_*"In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."* (John 1:4-5)_
As the Guardian's reflection of April 18, 2025 reminds us, history's greatest tragedy lies not in the absence of light, but in humanity's repeated failure to recognize it when it shines. In our contemporary political wilderness—where truth is crucified daily at the altar of political expediency and the people's trust is bartered for thirty pieces of silver—Rt Hon Sir Jones Onyereri, PhD, KSP, FCIPAN emerges as Orlu Zone's living rebuttal to Caiaphian political darkness.
Just as Isaiah foretold— *"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned"* (Isaiah 9:2)—Dr. Jones Onyereri's leadership fulfills this ancient promise. Where Nigeria's political class has institutionalized the Sanhedrin's betrayal, sacrificing justice for preservation of power, he stands as that rarest of luminaries: a servant-leader who understands that true authority exists not to be served, but to illuminate.
His tenure as Chairman of the Banking and Currency Committee (2011–2019) transcended mere administration—it was a divine commissioning. Like Moses parting the Red Sea, he navigated Nigeria's financial complexities to create pathways of prosperity for his people. Yet, in keeping with Scripture's paradox, the brightest lights are often least comprehended by the political establishment—this rejected cornerstone has become Orlu's sure foundation.
The evidence of his transformative impact shines in threefold testimony. In legislative chambers, former Speaker Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara attested, *"Your wise counsel and critical interventions greatly supported the House Leadership."* Here stands a modern Joseph, interpreting economic visions for national nourishment. Across rural communities where infrastructure paralysis condemned villages to developmental darkness, his road projects and SME empowerment became living waters at Bethesda Pool, restoring mobility and dignity to forgotten populations. While political Judases converted public funds into private gain, his scholarship initiatives became beacons of hope, proving that true leadership measures its worth in transformed lives rather than stolen riches.
The Guardian's meditation on Christ's Passion finds sobering echoes in Nigerian politics. Senator Ike Ekweremadu's lament— *"the innocent are crucified so the guilty may prosper"*—captures our national tragedy. Yet in Dr. Jones, we discern resurrection hope. His collaborative spirit, praised by Deputy Speaker Lasun Yusuf, rebuilds the temple of national unity against the Sanhedrin of self-interest. Unlike modern betrayers, his philanthropy, documented by Hon. Barr. C.M.C Onuoha, proves integrity cannot be auctioned beyond thirty pieces of silver. As Rt. Hon. Senator Samuel Anyanwu proclaimed, *"The people have cause to rejoice"*—for in Dr Jones Onyereri's candidacy lies Orlu's messianic dawn.
The Guardian's haunting question— *"What are these times saying to us?"*—demands response. At this political Golgotha, will Orlu Zone repeat history's fatal error—exchanging its messiah for Barabbas-style opportunists? Or will we, like the Samaritan woman, declare: *"Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Is not this the Christ?"* (John 4:29).
As acknowledged in the Guardian's meditation, generations are judged by their recognition of the light sent to guide them. Rt Hon Sir Jones Onyereri, PhD will carry Orlu's Zone lantern into Nigeria's red chamber—not with Caesar's arrogance, but with Christ's humility, kneeling to wash the feet of his constituents. In him, John 1:5 becomes living testament: *Orlu's Zone light shall shine in Nigeria's political darkness.* This sacred moment demands wisdom—may we have grace to comprehend it.
*Acknowledgement: This reflection is drawn from Abdu Rafiu's April 18, 2025 Guardian Newspaper meditation "And the light shineth in darkness..."*
*-by Nwakamma Agochukwu-*
Ideato South