I was thinking this morning.... Days ago, I had to fly from Abuja to back home. On boarding, I took my seat along with two of my colleagues in the front row of the aircraft. I sat beside a middle-aged man and said a casual hello.
As others boarded, I noticed a number of persons greeting the passenger beside me and someone sitting in the next row.
“Good afternoon, Your Excellency.”
I didn’t pay much attention until another man greeted him, “Good afternoon, Mr Speaker.”
It was then I turned and properly looked at those around me.
To my left was the Speaker of the House of Assembly. In the next row to my right was the Deputy Governor, and directly behind me were two Commissioners. Almost all the seats in business class were occupied by members of the State Executive Council. These were people you see on TV daily.
Immediately, I became a bit uncomfortable as I recalled the words of 1 Samuel 10:11: “What is this that has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”
I imagined a friend walking into the aircraft and seeing me in my black felt fedora hat sitting beside the Speaker and Deputy Governor. They would have said: “What is this that has happened to Wey, the son of Mey? Is Wey Mey also among the politicians?”
Then something struck me. These men, despite the titles, convoy, security details and public status, were just human beings trying to get from one place to another. They boarded the aircraft the same way I did. They fastened their seat belts the same way I did. And when turbulence came, all of us held that armrest with equal faith.
Life has a funny way of reminding us that titles may separate us on paper, but humanity equalises us in reality. It also reminded me of how quickly environment can influence perception. Just by changing where you sit, people may suddenly assume you have changed camp, status, or affiliation. Association can create assumptions.
At the end of the day, power is temporary, influence is seasonal, and office is transient. Today’s “Your Excellency” can become tomorrow’s “former this” and “former that.” Respect people, honour positions, but keep life in perspective. Luke 14:11 says “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Stay hopeful. God's got our back.
Happy Sunday!
......Just the thoughts of a certain Wey Mey