By Abiodun KOMOLAFE

The world has paid its respects to Pope Francis. The ‘exequies’, or papal funeral rites, were a fitting tribute to a life of service. The Pope continued the humility of his earthly journey by insisting he not be buried in the pomp and grandiosity of Saint Peter’s Basilica where many of his predecessors lie. Instead, he had expressed a desire to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore. This choice reflects his devotion to Mary and the Church. It emphasizes his commitment to simplicity and service.

The late Pope’s wishes extended beyond his burial location. He also opted against embalming, embracing mortality; chose a simple casket, symbolizing solidarity with the poor; and requested a modest grave, embodying servant-leadership. The Vicar of Christ requested that his tombstone bear only a simple inscription: “Franciscus”, signifying his humility and desire to be remembered not for his titles or achievements, but for his name and his identity as a servant of the Lord.

To be honest, the passing of the Holy Father comes at a significant moment for the world. We are in a turbulent era! There are wars as well as rumours of wars, including the far-fetched possibility of World War III! Besides, the climate change issue is becoming more pronounced! With the exception of President Donald Trump, those denying the punitive effect of the consequences of the depletion of the ozone layer are reluctantly in the view of damning evidence revising their position on climate change.

Pope Francis’ instructive choice of name reflects his commitment to addressing inequality, paying homage to Saint Francis of Assisi, a champion of the poor. This nod to Saint Francis echoes the philosophical underpinnings of Christian Democracy, which emphasizes social justice and human dignity. Influential thinkers like R.H. Tawney, a British Christian socialist, have shaped this movement.

Tawney’s work, particularly ‘Religion and the Rise of Capitalism’, speaks to the role of faith in promoting social change and advocating for greater access to education, healthcare, housing and social welfare. This Christian democratic ethos has inspired social change promoters across Europe, Scandinavia and beyond, reflecting a broader commitment to reducing inequality and promoting human well-being.

Pope Francis’ background in Latin America’s Liberation Theology Movement reflects his commitment to social justice and challenging inequality. This movement, which emerged as a response to the region’s socio-economic disparities, courageously confronted military dictatorships and advocated for the poor. The Liberation Theology Movement’s emphasis on the preferential option for the poor resonated with many Roman Catholic priests, who often faced persecution and violence for their involvement. Indeed, dozens of priests were killed or disappeared due to their activism.

The Liberation Theology Movement revitalized global interest in Christian values. It inspired conversions and renewed devotion. One good example is former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, whose conversion to Catholicism reflects the movement’s influence in re-emphasizing Christianity’s founding ethos. This revival, marked by leaders like Pope Saint John Paul II and Pope Francis, who risked their lives to challenge inequality and dictatorship, represents a significant moment in modern Christianity. Indeed, the liberation Theology Movement played the kind of roles that in different ways our own National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and the earlier anti-colonial nationalist movements across Africa played in another era. They must be given kudos for this!

As Pope, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio continued his steadfast commitment to combating inequality and oppression. In a very determined way, he pursued interfaith dialogue and cooperation, seeking to end religious hostilities and promote understanding among diverse faiths. This mission, rooted in Christianity’s fundamental principles of human dignity and solidarity, must not only be sustained but also intensified. Christianity must go back to its fundamental roots based on the search for the edification of humanity through bridging the gap of opportunities in the society and looking for peace where there is discord.

In my article ‘Lessons from the Dead’, published in a national daily on Monday, January 26, 1998, I emphasized the importance of leaders understanding and empathizing with the people they serve. I wrote, “A good leader must ascertain people’s sentiments and identify himself with them in life and in struggle.” I also noted that “The dead are not to blame … for dying. Rather, their lives and times should teach those who are yet to die some lessons.” This perspective is exemplified in the lives of Pope Francis and Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Guided by strong faith and spiritual conviction, they demonstrated that true fulfillment lies in prioritizing the needs of others, thereby motivating countless individuals to adopt similar values of service, empathy, and kindness.

Beyond the sorrow of passing, the life and times of the Bishop of Rome offer valuable lessons for everyone. The Servant of the Servants of God trusted in God’s guidance, and avoided hasty decisions. In a gesture both practical and religious, the departed Primate of Italy and Sovereign of the Vatican City State was a sweet hope for the overlooked and the voiceless. His dedication to serving the poor and marginalized showcased the importance of compassion and empathy. Even where and when ‘Never again’ failed, His Holiness showed balance and showed fairness! He also contributed to the revival of Christianity and he should be praised for it.

Pope Francis’ efforts to revive the philosophical foundations of Catholicism offer a compelling counterpoint to the prosperity gospel movement, which has contributed to Christianity’s decline in some quarters. This phenomenon is reminiscent of the historical context that gave rise to the Labour Party in the UK. While the party emerged from the trade union movement and socialist groups, the Methodist roots of some key figures, such as Keir Hardie, played a role in shaping the party’s values. It was their work that led to Free Education and the best Health Services the world had ever seen.

Christian socialism has also played a significant role in shaping the welfare states of Nordic and Scandinavian countries. The Christian socialist movement’s emphasis on social justice and equality has influenced policy and practice in these nations. For instance, the Beveridge Report, which advocated for comprehensive social welfare, inspired the manifestos of various African political parties, including Nigeria’s Action Group, Ghana’s Convention People’s Party and India’s Congress Party. These parties’ commitment to social justice and equality serves as a powerful tool for contemporary policymakers.

