This is a continuation of our previous edition. It is still about us wondering and thinking aloud. We are well-aware that it is a thought on the kind of wish that was usually expressed to some kings of the past in human history. But I must tell us very frankly that, even if theirs was an overt kind of expression, such a wish is still being expressed today in a rather covert manner (and in some instances as obviously as possible). And one might wonder what it portends for leaderships and humanity at large.
First, if a king has to live forever, it means that they might live to contend with God about who owns and rules the universe – in some sense. That could be almost like a rivalry against God. Can we look at how humans behave or live in light of them being fully aware that they must die sometime someday? What then is it going to be like if it were otherwise? The king is just a man, not God. Remember one of the questions raised in the last edition: Is the king not a human being?
I had earlier (in the previous edition) said something about man being self-deceiving and self-deceived. Followers know that their leaders can never be on the throne forever. In like manner, such leaders themselves do know that they cannot be on the throne forever. But both leaders and followers live in the contrary regarding their understanding of this fact and the realities of life. As a matter of fact, the wish only helps to boost human ego about that sense of ‘earthly-forever-ness’ which can never be, no matter how desperately man tries or dares to equip himself with technology and power.
To put it differently, it is another demonstration of our human sycophancy on both sides, because neither the leader nor the led can justifiably conceive it to be a workable wish or ‘prayer’ – except for the ‘make-believe-thinking’ that pervades human thinking, actions, reactions and inactions. It is simply a kind of wish that never wishes itself into reality. A wishy-washy wish. Not good for mortals at all, if you ask me. Then and now – there is no difference.
We recall that in monarchical periods and kind of leadership, in the past as well as present where it does exist, the king remains the leader or ruler as long as he lives. So, when a king is wished by the subjects to live forever, it simply means that, no matter what, no other king should rival him. And there is no such human element in history as far as I can recall.
This being the case, it is a simple reminder to all – the leaders and the led – that power can only be for a temporary moment. That temporary moment might actually run into many years for some kings while for some others it could just be in a mere jiffy – and that’s all. However it happens, no human element retains or exercises power forever.
Then, human beings should be very careful in their exercise of power when given the mantle of ‘leadership’, because they are accountable to God and humanity. If for nothing’s sake, death will surely steal the so-called ‘absolute’ power as they think (perceived or misperceived) it, whenever they possess the ‘stool’ or ‘stage’. When they get into leadership positions, they should see beyond the present euphoria and benefits in order not to run into the predicament of being enslaved by the thought of I’m-always-in-charge-and-will-forever-be.
This supposedly fantastic yet very misleadingly mischievous thinking (I’m-always-in-charge-and-will-forever-be) of theirs is usually a bitter-sweet pill and temptation that leads to a sense of godless madness in the acquisition and wielding of power, whether it is in a position that is ‘highly’ exalted or the one that is ‘lowly’ exalted. We know that whether it is in a ‘big’ or ‘small’ position the demon or monster of pride causes people to become mad with arrogance thereby thinking and living as if they are the Supreme God, Whose Throne and Supremacy cannot be questioned or contested. Power, position and authority are all trusts and ‘public possessions’ (in this context) that should not thrust leaders and followers into the madness of folly and singing of mixed songs of absolutism and sycophancy with exuberant spirits.
Eze Echie, a Scholar, Prolific Author, Poet, Editor, Music Minister, Critic & Columnist, writes from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
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