An eye for an eye
(And the whole world goes blind)
By Femi Adesina (kulikulii@yahoo.com, 08055001928)
Friday February 10, 2012

Pastor Oritsejafor

After the Christmas Day bombing which killed over 40 people at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, was justifiably enraged. Whether it was holy anger or the natural ire common to man, I do not know. But the man of God (who should naturally teach us peaceableness and turning the other cheek) was incensed, maddened to the extent of directing Christians to henceforth defend themselves whenever attacked. In other words, it was time to return to the Old Testament doctrine of ‘an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’

I was already thinking of acquiring swords, cutlasses, bows, arrows, daggers, and a good dose of African insurance (oogun abenugongo) to defend myself and my faith, when Pastor W. F. Kumuyi of the Deeper Life Bible Church, spoke. And though not a member of his church in the strict sense of denominationalism, Kumuyi is one man of God I have greatest respect for. He is not frivolous, and does not speak out of turn. His words are usually worth their weight in gold. What did the man say at a press conference on New Year Day?

“I wish to encourage our brothers and sisters in the faith who were directly affected by the spate of bombings in our country to exercise a high level of restraint and caution. While I appreciate the emotional outpourings over these incidents, we must nonetheless be circumspect so that we do not exacerbate an already fragile and dire situation. We must always adhere to the admonitions of the Lord that we are not to retaliate or fight back against those who openly provoke us or make themselves enemies without a cause. We are to love them, pray for them, and continue to extend our hands of fellowship to them. This is the path the Lord Jesus followed and which He enjoins us to follow. This is what marks all believers out as salt and light in the world, provocation notwithstanding.”

You know what Kumuyi was asking us to do? To love Boko Haram. If I lost a whole family as somebody did at Madalla, I must still love Boko Haram who killed them. If I lost 12 members as an Anambra community did in Mubi, Adamawa State, I must still love Boko Haram. If the pastor of the Deeper Life Church attacked and killed right inside the sanctuary in Gombe was my brother, I must still love Boko Haram. If my son, or daughter, was in the United Nations Building when hell was visited on it, and he or she died, I must love Boko Haram. Pastor Kumuyi, is that what you are telling me? Indeed, it is.

I was in a quandary, in real muddle and puzzle. I was like the poet, D.H. Lawrence, who saw a snake drinking at his water-trough. The voice of his education told him to kill the creature, for it was evil. “But I must confess how I liked him, how glad I was he had come like a guest in quiet, to drink at my water-trough,” Lawrence wrote. Which voice should he obey? Dilemma. Bewilderment. Who should I also heed? Oritsejafor? Kumuyi? So, to my copy of the Holy Bible I ran. What does it teach about revenge and self-defence? Must I always turn the other cheek at all times? When I have the chance to stick a knife into the back of an evildoer, must I show mercy on him because I’m a Christian? What is truth?

“Then he said unto them, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip, and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one… And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, it is enough (Luke 22:36, 38).” Jesus asked His followers to buy swords to defend themselves when He knew that the end of His physical stay with them was fast approaching. So, according to this scripture, Oritsejafor wins.

But not so fast. Another scripture passage: “Ye have heard that it hath been said, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil: But whosever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him two… Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. (Matthew 5:38 – 48).”

And that was Jesus speaking again. So, Kumuyi wins? Love those who do you evil, including Boko Haram. The Igbo nation has suffered heavier toll in the killings than any other ethnic nationality. In Madalla, in Mubi, in Yobe, everywhere. An Igbo family of seven was fleeing Yobe for the East last week, and they all perished in a road crash. Tragic. But the Igbo must still love Boko Haram, and pray for them. “We must always adhere to the admonition of the Lord that we are not to retaliate or fight back,” says Kumuyi. Really? This one dey too hard o. But then, they are not the words of Kumuyi. Jesus Himself had commanded His followers not to “resist evil,” and also to “bless them that curse you.”

