Liberia: From Predator to Prey
Min. McGill sitting in a chair as some pastors pray for him—praying for his vindication.
Jesus Christ, who we follow as Christians, was a fierce advocate for justice and a voice for the poor and marginalized. He constantly rebuked those in authority who robbed and ill-treated the poor. He openly condemned acts of corruption and demanded they restitute every stolen wealth before becoming his follower.
I have written countless times that the state of any society is a reflection of its religious institutions.
A few days ago, the U.S. government sanctioned three top Liberian government officials for corruption. One of the three sanctioned officials, Nathaniel McGill, is/was the quasi-Prime Minister of Liberia.
Since the news broke, many have written and issued statements calling for the President to fire him outright. The Liberian President has suspended all three indefinitely and asked them to return all government properties in their possession. Apparently, the quasi-Prime Minister did not get the memo. This past weekend he was in Gbarnga with state-authorized security guarding him.
It is typical for individuals whose positions are threatened to hastily try to remedy their predicament by rethinking their strategy on the next course of action. In the moment of shock and despair, they become very vulnerable and try to build alliances with whoever seems sympathetic to their plight. In the case of powerful men like our quasi-Prime Minister, the predator becomes prey. A video has been circulating on social media with him sitting in a chair as some pastors pray for him—praying for his vindication.
My question is vindication from what?
Jesus Christ, who we follow as Christians, was a fierce advocate for justice and a voice for the poor and marginalized. He constantly rebuked those in authority who robbed and ill-treated the poor. He openly condemned acts of corruption and demanded they restitute every stolen wealth before becoming his follower.
The issue with our nation is not the likes of the quasi–prime Minister. The problem is that some religious leaders often fail to speak the truth to power. Many do so to avoid missing out on donations after prayers.
Many religious leaders have allowed bugs to penetrate their lights, making it impossible for their light to shine on the ills in our society.
Meanwhile, our quasi–Prime Minister has now moved from being a predator to prey. Meanwhile, the state of our nation continues to be a reflection of our religious institutions.
May God bless us and Save Liberia and Africa!!!