The 25th Year of Democracy in Nigeria (May 29, 2023 – May 28, 2024)

There are three important dates from which Nigeria’s political seasons can be reckoned

1. 1. January 1 (1914) when the Amalgamation of Nigeria took place..

2. October 1, (1960) – when Nigeria gained independence..

3. May 29 (1999) – the beginning of the fourth republic; when Democracy was restored in Nigeria Nigeria. . ..

At the time of this post (2023), Nigeria’s Amalgamation is in its 110th year; Nigeria is in the 63rd year of her independence and her fourth republic democracy in ihe 25th year. It is significance of the 25th year of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic that this post focuses on. On May 29, 2023, the first day of the 25th year of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, Bola Ahmed Tinubu was inaugurated President of Nigeria following a fiercely contested controversial Presidential election.

SIX BIBLICAL PATTERNS FOR THE 25TH YEAR

There are 6 Biblical patterns for understanding the mystery of this 25th year. They are

1. 1. The narrative of the fourth day of creation (Genesis 1:14-19)
2. 2. The 25th book of the Bible (Lamentations)
3. 3. The 25th chapters of the Bible.
4. 4. The narrative of Numbers 17-21
5. 5. The last 9 books of the Old Testament
6. 6. The mention of the 25th year in the Bible.
8. 1. The 25th year on Nigeria’s Fourth Republic is a fourth day of creation year. This year is a core fourth-season year. It is the fourth year within the fourth seven years (22-28). So, the fourth day of creation (Genesis 1: 14-19) is key to understanding this season of Nigeria. On the fourth day of creation, God made the luminaries and gave them power and authority to rule over the creation of the first day (day and night) and to divide the light from the darkness. God also gave the luminaries the task of regulating and signaling seasons – days, months, and years. The luminaries were made for light, government, separation and to give regulatory signs. In a fourth season like this 25th year, it is important for Nigerians to come under the guiding lights of heaven to avoid decisions that could give ascendancy to Darkness. The luminaries God made on the fourth day of creation are guiding-lights. Nigeria needs the guiding lights of God (the word of God, revelation from the Holy Spirit and wise counsel) to keep her from stumbling in this season. The leadership of Nigeria must not isolate herrself from channels of truth or from people who have experience and wise counsel.

The FIRST returns in the FOURTH. God made light to work against darkness on the first and fourth days of creation. As we all needed to be guided in the first seven years of life, we also need to be guided in the fourth seven years – where the 25th belongs. In the first seven years of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic (1999 – 2006), there were attempts to extend the boundaries of the Sharia Law in Nigeria. Within the fourth seven years (2020 – 2026) this effort will seek revival and reinforcement. The first returns in the fourth. Revelation is stronger than reason. A Yoruba man (Obasanjo) was President in the first 7 years of the Fourth Reoublic. Another Yoruba man (Tibubu) is inaugurated within the fourth 7 years of the Fourth Republic. This is not about whipping up ethnic or tribal sentiments but about highlighting Biblical truth. PM (Alhaji) Tafawa Balewa was Nigeria’s First National Leader. He was assassinated. Murtala Mohammed was Nigeria’s Fourth National Leader. He was also assassinated. The first returns in the fourth. Within the first seven years of Nigeria’s independence, a military coup ended the first republic. Within the fourth 7 years of Nigeria’s independence, a military coup ended the Second Republic. The 25th year of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic will be like a return of 2002-2003 in Nigeria. May 29, 2002 – May 29 , 2003 was the 4th year of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. It was the end of one term and the beginning of another term. May 29, 2023 – May 29, 2024 is the 4th year within the 4th seven years of Nigeria’s 4th Republic. The first 4th year will return in the fourth 4th year.

2. 2. The 25th year of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic is a Numbers 17-21 year. The fourth book of the Bible is the guiding light for the fourth seven years of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic (May 2020 – May 2026) and the 25th year (May 2023 – May 2024) is the fourth year in this season. It is the fourth of the fourth. So, the fourth prophetic division of the fourth book of the Bible (Numbers 17-21) is applicable to this season. How did we arrive at Numbers 17-21?

