CAN NIGERIA IN HER TURBULENT TIMES FIND A MODEL IN MARK 10:45a?: A DISCOURSE ON LEADERSHIP TRANSFORMATION

Abstract

Starting from the days when African Traditional Religion thrived immensely to the emergence of modern western religions, the continent of Africa which Nigeria is significantly part and parcel of has always been saturated with religious beliefs and principles. Thus, it is not surprising to see scholars like Mbiti who clearly observes that the African people are notoriously religious. Hence wherever the African is, there is religion and the consciousness of religion. An African weighs his/her success and progress in accordance with his/her mutual cordial relationship with his or her ‘chi’. In fact, it calls for a critical religious scrutiny whenever a religious African starts to experience strings and series of misfortune in life. Meanwhile, since the end of colonial rule in Nigeria, the country has continued to experience political and leadership instability which is even at its peak in recent times. The more hope is nursed for a better tomorrow, the more things keep deteriorating. This paper, through an exegetical lens as well as the consultation of some relevant research and written works attempts a wake-up call to all Nigerians and Africans at large both the leaders and the led to the religious/scriptural injunction in Mark 10:45 which deals with Christ’s submission on his vocation to serve and not to be served as a leader. It is of the candid opinion that if this scripture and its injunction could be taken to heart, meditated upon and rightly implemented, it would go a long way in rendering a very long lasting solution to our leadership quagmire where so many other remedies have proved abortive.