Nigerian public affairs analyst Mahdi Shehu has lauded the courage of an unnamed pastor who reportedly turned down a ₦30 million donation allegedly offered by the Governor of Kebbi State.
In a strongly worded post shared via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, Shehu criticized the donation, describing it as a morally tainted gesture.
Shehu referred to the rejected sum as a "Greek gift" and likened it to blood money, drawing a parallel from the Bible. Citing Matthew 27:6, he wrote:
“And the chief priests took the pieces of silver, and said, It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is the price of blood.”
This verse, often associated with the betrayal of Jesus Christ for 30 pieces of silver, served as Shehu’s symbolic condemnation of the donation. He suggested the money was spiritually unclean and unfit for any righteous use.
A Scathing Critique of Political and Religious Hypocrisy
Without naming names, Shehu went further to mock individuals and religious leaders who, unlike the pastor in question, might eagerly accept such donations. He ridiculed those who justify political largesse under the guise of faith, accusing them of manipulating scripture and engaging in performative piety.
“The governor is free to offer it to distributors, wholesalers, retailers and ever-willing Muslim-Muslim ticket peddlers,” he wrote.
“They will collect and pray for him, holding their beards, shaking their heads, and clutching their turbans as a show of humility.”
Shehu’s use of sarcasm highlighted what he perceives as a growing culture of complicity and religious manipulation among those who benefit from political patronage. He accused such individuals of misrepresenting both Christian and Islamic doctrines to rationalize questionable financial gifts, particularly from government officials.
“Some will even twist Qur’anic verses to give legitimacy to the act,” he alleged.
“This entire episode is disgraceful.”
A Call for Moral Clarity
While Mahdi Shehu did not disclose the identity of the pastor or provide further context about the alleged offer, his post has sparked reactions on social media, with many Nigerians debating the morality of financial gifts from politicians to religious institutions or leaders.
Concluding his remarks with a harsh rebuke, Shehu stated:
“Shame on the Kebbi.”
His condemnation is seen by many as a broader critique of corruption, hypocrisy, and the misuse of religion in Nigerian politics an issue that continues to draw public outrage and calls for reform.
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