If you divide the 36-chapter book of Numbers into seven parts (for the 4th seven years of the Fourth Republic), you would have five chapters and a remainder of one. Put the remainder in the first division to make it six chapters. You’ll see that Numbers 17-21 is the fourth part. In Numbers 17, Aaron’s dry rod, out of 12 rods belonging to Israel’s tribal heads, budded and brought forth ripe almond fruit overnight. This ended the contention against Aaron’s Levitical Priesthood. The contention between Aaron and other tribal leaders was resolved in Numbers 17. A major leadership contention will be resolved this 25th year of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. This is a year to settle some tough leadership questions and arguments in the country. The ‘Aaron’ of Nigeria will be vindicated by incontestable proofs. Numbers 18 is about the duties and privileges of the priests; including tithes for Levites and tithes from Levites. Numbers 19 is about laws of purification. This 25th year of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic is a year of the Rule of Law. In Numbers 20, Moses committed his fatal error of striking the rock twice, to bring water for Israel, instead of speaking to the rock. This is a year of a major disqualification in Nigeria. Moses did a good thing by giving Israel the water they wanted but not the way God wanted. He quenched Israel’s thirst but God was displeased with him. In this of Nigeria, process will be exalted above end results. Edom also refused Israel passage through her territory. It was another grave error in this passage. May the Lord keep our leadership from making costly mistakes in this year. Numbers 20 opened with the death of Miriam and ends with the death of Aaron. God said Aaron would not enter the Promised Land because of the rebellion at Meribah. Israel mourned him thirty days. This is a year of great falls. The mighty are being taken out. In the 21st chapter, Israel faced the fiery serpents because of murmuring. They also had major victories against three strong kings. This year is not going to be an easy year for Nigerians but God want Nigerians to trust him instead reacting and panicking. This will be a year of great triumphs. The Og and Sihon of Nigeria will go down this year.

3. 3. The 25th year of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic is a book of Lamentations year. Lamentations is the 25th book of the Bible. Jeremiah wrote the five-chapter book following the destruction of Jerusalem and the final captivity. The prophetic message of the book of Lamentations is that if we reject truth in the 25th year or season, the end would be lamentations. The 25th President of the United States was William McKinley. He was assassinated. Franklin D. Roosevelt was US President in the 25th seven years of the United States. He also died in office in 1945 – the first year of his 4th term as President; the beginning of the 4th seven years in America’s fourth 49 years. He died in the year the Second World War ended – following the US bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. God’s will for the 25th year of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic is laughter – not lamentation. It is lack of discernment that makes it a season of lamentation.

The Book of Lamentation is a great guiding light for the 25th year of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. It is a very unique book in the Bible. The first and last two chapters (1, 2, 4 and 5) have 22 verses each. The 3rd and middle chapter has 66 verses. There are seven 22 verses The Hebrew alphabet has 22 letters. So, the number 22 represents comprehensiveness. God has comprehensive light for Nigeria to follow in this season. Rejection of light in this season will open the door to lamentations in the country. As you read this 25th book of the Bible, determine and pray that the story of the 25th year of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic will not be a story of lamentations. This is a season to carefully discern the will of God and focus on it without distractions.

You may want to read the book of Lamentations in seven days as follows:

Day 1: Lamentations 1: 1-22
Day 2: Lamentations 2: 1-22
Day 3: Lamentations 3: 1-22
Day 4: Lamentations 3: 23-44
Day 5: Lamentations 3: 45-66
Day 6: Lamentations 4: 1-22
Day 7: Lamentations 5: 1-22

