Book review by Chidi Iketuonye
Every nation needs a unifier in its march towards greatness, either in the person of a great leader or in the form of great founding values that represent the collective aspirations of that particular society. The Book, Blue Print for Nigeria by Pastor John Enelamah posits that contrary to the term “a mere geographical contraption”, Nigeria is a product of divine counsel. Undoubtedly, the historical antecedents of a checkered co-existence cannot be denied, and there is still a sense in which it appears that the Nigerian nation is the product of a mere transactional relationship between the land grabbing European nations of the post-world war era. However, Pastor John Enelamah has methodically built up the thesis, or rather antithesis that even behind these apparent human machinations of international forces, is the unfolding of the determinate counsel of the divine will.
In the book, he draws out prophecies that point to Nigeria as being a nation destined by Godto play a pivotal role in his end time purposes of the propagation of the gospel. The foundational premise in the book is that just like individuals, God has a purpose for the nations of the earth. It is a tall statement of faith for the implication is that despite the disparate ethnicities, divides, and discordant value systems which create a cacophony of confusing sounds and signals, there is still a divine plan for Nigeria which should encourage all believers to pray towards the fulfilment of that vision. The entire text is a strong tonic that seeks to revive patriotism even in a generation and period where some indigenous ethnic groups are already gazing through the doors of secession.
The question of the right kind of leadership takes central place in the book. The author describes two types of leadership. The first is the leadership demanded by men and placed in place through human will and manipulation as exemplified by King Saul, the first King of Isreal as recorded in the bible. The second is God’s ordained leadership as personified in the reign of David. However, this concept may pose an intellectual challenge as we do not operate a theocracy but a democracy in a multi ethnic and multi religious setting. So how can we reconcile the voice of God with the voice of the people?
Related to this question is the role of the church in democratic society and its political sphere of activities. Indeed, the author states that the church has a decisive role to play in actualizing the colourful destiny of Nigeria. This role must proceed first, from a place of understanding the prophetic purposes of God for Nigeria, followed by concerted and focused mediation by way of prayers towards that end.
The book Blue Print for Nigeria, is a timely intervention at this critical period of our existence as an emerging nation, albeit the most populous black nation. However, the prescriptions are somewhat limited. First is the fact that unity is not a given. Every nation as stated earlier must find its rallying point either around an inspirational leadership or lofty ideals. It is the common allegiance to that central ideal that makes nations intelligible entities and governable units. For Nigeria then there can be no rallying point for a greater future without the right leadership that shuns all forms of corruption, nepotism, which is a more grievous form of corruption, and which embraces the life of every Nigerian as valuable regardless of tribe, or ethnicity. If the cry, “to your tents o Israel” could emanate from that nation so loved by God, because of the arrogance of leadership, then it is clear that the question of leadership cannot be taken for granted, neither our unity as a nation.
Secondly, is the place of the church in politics. As pointed out earlier, democracy is a bit more complex than theocracy. Under democracy, God does not impose his prophetic choice on the people but rather allows men of goodwill through proper discernment to elect their leaders. In the words of an English sage, the voice of the people in the things concerning them, is as the voice of God. It therefore falls upon the church to be more discerning and more proactive in her promotion and support of good men in politics. For Nigeria to rise up to her prophetic destiny, the church must rise up to its socio-political responsibilities and stop playing second fiddle to other centripetal forces.