Democracy cannot function effectively in a largely uneducated society. Recognizing the role of education in ensuring the success of democracy, the dominant class that controls the means of social production will consciously and deliberately ensure the reproduction of illiteracy and ignorance among the youth. When the youth are ignorant of their worth and potential, it is not surprising that they end up praising those who impoverish them.
Some may argue that there are many educated youths in Nigeria. However, this argument stems from the erroneous perception that attending a tertiary institution equates to being educated.
The reality is that the majority, indeed, the overwhelming majority of those who have attended higher institutions are still ignorant and illiterate. They remain trapped in a metaphorical cave, with no prospect of breaking free into reality.
Imagine a scenario where youths sell their votes fora largerr sum, enough only to buy a plate of poor-quality porridge and some intoxicating substances to keep them high.
The economic, political, and religious elites are united in their persistent subjugation and seemingly irredeemable enslavement of Nigerian youth. One can only wonder about the future of the average Nigerian youth when they celebrate their ignorance and illiteracy, which facilitate their subjugation and perpetual deprivation by the dominant class.
It is disheartening to realize that those we revere for crumbs have their children studying overseas, away from the dysfunctional society we endure. They are grooming their children to continue their dominance.
The failure to recognize that we are being enslaved by the dominant class that owns and controls the means of social production is a clear reflection of a lack of education.
The worst scenario is having those who are informed and educated fall among those who praise political, economic, and religious leaders in exchange for personal gain. These individuals are silenced by selfishness, making one question whether they truly understand the state of society. Remember, not all who are literate and informed are genuinely educated.
What is knowledge without its application?
In conclusion, the sooner we engage with the youth and sensitize them to reject the practice of mortgaging their future through praise-singing and vote-selling, the sooner we will see progress. However, this sensitization cannot occur without a conscious and deliberate mobilization of the educated in society to engage in awareness creation through social crusades aimed at the emancipation of the oppressed.
Tuesday, 10 April 2018
Sunday, 4 February 2018
What Has Changed In Nigeria?
I watched a video of Rev. Dr Emmanuel Chukwuma admonishing our corrupt and heartless politicians while speaking at an Interdenominational Commendation Service for Vice President Alex Ekwueme. I was impressed and elated to hear a "man of God" in present-day Nigeria speak with such anger and hatred for corruption and speak truth to power.
Though I appreciate what he said, I believe he could have done better by extending his admonishment to the so-called men of God who are involved in unhealthy alliances with political leaders, exploiting and subjugating the people to perpetuate their own positions in office.
Our religious leaders are largely responsible for the delay in the long-awaited revolution in Nigeria. When they preach unholy sermons in churches, mosques, and possibly shrines, telling people to be patient with their leaders amidst untold hardship, despite the fact that this hardship is a result of misgovernance and corruption, they are not protecting the interests of their followers. The unholy romance between religious leaders and corrupt political leaders can no longer be tolerated. It is unacceptable to tell the congregation to endure earthly suffering with the promise of heavenly rewards. Just as they hope for a new Jerusalem, they also desire a new Nigeria before the arrival of the new Jerusalem. We are not fools.
It is time to stand against both our corrupt religious leaders and political criminals masquerading as leaders.
I have argued and still strongly believe that if our religious leaders were true to the essence of their calling—if they are truly called in the first place—we would witness significant change. If they began to engage their congregations with the reality that their suffering is due to government corruption, we would see an unprecedented awakening. Such an awakening could propel the people to reclaim their destiny from corrupt leaders.
We know that in today’s world, no one can claim indifference to politics and political activities when it is evident that political policies affect everyone.
If clergymen and women were genuinely concerned about the welfare of those they claim to shepherd, they would be at the forefront of the fight against corruption and the development of the nation. I wonder what kind of shepherd sits back and watches indifferently while the food meant for his sheep is being stolen.
I remember hearing Bishop Hassan Kukah say that there would never be a revolution in Nigeria. According to him, Nigerians have had a fair share of leadership from their leaders and should, therefore, be grateful and commend them for a job well done. I was transfixed, utterly stupefied, and shocked to my core to hear a man who is supposedly a man of God, responsible for articulating the yearnings, sufferings, and troubles of the masses—God’s children—acting as an unofficial proxy for corrupt leaders in government.
When those who claim to be the mouthpieces of God, and we have many of them, begin to defend political officeholders, it indicates that the end is near. The end of corruption and looting with impunity in Nigeria is approaching. The revolution that self-serving figures like Bishop Hassan Kukah claim will never happen is, in fact, on the verge of occurring. Time will tell.