4. 4. The 25th year of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic is a 25th chapters of the Bible season. The 25th chapters of the Bible reveal that the 25th season is a time to walk cautiously to avoid turning it into a season of tears and regrets. Just as the 25th book of the Bible is called Lamentations, there are also stories of regrets and tears in the 25th chapters of the Bible. Genesis 25 records the death of Abraham and Ishmael; and Esau’s sale of his birthright to Jacob. In Numbers 25, Israel fell into Balaam’s trap and committed idolatry and immorality with Moabites. 24, 000 Israelites died of plague on that day. In First Samuel 25, Nabal died of drunkenness and heart attack. The death of Samuel the prophet is also recorded in this chapter. The fall and captivity of Judah is recorded in Second Kings 25. The assassination of Gedaliah, whom the Babylonian King made governor of Judah, and the people with him, is recorded in this chapter also. In Second Chronicles 25, Amaziah became king and executed his servants who had murdered his father, Joash, the king. Amaziah later became idolatrous and obstinate after defeating Edom. Israel defeated him in battle. The death of Amaziah is recorded in this passage. In Matthew 25, Jesus gave the Parable of the ten virgins and of the talents. He also spoke of the judgment of the sheep and goat nations. In this chapter, Jesus said there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth. In Acts 25, Paul escaped death at the hands of the Jews because he wisely appealed to Caesar for judgment. He refused to go to Jerusalem for judgment. You can escape the pit of the season by following the God-given luminaries for the season – the Word, the Spirit and Wise counselors..

4. 5. The 25th year of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic is Obadiah – Malachi season in the fourth seven years of the Fourth Republic. Going through any seven-year season (like the fourth seven years) is like taking a prophetic journey through the Bible. The fourth 7 years of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic has an Old Testament side and a New Testament side. The first four years of the season (May 2020 – May 2024) belong to the Old Testament side and express the 39 books of the Old Testament. The remaining three years of the season (May 2024 – May 2027) constitute the New Testament side and express the 27 books of the New Testament. So, the 25th year of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic is the year closing the Old Testament side of the 4th seven years of the 4th Republic. May 2023 – May 2024 is a bridge-year and a promotion examination year in the fourth seven years of the 4th republic. Pray that the government of Nigeria will pass the tests of this season. This 25th year expresses the last nine books of the Old Testament. It is the bridge-year leading to the New Testament side of the fourth 7 years. The books of ‘the minor prophets’ are part of the last 9 books of the O.T. They are about judgment and promises of restoration. This 25th year of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic is a season of the dominion of guiding lights. Pray that the God-given luminaries will dominate this season of Nigeria. Pray that our nation will not neglect the shining lights.
6. 6. The 25th year of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic is an Ezekiel 40 year. In Ezekiel 40, in a 25th year, God began to give the prophet the vision of New Jerusalem. This is a year to envision the New Nigeria where no one is oppressed. This 25th year is a window or gate of time from which Nigerians can view the future – by the help of God. This is a year to look up and forward – not a year to look back.

THOUGHTS AND PRAYER POINTS FOR THE WEEK

In summary, here are 6 things to note about the 25th year of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic::

1. IT IS A TIME TO END TROUBLES

The 25th season is a time to end troubles. Isaiah 25 captures this theme very well. The 12-verse chapter highlights the end of troubles:

a) the fortified evil city (Isaiah 25:1-5).

b) the surface of the covering cast over all people and the veil that is spread over all nations (Isaiah 25:6-7).

c) death, tears and the rebuke of God’s people (Isaiah 25:8-9).

d) Moab (Isaiah 25:10-12)

Rebekah’s barrenness ended in Genesis 25. The Second World War ended at the beginning of the 25th seven years of the United States (in 1945). That is the reason the psalmist prays to be delivered and helped in Psalm 25. Psalm 25:17 says, “The troubles of my heart have enlarged; Bring me out of my distresses!” Troubles increase when they’re about to end.

That the 25th season is a time to end troubles is key to understanding all the other things that are associated with the 25th season.

In a season when troubles end, hunger pressurized Esau to sell his birthright for food (Genesis 25). Many Nigerian Esaus will sell their future because of present gratifications.

In a season when troubles end, Israel succumbed to temptations at Baal-peor (Numbers 25). God deliver Nigeria from running into a curse God wants to save her from.

