A Rogue Man of God is a Prototype Ozark: Unmasking the Unseen Villain in Nigeria’s Economic Woes

 

A Rogue Man of God is a Prototype Ozark: Unmasking the Unseen Villain in Nigeria’s Economic Woes

In the Netflix series Ozark, we find a character like Marty Byrde - a family man and a financial planner who is thrust into the world of money laundering for a Mexican drug cartel. Imagine an equivalent scenario in Nigeria but with a twist - instead of Marty Byrde, it is a supposed man of God, hidden behind the pulpit and revered scripture.

As the second decade of the 21st century wraps up, Nigeria faces a complex set of challenges, most notably a persistently high unemployment rate. Yet, beneath the surface of these economic woes, there exists an underbelly of activities orchestrated by an unlikely cohort - men of God turned rogue. Like a classic Ozark episode, money laundering activities hidden behind religious institutions become the unseen villain that fuels the country’s challenges.

The Book of Ephesians cautions in 5:11, "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them." So, how do rogue men of God contribute to the nation's problems, and why is it largely undetected by the Federal Government?

Correlating recent economic data with reports of money laundering in religious institutions unveils an unsettling trend. Over the past 20 years, Nigeria has seen a marked increase in the number of religious institutions. Coupled with this is an alarming rise in the corruption index, as stated by Transparency International. Evidence suggests that some of these institutions may have become conduits for illicit financial transactions, an under-the-radar Ozark operation.

Consider the biblical story of Jesus expelling the merchants and money changers from the temple in Matthew 21:12-13. In His words, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you make it a den of robbers." This is a fitting allegory to the current situation in Nigeria.

A rogue man of God might facilitate this cycle of corruption and economic deterioration by misusing the religious institution's influence and trust, rendering it a hub for money laundering and other illegal activities. They cunningly manipulate cash inflows and maintain an inexplicably lavish lifestyle, leaving a trace of financial irregularities that, unfortunately, go largely unnoticed by the authorities. This not only breeds a culture of corruption but also funnels funds away from the economy, exacerbating Nigeria's challenges like unemployment.

Proverbs 29:2 says, "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan." Unsurprisingly, the unemployment rate in Nigeria has been on the rise, with young people bearing the brunt of the situation. This is despite a steady increase in population, literacy rate, businesses, and internet penetration, as per data from Nigeria's National Bureau of Statistics.

Is it plausible to connect the illicit activities of rogue men of God to the escalating unemployment rate? This is a hypothesis that requires a keen eye, an open mind, and, of course, a spirit of discernment.

Take a look at some stats here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GqFid992pjWMDjKHtfKBZ6SpupvfpYsIbiNwi8XcU34/edit?usp=sharing 

The diverted funds meant for developmental projects end up supporting criminal activities, leading to an unfavorable business environment, which in turn deters potential investors and hampers job creation. More than ever, Proverbs 22:16 rings true, "Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty."

Yet, the government seems to struggle with detecting and tackling these concealed illicit activities. The challenge lies in the delicate balance between maintaining religious freedom and exercising financial oversight. But if left unchecked, these practices can erode the moral fabric of society and undermine economic growth.

James 3:1 warns, "Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." With this admonition, it becomes imperative that men of God, positioned as spiritual guides, uphold the highest standard of integrity.

So, how can we alter this narrative?

Firstly, transparency and accountability must be championed at all levels, including religious institutions. They should be obligated to disclose financial information to authorities. This can be a touchy subject, considering the sensitivity attached to religious matters. However, Proverbs 28:13 states, "Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy." Religious institutions, as moral compasses, must embody this principle of confession and renunciation, starting with their financial dealings.

Secondly, Nigeria's anti-money laundering laws must be fortified. This includes stringent penalties for money laundering, better enforcement of existing laws, and improved collaboration between law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and the government. Proverbs 11:14 says, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." It is critical that the different sectors come together, advise, and formulate effective strategies to curb money laundering.

Thirdly, the government must invest in raising public awareness about the dangers and indicators of money laundering. Hosea 4:6 laments, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." By enlightening the public, they become allies in the fight against corruption, capable of spotting and reporting suspicious activities.

In conclusion, as the narrative unfolds like an Ozark episode, it is vital to remember that not all men of God fall into this rogue category. There are still many who remain dedicated to their calling, serving as anchors of hope, especially amidst the turbulent waters Nigeria currently navigates.

Nevertheless, it is a wake-up call for increased vigilance and intervention to preserve the sanctity of religious institutions and improve Nigeria's economic prospects. After all, Matthew 7:15 warns us, "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."

Through all these, one thing remains clear - for Nigeria to overcome her current problems, every segment of the society, including religious institutions, must uphold integrity, promote transparency, and work collectively for the nation's prosperity. Just as in the biblical story of Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:17-18), every Nigerian has a role to play in the rebuilding of their nation.

Finally, to our men of God, it is imperative to remember that, as penned in 1 Peter 5:2-4, you are called to "shepherd the flock of God... not for shameful gain, but eagerly... And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory."

The future of Nigeria lies not only in the hands of its leaders but also in its people, including the revered men of God. May we all uphold the virtues of honesty, righteousness, and justice as we strive to build a better Nigeria for future generations.

Job 23:12 "Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food."

Thank you.

Aderogba Otunla.