Gaza! Ukraine! Even the escalating trade wars! Since the Pope has no battalions, he can only appeal to the consciences of leaders. But then, had the world heeded the Supreme Pontiff’s admonitions and sought peace instead of disharmony, the world would have been a better place to live in. Had the political establishment, with their military and commercial backers, not been dismissing the counsel of leaders like the ebullient, vivacious and zestful priest, we wouldn’t have had to keep measuring victory over terrorism by the number of body bags and economic losses. And who’s gaining from that?

Sudan! Congo DRC! Even banditry, kidnapping terrorism! Africa faces profound challenges, with inequality and lack of opportunities fueling social and economic crises. For God’s sake, why won’t we have 152 people killed in a space of 10 days when we are not creating jobs? Why must we continue to witness such devastation when the solution is clear: bridging the gap between the haves and have-nots? Without addressing these disparities, violence and instability will persist!

To quote the prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi, “Where there is discord, let us seek harmony; where there is error, let us seek truth.” This beautiful prayer, which inspired the beautifully-departed Pope, offers a timeless message of reconciliation and understanding that transcends denominational boundaries.

May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, rest the souls of Pope Francis and all the faithful departed!

*KOMOLAFE wrote in from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State, Nigeria (ijebujesa@yahoo.co.uk; 08033614419 – SMS only)

By Atekojo Samson Usman

It is obvious that the political sad story of Igala Kingdom in Kogi East today is traceable to travesty and malady of the past gullible leaders and not realizing to proffer solution would continue to elongate illusion of desires and opportunities.

Kogi East politically is on bended knees desiring to be rescued not just to take over governance at the State level which it assumed for 16 years, but how well such lofty opportunities are harnessed to advance the wellbeing of the Igala/Bassa nation and by extension Kogi State generally.

The only string of joy the Igala/Bassa Kingdom has currently is the strong and virile representation at the 10th Senate being saddled by Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho. If he wasn’t such a committed and passionate Senator, it would have been such a traumatic and worrisome development for Kogi East that was once the pride of the State and the nation in general.

Alas, indicators have shown that the Kingdom’s nightmares are far from over or its readiness to reboot the political sagacity that was once in vogue in the days of Dr Steven Makoji Achema of the blessed memory and the late Prince Abubakar Audu, given the web of dangerous politicking pervading the land out of utter hatred for each other.

The 2027 general election is fast approaching and the Kogi East’s seeming hemorrhage of ideas on what to do at all strata of politics would pose “no change”, and dangerously too, that some sponsored social media irritants are well bent on desecrating political leaders and engaging in pull him down subterfuge. Sadly, opinion moulders have disappeared from the scene, even as ‘wise men from the East’ are nowhere to be found to encourage the political leaders who are doing well and to offer counsel on way forward.

At this critical times, one expects that a modicum of intelligence would understand that Senator Echocho’s legislative activities in the Senate since 2019 has been the only saving grace, hence, offering him ‘the first of right refusal’ for the 2027 general election should be the way to go for now.

It is axiomatic that the 2027 general election which every ‘Jack Robinsons’ are sponsoring campaign of calumnies as strategies to reposition themselves to contest the 2027 Senate can only be safe with Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho. This is because, it would be too costly to trade away Kogi East representation at the Senate, and given that it is the only highest political office for Igala/Bassa kingdom for now.

Criticism of political office holders at all level is good if it is done constructively, but in the case where fact speaks for itself in terms of performance in office, ‘res ipsa loquitor’, then criticism becomes destructive if it is done to purposely paint the leader as the demon hindering the progress of Igala/Bassa land.

Statistics show that Kogi East with nine Local Government Councils is one of the highest Senatorial flank in the country, hence, any representative at the Red Chamber of the National Assembly must be more than a servant leader to dutifully serve the people.

Entrusting the Senatorial District to an untrusted and untested hand as the Kingdom approach the 2027 general election would be a risk and more than a political suicide at this precarious time. That is why wisdom demands that the people, the socio-cultural group, religious groups and political stakeholders should rally round the political leaders for support, ask questions on their activities where some issues are unclear in order to move the Kingdom forward.

Of particular interest in this piece is the Kogi East Senatorial District currently occupied by Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho, who one could proudly say has been doing surprisingly well at the Red Chamber and back home in the district. Any adult who was a living witness to the debut of democracy in 1999 till date is challenged to place performance index of Kogi East Senators side by side and you will discover that none in the past is match for the current Senator. Let the truth be told for once!

Though, this is an opinionated piece, if this is believed ‘hook line and sinker’ as could be seen in motions, resolutions the Senator has sponsored in his first and second term of office and the massive constituency projects in the district as well as personal and official intervention in dire conditions of the constituents, one would discover that the narrative has changed.

Before the Senate went on Sallah and Easter recess, Senator Echocho sponsored a bill to establish National Cashew Production and Research Institute to be cited at Idah in Kogi East. The bill has passed first reading on the floor of the Red Chamber and one expect Cashew Produce association, stakeholders and traditional rulers not only to be excited, but rally round the Senator to ensure that the bill is passed into the law.

This is notwithstanding the fact that the proposed National Cashew Production and research Institute comes with job opportunities as well as infrastructural development in Igala/Bassa land.

Lawmaking encompasses participation of the constituents as they have opportunity to participate in public hearing after the bill has passed second reading before the third reading. It is important to see good things in one who is doing well on his beat and if he seeks a return, it is good enough to grant it.

One of the advantages of returning a lawmaker is that a bill he sponsored and is passed into law, if it is not assented to by the President for it to become an act, the same bill would have accelerated hearing to its passage if re-presented.

Atekojo Samson Usman is a journalist and writes from Abuja. He can be reached through: ateko2007@gmail.com