But Peter cut off the ear of Malchus with a sword, when Jesus was being arrested? Yes, and Jesus took the severed earlobe, and restored it to the man’s head, perfectly as the day he was born. Okay, what of Nehemiah, while leading the team that rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem? Half of the people worked, while half stood guard with spears, shields and bows to ward off intruders (Nehemiah 4:16). Doesn’t the Holy Bible describe God as “ Jehovah, the man of war (Exodus 15:3),” or Jehovah Sabaoth, which means “The Lord of Hosts?” That’s a warrior’s title, if ever there was one.

The heroes of faith who received divine commendation in Hebrews Chapter 11, were most of them not warriors? And what of this direct one in Exodus 22:2: “If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.” In other words, if you catch an evildoer in the process, and kill him, you are free from his blood. So, though our Igbo brothers are predominantly Christians, if they defend themselves against Boko Haram, they are not counted guilty for shedding blood.

But again, some people will say all these are in the Old Testament. An eye for an eye. Show me justification in the New Testament. Kumuyi then wins. Or does he? In John 18, an officer struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, as he stood trial before the High Priest. Did Jesus turn the other cheek? No. Rather, He said, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?” This means there are times to ask questions, to demand answers, instead of turning the other cheek. True? False? Oh, where are the theologians?

See this one again: “Recompense to no man evil for evil… Avenge not yourselves, but rather give place to wrath, for it is written, vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord. Therefore, if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing, thou shall heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:17 – 21).” Eh, is Kumuyi not winning this argument? You meet a Boko Haram member who has just thrown a bomb, and he is injured. Bind up his wounds, take him to the hospital, and pay the bills, instead of tossing him into the blazing fire kindled by his bomb. This one hard o.
There are some people known as Christian pacifists. John Yoder is a reputable name in that rank. Pacifists believe in non-resistance. They say it is wrong to injure others, no matter the circumstance. They teach that Christians are to refuse the world’s violent methods, and follow their Saviour to the cross. They say when Jesus asked His disciples to get a sword, that it was only a figurative sword. Hmmm.

Must you then turn the other cheek always, even against a rapist, mugger or bomber? Theologians, J. P Moreland and Norman Geisler say no. Their words: “To permit murder when one could have prevented it is morally wrong. To allow rape when one could have hindered it is an evil. To watch an act of cruelty to children without trying to intervene is morally inexcusable. In brief, not resisting evil is an evil of omission, and an evil of omission can be just as evil of commission. Any man who refuses to protect his wife and children against a violent intruder fails them morally.”

Jesus says, “don’t resist evil.” These theologians say “not resisting evil is an evil.” If we follow the ‘an eye for an eye’ dictum, wouldn’t the whole world be blind soon? If we turn the other cheek always, don’t we stand the risk of falling into crass passivity? Who do I believe and follow. Oritsejafor or Kumuyi? Who will save me from this perplexity? Somebody h-e-l-p.

Re: Supreme confusion
No ambiguity
There’s no ambiguity whatever in the judgment delivered by the Supreme Court, but an enriching of our jurisprudence and mature interpretation of the spirit of the constitution. It’s a victory of superior argument over the moribund. Based on the prayers on the table, the court could not have given any consequential judgement as touted by some.
Joseph Eyo, Garki, Abuja

Let them wake up
Do you believe there are many minor cases of assault, affray, assault occasioning harm etc that are pending in courts for a period of three years? Also, 80% of inmates in our prisons are awaiting trial, languishing in jails. I hope our justices and magistrates will wake up from their slumber in order to reduce avoidable tension and anxiety. Ayo Moses, Ibadan

Quite welcome
The Supreme Court verdict on five governors is quite welcome, except for Kogi State, where a governor-elect was on ground. How I wish a law that will bar our incumbents from remaining in office while seeking a fresh mandate is enacted. Such will ensure neutrality and fairness in the conduct of our polls.
L. T. Arotimi, Akim Town, Calabar

The problem
I don’t think the problem with our Supreme Court justices is that they live on Mount Olympus. They are simply too old, and that is why they delay judgment in critical cases.
Enn Anolue, Aguata Aguluezechukwu