In a season when troubles end, David was tempted to take vengeance against Nabal (Samuel 25) before Abigail intervened.

PRAYER: Proclaim that this 25th year of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic is a year of ending troubles in the Nigeria. Pray against distractions and for victory in temptations. Pray that Nigeria will be saved from harming herself.

2. 2. IT IS A SEASON TO TEST GENEROSITY AND COMPASSION

The 25th year if Nigeria’s Fourth Republic is a time of great needs that tests generosity and compassion in the hearts of people. God demanded offering from Israelites in Exodus 25. Understand that they had just come out of bondage and didn’t have much to spare. God was just testing their generosity. Jacob was not generous to his brother, Esau, in Genesis 25. Why ask for birthright in exchange for food? Nabal was not generous to David and his men in First Samuel 25. Isaiah 25 shows the generosity of God in throwing a feast of choice pieces. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25) the man who received one talent did not have a generous heart. In the parable of the sheep and goat nations, it took generosity to feed the hungry and visit the sick and prisoners. In the 25th season, it is important to show respect to all men – especially the weak and vulnerable. Heaven will be Nigerian government and citizens for generosity in this year.

PRAYER: Pray that God’s people in Nigeria will not miss opportunities to be generous in this 25th year of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic..

3. 3. IT IS A TIME TO SEEK MERCY:

This is a season when Perfection reacts against iniquity. This is the season when inadequacy stands before Completeness and Comprehensiveness for judgment. Mercy is very precious in this season because it is a season of judgment. This season has zero tolerance for rebellion. It does not spare the rebellious. Moses committed his fatal error in the fourth division chapters of the book of Numbers (Numbers 20).. God commanded him to give the people water by speaking to the rock. Moses struck the rock with his rod instead. God was displeased and said he would not enter the Promised Land. In Numbers 21, many Israelites died in the plague of the fiery serpents for rebellion against God. Three kings of the Amorites also fell in this section of the fourth book of the Bible – for resisting the purpose of God. In Numbers 25, twenty-four thousand Israelites perished at Baal-peor because of sin. The 25th book of the Bible is about the judgment that befell Judah and Jerusalem because of rebellion against God. Mercy is a great need in the 25th season. In Psalm 25, the Psalmist prays for mercy. The 25th book of the Bible is a song of God’s mercy. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. [23] They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness” .

PRAYER: Pray for the repentance and salvation of Nigerians living in rebellion against God. Pray for a spiritual awakening in the church in Nigeria. Pray that Nigeria will align with Heaven in this season. Pray that God’s mercy will destabilize the wicked and save the godly and needy in Nigeria.

4. 4. IT IS A TIME TO BE WISE AND DISCERNING:

This season does not smile at, or sympathize with, foolishness. In Genesis 25, Esau gave his birthright to Jacob in exchange for a bowl of food. That was a costly price for any kind of food. May the Lord keep from throwing the future away because of present pressures or pleasures. First Samuel 25 reveals the wisdom of Abigail in her time]y intervention to stop bloodshed and save her foolish husband. Matthew 25 tells the story of the ten virgin; five of whom were foolish. The other two parables in Matthew 25 also show how people miss great opportunities through lack of wisdom and discernment. Paul’s discerning appeal to Caesar in Acts 25 saved his life. Wisdom is a lifeline in the 25th season.

PRAYER: Pray that the Lord will shield the hearts of Nigerians from foolishness in every form. Pray that Nigeria walk in Proverbs 25 wisdom in this 25th year. Pray that Nigerian government be delivered from making wrong decisions that would bring tears, sorrow, or unnecessary pains to Nigerians. Pray for all who occupy strategic positions of leadership to be kept from erroneous and costly decisions or policies.

