The Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi through a photo speak, which he syndicated to WhatAapp fora, posited that “Your follower is not always your fan”. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi may have been intrigued by the photo speak because it reflected his own experience with followers who turned lethal enemies.
This may be a challenge to author a book on the subject matter. Truly, there is a clear cut delineation between a follower and a fan. Whereas a follower is self-seeking, a fan is altruistic and fanatical, he sees no error in his master but a follower looks for what to gain from the master.
Now, let us take a voyage to some of the locus classicus of: Your follower is not always your fan.
1. Jesus Christ and Judas Iscariot
Judas who betrayed Jesus was one of His twelve followers. David first foretold of Jesus betrayal by a trusted follower:
“Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me” – Psalm 41:9.
Jesus Himself repeated it:
“While they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.” -Matthew 26:21.
And Judas Iscariot agreed to betray Him:
“Then one of the Twelve — the one called Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over Matthew 26:14-16.
And Judas Iscariot did betray Jesus:
“Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him” Matthew 26:48-50.
2. Julius Caesar and Brutus
Brutus was a follower of Julius Caesar who hurled the fatal stab. Mark Anthony had contended that not the stabs that eliminated Julius Caesar but the realization of the fact that it came from a hitherto trusted fellow, hence, his lament: “Et tu, Brute?”(even you,Brutus?).
3. King Duncan and Macbeth
Macbeth was a trusted follower of King Duncan, still he gave the King the unkindest of all cuts that sent him to his permanent abode of six feet below the earth surface.
4. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Nyesom Wike
This is very much fresh in our memory, still subsisting. Were eyes to be gun,Nyesom Wike and his co-conspirators would have eliminated Amaechi.All of them, were Amaech’s hitherto beneficial followers!
But the question is: Is Amaechi learning his lessons? The answer is in the negative! Ameachi has more of followers who are self-seeking than fans. For that, he will continue to be betrayed.Think! I am just thinking!!