that had now failed them woefully. No more ariogbos around.
It should be borne in mind that Christianity is the religion of the progressive portion of mankind. ‘’Christianity is not a theory, or a speculation but a life –not a philosophy of life but a living process’’ – S.T. COLERIDGE
The popularity of the President will not depend on his being a Christmus. It will not increase to over 90 percent in the next elections because of this wavering between two religions. It will be noted that during his swearing –in as President he swore to Allah instead of God. The custom of libations should now be honored in the breach than in the observance. The President’s popularity will increase by implementing Indiscipline, Corruption and Poverty and not by trying to belong to two religions and indulging in necromancy.
We are acting in a kind of locum capacity for Catholic priests who seem to have abdicated their religious responsibility of advising the President against the irreligious practice.