The naked truth
You are not fair to their Lordships for the delay in disposal of issues before them. The matter is not just to review the facts presented before the Court of Appeal and make pronouncement. There are records to compile, appellants brief of arguments to be filed wherein he has to show where the Court of Appeal erred, while respondent has to reply in his brief and mainly justify the Court of Appeal judgment given in his favour. All these have their time frame statutorily fixed, unless there is an abridgment of time. From the date of adoption of briefs, a panel has 90 days to deliver judgment. Was the judgment given after 90 days of adoption of briefs/final addresses? Your blame ought to go to the parties/lawyers, not the justice. We have parties and lawyers who go into cases to delay, if such delay will be of benefit. That is the naked truth. 08033175402

Revelatory
‘Supreme confusion’ is a revelatory piece about the rot in our judiciary. Well done. While applauding the Supreme Court for coming to save Nigeria from tenure elongation debacle, I note with regret that politics has infested and injured our sanctuaries of justice.
Edward Nnachi, 08157037332

Confusion, commotion, conflagration
The Supreme Court verdict gave birth to confusion, commotion, conflagration. Why does it take all of eternity to settle a court case in this country? Enough of sleepy judicial system. Noah Sule
If not for contempt of court…
Delay is synonymous with our judicial system. Why can’t all cases be accelerated? I would have talked more, if not for contempt of court. But there ought not be confusion at the Supreme Court, as the justices are next to God. The judiciary should redeem itself and stop equivocating. At least, let us get one segment of the society right. Pastor Livy Onyenegecha, Minna

Transient power
‘Supreme confusion’ reminds those who have eyes to see and ears to hear that power is transient, and only leaders with inordinate ambitions and/or hidden agenda should suffer sleepless nights over sudden leadership change.
Dr J. T. Akinmayowa, Uniben, 08058263299

Not always based on law
What we have in Nigeria are courts of technicalities and not courts of justice. Again, justice is not always based on law. The Nigerian judiciary is a gamble, a game of kalokalo. Here, the law is a spider’s web, big animals tear it to shreds, while small creatures like flies are trapped.
John Mgbe, Owerri

Integrity and ethics
The Supreme Court ruling is justice delayed. It has thrown Kogi State into confusion of swearing in two governors. Our justices should deliver judgment timely to maintain the integrity and ethics of their noble profession. A stitch in time saves nine. Sunday Chuna, Akpajo, Rivers State

The cabal
It is illogical to talk about court(s) in Nigeria, a country where the dictates of the cabal constitutes the constitution. Ozo Nnaka Okonkwo

Supreme delay
It is not only supreme confusion, but supreme delay. It took the Supreme Court almost 20 years to determine a land dispute between my village Nkporo and Oso Edda, both in old Abia State. Although we won, a lot of people had died in the process. Kudos on your write-up. Dr Fred

The law and its ways
Supreme confusion indeed. Where was the law all along? Why this judgement now? The law and its ways! Sammie Boateng, Ondo State

I thought it was over
After the deaths of Tai Solarin and Bola Ige, I thought quality assessment of events in our country was over. Until I started reading your column. May Almighty Allah guide and protect you.
Engr Kabir, B. Umar, Abuja

PDP started the fire
PDP has a lot of work to do. The party started this fire burning their houses (states) now. They should strictly obey the Supreme Court verdict by allowing the candidates selected within the validity period to represent the party.
Umunnakwe Emeka Henry

I’ll never forget
Fantastic piece on ‘Supreme confusion.’ But I’ll never forget your write-up, ‘Ringim in the ring.’ Now, it has come to pass.
Paul, National Lottery Commission, Abuja

My greatest worry
The remedy to be done by this verdict was long defeated nine months ago. My greatest worry was the inability of the appellants to make a consequential prayer of what should be done to avert anarchy. Of what benefit is law if not to remedy perceived wrongs? Their Lordships should live with us, and feel our pains. Charles Otu, Abakaliki

When they blow the whistle
Our justices live with us, but they don’t blow their whistles when the ball touches the net gently, not until the ball tears the net. It’s a pity.
Tony, Awka

Gospel truth
You’ve spoken the gospel truth in ‘Supreme confusion.’ The piece has aptly put our judges in proper perspective. I call it ‘Supreme politico-deception.’ Nigeria is not a nation, but a false society that represents the height of injustice and absurdity. Bala Ibrahim

