Is it because of multiple personality?
by MeKonnen H. Birru, PhD*
Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Colossians 3:9
Mr. Hailemarim Desalegn, 48, has been prime minister of Ethiopia not more than three months now but has already made several serious mistakes. I was among the first who wished him good luck within his first few office days but his unchristian and copycat drama make me question his integrity. I pray God will help him.
Mr. Hailemariam is a highly educated man. He has a graduate degree in sanitation engineering. He was President of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s Region (SNNPR) for five years; then served as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia for almost two years. More than that, many claim and witness, including Mr. Hailemariam, that the man is a devout Christian with uncorrupt and respectful solid Christian background. So, how such a strong, educated, dedicated, uncorrupt, and ethical personality becomes full of lies or mistakes?
Some say he is a strong Christian with weakness in telling the truth. Is there such personality? If so, can we categorize him as a person with multiple personality? One who accepts tricky political games, lies, purposeful mistakes, and partisans and another personality that regrets, confesses, cries, talks smooth, and believes?
Or, is he a strong Christian who is waiting his time to make a difference? A strong Christian that talks even with devil, as Jesus did, until the time comes (Matthew 4:1); or is he just an opportunist?
If not all what we think, then what? What is the reason behind such personality conflict? How come the same lips that claim to be a strong Christian praise both the creator and the created with the same standard unless one has multiple personality? Not only that, I believe so many of us heard how and what Mr. Hailemariam stated in his very first appearance in parliament as prime minster. I do not believe for a second he will not say in front of his church members what he said in parliament about the prisoners because his Bible on Matthew 25 :36 is read, “I was naked , and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.”……I don’t think the Bible states… I was in prison and you mocked at me…. Regardless of their case, they are prisoners and they deserve what Christ stated: Visitation. Have you visited them Mr. Hailemariam? (Please don’t trade your Bible!)
Multiple personality disorder is also known as the Dissociative identity disorder(DID). In this condition, there are more than two personalities that control a person’s behavior. These multiple personalities or identities are called the alter egos or alters. Each of the alters have their own pattern of interacting and perceiving the environment.
God help us.
MeKonnen H. Birru is Mental Health Professor at Fortis and Houston Community Colleges; author of the national best seller DEEP IN TRUE SELF