By Hon. Dr. Tunde Tella
There are many instances where a leader picks someone from the dust, grooms and mentors him, opens doors, and sacrifices for his growth. That same person, when elevated, forgets how he got there, joins opposition forces, and becomes a tool in the hands of those who seek to destroy his benefactor. This is not only political betrayal; it is spiritual bankruptcy. It is the height of ingratitude.
The Bible is not silent on this. Proverbs 17:13 warns, “If anyone returns evil for good, evil will never leave his house.” That is a fearful declaration. It means ingratitude attracts misfortune. Likewise, Luke 16:10 says, “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much…” Many people despise little gifts or support they receive. A politician gives a constituent money or assistance, and instead of appreciation, the person hisses or murmurs because it wasn’t ‘enough’. This is a heart disease — a condition of pride, entitlement, and spiritual blindness.
The Bible also likens the ungrateful to thieves. Proverbs 15:27 says, “He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble to his household…” When someone receives good and does not acknowledge it, he steals honour and peace from the giver — and trouble follows.
We must never forget that gratitude is a seed. When you appreciate little, you attract more. But when you mock, murmur, or repay good with evil, you block the flow of favour — not just from men, but also from God.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a living example of someone who, despite facing intense opposition, has risen through the ranks by doing good, building men, and empowering countless people across Nigeria. Many of those in positions of authority today owe their political journeys to his vision, his sacrifices, and his structure. Yet, rather than showing gratitude and supporting his leadership, some of them are now among his loudest critics and enemies.
But God is not unjust. He is a rewarder of men. Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” President Tinubu’s journey is proof that good deeds will eventually speak, even if people try to silence them. He continues to stand strong, and his legacy continues to grow because he sowed seeds of impact that cannot be erased.
At this critical time in our nation’s history, all well-meaning Nigerians — especially from the South — must rally around him. Let us support the vision for a better Nigeria. Let us abandon the path of destructive politics, bitterness, and betrayal. Development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of ingratitude and backstabbing.
It is time to build, not break. It is time to support, not sabotage. And it is time to remember that every act of gratitude lifts us higher, while ingratitude drags us into darkness.
Let us be people of honour. Let us be people of loyalty. And above all, let us be people of gratitude.