5. 5. IT IS A TIME TO WATCH AGAINST THE SPIRIT OF DEATH: 

The 25th book and chapters of the Bible indicate that there is a spirit that seeks to push people into weeping and mourning in the 25th season. That evil spirit accomplishes this by causing destructions, losses, and death. The 25th book of the Bible is called Lamentations. This 25th year of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, we should watch against choices, decisions, and steps that could lead to lamentations. The US bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki happened within the 25th seven years of the US. That was the first use of atomic bomb in world history. It brought lamentations to Japan. In the 25th week of 2022, a 5.9 magnitude earthquake hit Afghanistan killing over 1000 people and injured over 1500. It was a week of lamentation for Afghans. In the 25th week of 2023, five people perished in the Titan Sub adventure to the resting place of the Titanic wreckage. The will of God is that 25th season should be a season feasting and wiping tears away. Isaiah 25:6-9 says, “And in this mountain The LORD of hosts will make for all people A feast of choice pieces, A feast of wines on the lees, Of fat things full of marrow, Of well-refined wines on the lees. [7] And He will destroy on this mountain The surface of the covering cast over all people, And the veil that is spread over all nations. [8] He will swallow up death forever, And the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces; The rebuke of His people He will take away from all the earth; For the LORD has spoken. [9] And it will be said in that day: “Behold, this is our God; We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the LORD; We have waited for Him; We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.” The government and people of Nigeria must watch against disasters this year.

PRAYER: Pray that this 25th year will be a season of joy; not lamentations, in Nigeria. Pray against sudden disasters, surprise attacks, mass death, and wasteful destruction. Pray that murders who seek to kill and destroy, in this year, will run out of mercy and be frustrated. Pray Psalm 25:2-3 – “O my God, I trust in You; Let me not be ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me. Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed; Let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause”.

6. 6. IT IS A TIME TO MARK THE END OF AN ERA:

The 25th year of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic is the end of an era in Nigeria. The arrival of a 25th season is the arrival of the end of a phase of life. Abraham and Ishmael died in Genesis 25 – in the same chapter where Isaac and Rebecca had their sons. That marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new season. Miriam and Aaron died in the fourth division chapters of the fourth book of the Bible (Numbers 20). Eleazar became the new high priest. Samuel died in First Samuel 25. The death of Samuel ended an era in Israel. Gedaliah, Governor of Judah was murdered in Second Kings 25 – the last chapter of the book. The 25th book of the Bible, Lamentations, is about the end of the era of the first temple in Jerusalem. Proverbs 25 is the beginning of the end of Solomon’s Proverbs in the book. Matthew 25 is the last teaching of Jesus before His arrest and crucifixion. In the 25th week of 1865, on June 19, the Juneteenth proclamation was made in Texas, to establish the freedom of blacks and mark the end of slavery. That was the end of an era. William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States was assassinated in 1901. He was the last of US Presidents that served in the American Civil War. That was the end of an era. Sun Yat-sen, the Provisional President of the Republic of China died in 1925 (March 12) at the age of 58. It was the end of an era in China. Benito Mussolini became dictator in Italy in January 1925. Adolf Hitler became leader of the Nazi Party in February 1925. In 1945, at the beginning of the 25th seven years of the United States, both Mussolini and Hitler died to end end the era they initiated in their countries. Hitler died in the 25th year of his delivery of the Nazi Party Platform in 1920. In the same 1945, the longest serving US President, Franklin D. Roosevelt died on April 12; at the beginning of his 4th term. He was the first and last US president to serve more than two consecutive terms. His death ended an era. It was in the 25th seven years of the US that the Second World War ended. That was also the first time the atomic bomb was used in a war. That was the end of an era. In 1985, the 25th year of Nigeria, War Against Indiscipline in Nigeria ended win the overthrow of the Buhari – Idiagbon government. That was the end of an era. In the 25th week of 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe Vs Wade by a 6-3 vote. That was the end of an era. This 25th year of the Fourth Republic, will mark the opening of a new page in Nigeria.

PRAYER: Prophesy and declare that this 25th year of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic is the end of an era and the beginning of a new season in Nigeria

Happy 25th year of Democracy in Nigeria!

God be merciful to Nigeria and bless her people with peace and freedom