Con Artistry and Sophistry: The operators of religion and politics, by Arch Baba Isimi FNIA 

In Defense of Reason 

As I sat through the transition to the New Year in my Leader place, I found myself reflecting on my boss’s humility, honesty and simplicity, particularly in contrast to the individuals and institutions that could have transformed our nation’s political and religious landscape. This moment of contemplation led me to ponder why we find ourselves in our current predicament. It became clear to me that two powerful institutions—politics and religion—could have made a significant difference, yet both have been infiltrated by individuals who are often the least deserving of such positions.

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I watched, with a sense of dismay on Television, as one political figure gleefully distributed the spoils of his dishonest dealings in government, pilfered from the Nigerian coffers. I watch also the discourse in the media, too, which seemed to be rife with disingenuous discussions—anchors and pundits engaging in hollow rhetoric. Further to these, I listened to the insincere words of a so-called pastor, urging his congregation to sow seeds generously into the approaching new year, all in the name of a mythical deity summoned into existence by an ancient emperor Constantine of east Roman Empire- who founded a new religion solely for his lust for control of his empire . This is the bleak state of decay that has compounded our inherent limitations.

Politics and religion, once bastions of hope and transformation, have become arenas of con artistry and sophistry. Moving forward, we must recognize the urgent need to reorganize and safeguard our people from these charlatans who have seized control of these formidable institutions. If we are to reclaim the potential for genuine transformation and elevate human existence towards a more utopian reality, we must confront and dismantle the systems that allow such deception to flourish. It is time for a collective awakening and a commitment to integrity in both our political and religious spheres.

Baba Isimi, FNIA, an architect, public affairs commentator and the Lead Convener National Integration Group, writes from Abuja.

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