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18.08.2014 Editorial

Berating The Anointed

By Daily Guide
Berating The Anointed
18.08.2014 LISTEN

Those who lift their heads above the parapets by being too brusque in their analysis of the state of the country are fair game for the party hounds to attack, irrespective of their societal statuses.

Pastor Mensa Otabil did not expect the party hounds not to bark or even bite him when he joined other voices across the country to call the attention of the President to the sinking ship of state, as it were.

He understands the people he sought to counsel about the need to adopt good practices, and the fact that the path they were constructing was getting crooked and needed straightening. Above all, he knows from the scriptures how those before him endured the anger of dictators and those averse to criticisms. Containing such reactions is the mark of good clergymen and indeed leaders.

Pastor Otabil's admonition was expectedly taken out of context. In a reaction characteristic of a frustrated government suffering unusual backlash from their intransigence, the hounds have gone overdrive with vitriolic remarks; some outlandish and too pedantic to be of value.

Does it not sound puerile to claim that Pastor Otabil is being critical of government because he was denied a diplomatic passport when he applied for one? He has since denied ever requesting for the travel document anyway. Between his position and the government's, we know which to believe.

It is a de ja vu performance from government: he has been on a similar path before, suffering the same reactions.

A Methodist clergyman from Obuasi who called the attention of government to the socio-economic challenges in the country also endured negative remarks.

Perhaps those on the insulting mission do not appreciate the extent of the crisis or challenges – whichever description they choose to go by – and would rather the clergymen shut up.

It would appear that the government prefers to be left alone, even as it steers too close to the rocks and imperilling the lives of citizens.

Pastor Otabil was only performing his role as a respected clergyman – one of those who would decline a freebie and rather speak out against political iniquities in society. Preaching the contents of the Holy Scriptures and ignoring the bad deeds of those elected to rule is inappropriate practice and therefore not commensurate with the high office of genuine Men of God.

Let them stand up to be counted clergymen who would criticise government when this is necessary for enhancing economic and political discipline, even if they are called slanderous names by government hounds.

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