STOCKHOLM SYNDROME AND HOW SOME AFRICANS HAVE ADAPTED TO BAD GOVERNANCE

 The yoke of hopelessness is broken because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: STOCKHOLM SYNDROME AND HOW SOME AFRICANS HAVE ADAPTED TO BAD GOVERNANCE

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

Galatians 5:1

  'Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."

   Stockholm Syndrome is a psychological term used to describe a situation where captives or victims develop sympathy, loyalty, or emotional attachment toward those who oppress or control them. While the term originated from a hostage situation, some political commentators use it metaphorically to describe how citizens can become accustomed to poor leadership and even defend those responsible for their suffering.

    Applied to governance in parts of Africa especially Nigeria , the comparison suggests that many citizens have lived under corruption, electoral malpractice, poverty, insecurity, and failed public services for so long that these conditions begin to seem normal. Instead of demanding accountability, some people defend political leaders based on ethnic, regional, religious, or party loyalties.

    Several factors contribute to this adaptation:

NORMALIZATION OF DYSFUNCTION – When generations grow up- experiencing the same problems, they may come to believe that change is impossible.

DEPENDENCY ON POLITICAL PATRONAGE – Some citizens rely on politicians for jobs, contracts, or financial assistance, creating loyalty despite poor governance.

FEAR AND SURVIVAL – In some societies, speaking against powerful interests can bring social, economic, or political consequences.

ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS IDENTIFICATION – People may support leaders from their own group even when those leaders perform poorly.

LOSS OF HOPE – Repeated disappointments can produce political apathy and low expectations.

    From a Christian perspective, God never intended people to accept injustice as normal. The Bible repeatedly calls rulers to accountability and citizens to pursue righteousness.

"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn." (Proverbs 29:2, KJV)

"Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction." (Proverbs 31:8)

"Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow." (Isaiah 1:17)

    Christians should avoid both blind loyalty and cynical despair. Instead, they should pray for leaders, participate responsibly in civic affairs, demand justice peacefully, and support honest leadership. Adaptation to bad governance may explain why societies tolerate corruption, but it should never become an excuse for accepting it.     Biblical faith calls believers to be agents of truth, justice, and reform in their communities.

  In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and deliverance from bad governance. 

PRAYER : Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as Lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to break generational chains of poverty and stagnation.

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