Tiger’s mouth
The ruling has evicted the five governors from the juicy corridors of power. Any man without contentment will ever end up in the judicial tiger’s mouth as prey. M. Okpoto, Makurdi

They live on Mount Olympus
The Nigerian judiciary is full of wonders. This particular judgment makes us still wonder about many things in our democracy. The Supreme Court justices may truly live on Mount Olympus, as you said. Uzo Angus-Okoro, Enugu

Confusion break bone, yeepa
Supreme confusion is an apt description of the verdict on the five governors. Confusion break bone, yeepa. Na double wahala for dead body, and the owner of dead body.
Friday C. Chukwuani, Abuja

PDP at work
The judiciary is PDP. You and I know the reason for the delay of the ruling, and could guess the verdict before it came. The saddest thing is why waste time, funds, and above all, deceive people for nothing. Nigerian government is of the PDP, by the PDP, and for the PDP. May God save our country.Aisha, Kaduna

Not crossed border afterall
I ate the breakfast of well-moulded sticks of groundnuts, better known as kilikuli. Tasty as usual. You may not have crossed the border afterall. Fred Iwenjora

Justice delayed
Our justices are living on this planet with us but the reason for their tardy modus operandi is that they are not fully independent as politics and corruption had infiltrated into our legal system.
I hail them for being watchdog to the rule of law which induced the shake up in the five states, but I would be more exhilarated if such shake up and right judgment were done in due time because justice delayed is still justice denied.
Ikenna Lawrence Mmadbuike, iykelawrence@gmail.com

Supreme confusion indeed
I just finished reading your article, and I come to the conclusion that this is supreme confusion indeed. God help us in this country.
Chika Agina, aginachika@yahoo.com

They need to be realistic
I never knew I was going to read your column again. Thank goodness, you won’t be an Andrew of the early 80’s fame, and we hope to continue to hear from you. Just like you’ve decided to remain here with us, we urge the judges to be more realistic in the determination of justice. Justice delayed, they say, is justice denied. Under this kind of condition, one may tend to speculate that the Supreme Court ruling has a political undertone, meant to serve a particular interest.
Ben Nduka, bengudosai@yahoo.co.uk

The beginning of the end
Yes, confusion indeed. The delayed judgment of the Supreme Court, the directive of Attorney General of the Federation resulting in the emergence of two governors in Kogi State, and many other issues following the judgment. The country is going through challenges well known to all, many things are pointing to the beginning of a new dawn and a new era for our dear land.
Nigeria is at a major crossroads, except the Lord of Host intervenes, we may go the same way of the nations that came together by force, but separated by ideology,
Dr Olayinka Oladosu 08033439439, yinkalola85@yahoo.com

Confused language
A confused mind is expressed in a confused language. If our judiciary errs in judgment, what will happen to the body polity? It will be anarchy in the land. Let us continue to stay at the border before they confuse us too.
Aka Ikenga, akaikenga1@yahoo.com

Not of the world
Let me help to allay your fears. The learned justices of the Supreme Court live amongst us on planet earth here. The truth of the matter is that, like the biblical phrase, they are in the world but they are not of the world. So they are in Nigeria but not of Nigeria, they are the oracle of infallibility, so you don’t stampede them into doing anything (even PDP can’t try it), especially with the calibre of justices there now. Prince Ben Ikani, ojokolobo@yahoo.com

Judicial confusion
In your article titled ‘Supreme confusion,’ I reason with you, but on a more general note, I term it ‘judicial confusion.’ The lower courts, which had earlier ruled on the matter, started the macabre judicial drama, and the apex court climaxed the confusion by their snail pace in justice delivery process. Some matters, just like you stated, need urgent attention and the justices in the Supreme Court often behave like demi-gods. This is one of the issues I raised in one of my articles on the judicial Reform, published in our school newspaper.  Victor Ezeja, UNN. Vicklord88@yahoo.ca, 07032316489

Confused country
It is really supreme confusion in a confused state of Nigeria. The sooner the pilots of Nigerian governments (federal, state or local) stop imposing on the electorate their sacred cows, the earlier the end of this drama of confused characters. Eugene Uchenna, uchesalom@yahoo.com, (07052255612)