Many things are happening in far away United States of America (USA), almost at the same time. Positively or negatively; good or bad; controversial or not; President Donald Trump is forging ahead.
At least, he is doing something. He is actually reshaping and re-directing his country, whichever way. His change mantra is real and not sentimental like ours.
In his first week, Trump signed 12 executive orders, touching on the lives of Americans. The effects of the orders are also rocking the world. His “do list” included, but not limited to Obamacare roll-back, Immigration, Mexico Wall Order, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), withdrawal from Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), crackdown on sanctuary cities and moving US Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.
What is interesting is that he took off with just two cabinet ministers: Defence and Homeland Security. Even more amazing is that, in all this, he has not made any new law. He simply made do with the existing framework.
Give it to him, Trump is not given to distractions. He cares less whose ox is gored or even wounded. His interest is America first, whatever anybody may say, the end justifies the means. He is making waves and rocking the American boat.
Arguably here in our own clime, Governor Ayodele Fayose is the wave. He is the defacto rave of the moment. The arrowhead of opposition and very daring. From his Ekiti State base, he rules the waves. His friends adore him, his foes fear him.
He would never pretend his intention. And this is working wonders for him. Whatever he chooses to do, he does it with all his might. And that is the source of his amazing strength. That is why he seems to fight dirty all the time. His friends and foes are legion, cutting across the divide. But more importantly, his followership defies every barrier. It has grown beyond barricade.
The main reason the governor could comfortably stand up for Apostle Johnson Suleiman of the Omega Fire Ministries Worldwide, and he did it stoutly without blinking an eye. That is the stuff he is made of. It was a sordid drama of sort, a tragic display of raw power by some overzealous security operatives. It was another way of drawing Fayose out to a rough fight. And he gave it to them adequately and appropriately.
Suleiman had preached in several places across the country without being molested. The game turned messy when he went to Ekiti. Security agents saw it different, perhaps, because it is Fayose’s state. So, they moved against him vehemently. Suleiman explained it this way:
“They said I preached in Auchi (Edo State) two weeks ago in which they said I instigated Christians against Muslims. I have always been an advocate of peace and I cannot say such. Later, I got anonymous calls from Fulani herdsmen about what I said. What I said was that, if gunmen come around my church to attack, you must defend yourselves. But if they come to pray, don’t attack.”
Suleiman made himself loud and clear: “Time for self-defence has come. Whether you are a Muslim or Christian, someone cannot come to your house and kill your children and you will keep quiet.” He insisted: “I said Christians must not go after them, but if they come after us, then you defend yourselves.”
After the Auchi sermon, Suleiman carried the gospel to other states, he was never harrassed. Security agents never went after him. He was left to enjoy his freedom until he stepped on Ekiti soil – a no-go-area.
Nobody understands the security operatives’ action; not even the apostle himself, it was diabolical and suspicious. Suleiman gave credence to this. His poser: “I was in Abuja for three days, why did they not come after me? But now that I am in Ekiti, they wanted to lump me up with a man they think is against them. It could have been easier to pick me up in Abuja.”
Suleiman is not done yet: “I can present the video of my preaching. A town in Auchi, Edo State, Muslims rushed into the church and chased away all members.”
But the power that be would not agree. They branded his sermon “caustic” and “inflammatory.” The Department of State Services (DSS) was sent after him in Ekiti State.
Fayose could read the ugly handwriting on the cracked wall. It was clearly a continuation of the onslaught to bring him down. He decoded the message correctly. They are hellbent to cow and cage him. They are desperate, restless and restive in their motive. That was what informed Fayose’s prompt action. He did not only frustrate the DSS operatives, he forced them to abandon their mission.
Suleiman’s adversaries failed to understand that he was born into a Muslim family. Not only that, he has brothers and sisters, who are practising Muslims. What’s more, he maintains excellent relationship with them. Could he then have wished his blood relations dead because of difference in faith? Big doubt!
Fayose should not go to sleep yet. He must not rest on his oars. The battle has just begun and is raging ferociously. The war is coming from all fronts. The task ahead is both Herculean and enormous. It is only fit for the fittest character like him. The fight is going to be fierce, where only the ruthless and dogged survive.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not unaware of the impending rough time.
The party is equally not losing sight of the rave in its fold. It does not fail to acknowledge the strong character called Fayose. It did not only recognise him, it crowned his efforts with the chairmanship of its governors’ forum.
Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State made the presentation in Abuja: “In line with the tradition of our party, we agreed to appoint our colleague, the most senior governor in the PDP, Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, as the new Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum. You are all aware that he is a committed party man, doing a wonderful job in his state. He is well experienced and committed to the ideals of our party.’’
Lesson: Many are in love with Fayose’s actions and inaction. But nobody wants to stick out his or her neck. Fayose is not given to eye service or deceit. He knows the risk is high, yet, it is a task that must be done.