If individuals like Bishop Hassan Kukah think they will be forgotten when the revolution finally happens, they should reconsider, as there will be no hiding place for them. The revolution will come like a hurricane, sweeping away all agents of corruption without mercy. If they believe the security details provided by their cronies in government will save them on judgment day, they better wake up from their deep slumber.
We are gradually reaching the realization that there is no way out except to take power from our corrupt leaders. Is it not said that power belongs to the people? Yet the people have no idea what power looks like, much less being in control of it.
The masses need to be adequately informed and sensitized to prepare for the imminent revolution that is about to unfold. This revolution will transfer power to the people. It can only be made possible by the people, and they must be ready to take charge. The people must be told the truth: they are suffering because their leaders have stolen and are still stealing their share of the commonwealth. They must understand that their suffering today is not caused by nature or self-inflicted, but is induced by poor leadership.
When you corner a goat and it sees no escape, it will charge at you with its horns, as you are the only obstacle to its freedom. We are approaching the point where the only solution is to take power from our corrupt leaders.
May God embolden us and grant us the courage to fight against injustice in the land.
Though I appreciate what he said, I believe he could have done better by extending his admonishment to the so-called men of God who are involved in unhealthy alliances with political leaders, exploiting and subjugating the people to perpetuate their own positions in office.
Our religious leaders are largely responsible for the delay in the long-awaited revolution in Nigeria. When they preach unholy sermons in churches, mosques, and possibly shrines, telling people to be patient with their leaders amidst untold hardship, despite the fact that this hardship is a result of misgovernance and corruption, they are not protecting the interests of their followers. The unholy romance between religious leaders and corrupt political leaders can no longer be tolerated. It is unacceptable to tell the congregation to endure earthly suffering with the promise of heavenly rewards. Just as they hope for a new Jerusalem, they also desire a new Nigeria before the arrival of the new Jerusalem. We are not fools.
It is time to stand against both our corrupt religious leaders and political criminals masquerading as leaders.
I have argued and still strongly believe that if our religious leaders were true to the essence of their calling—if they are truly called in the first place—we would witness significant change. If they began to engage their congregations with the reality that their suffering is due to government corruption, we would see an unprecedented awakening. Such an awakening could propel the people to reclaim their destiny from corrupt leaders.
We know that in today’s world, no one can claim indifference to politics and political activities when it is evident that political policies affect everyone.
If clergymen and women were genuinely concerned about the welfare of those they claim to shepherd, they would be at the forefront of the fight against corruption and the development of the nation. I wonder what kind of shepherd sits back and watches indifferently while the food meant for his sheep is being stolen.
I remember hearing Bishop Hassan Kukah say that there would never be a revolution in Nigeria. According to him, Nigerians have had a fair share of leadership from their leaders and should, therefore, be grateful and commend them for a job well done. I was transfixed, utterly stupefied, and shocked to my core to hear a man who is supposedly a man of God, responsible for articulating the yearnings, sufferings, and troubles of the masses—God’s children—acting as an unofficial proxy for corrupt leaders in government.
When those who claim to be the mouthpieces of God, and we have many of them, begin to defend political officeholders, it indicates that the end is near. The end of corruption and looting with impunity in Nigeria is approaching. The revolution that self-serving figures like Bishop Hassan Kukah claim will never happen is, in fact, on the verge of occurring. Time will tell.
If individuals like Bishop Hassan Kukah think they will be forgotten when the revolution finally happens, they should reconsider, as there will be no hiding place for them. The revolution will come like a hurricane, sweeping away all agents of corruption without mercy. If they believe the security details provided by their cronies in government will save them on judgment day, they better wake up from their deep slumber.
We are gradually reaching the realization that there is no way out except to take power from our corrupt leaders. Is it not said that power belongs to the people? Yet the people have no idea what power looks like, much less being in control of it.
The masses need to be adequately informed and sensitized to prepare for the imminent revolution that is about to unfold. This revolution will transfer power to the people. It can only be made possible by the people, and they must be ready to take charge. The people must be told the truth: they are suffering because their leaders have stolen and are still stealing their share of the commonwealth. They must understand that their suffering today is not caused by nature or self-inflicted, but is induced by poor leadership.
When you corner a goat and it sees no escape, it will charge at you with its horns, as you are the only obstacle to its freedom. We are approaching the point where the only solution is to take power from our corrupt leaders.
May God embolden us and grant us the courage to fight against injustice in the land.
Thursday, 18 January 2018
The Pew and Pulpit Controversy
I remember my encounter with a pastor who postulated that if you're in the pew, you cannot know as much as he who is in the pulpit.
It all happened when I went to pay a courtesy call to a female friend of mine in the city of Port Harcourt. When I arrived at her place, I met a pastor who was busy evangelizing. I decided to listen to the "man of God" when suddenly I heard the young, supposedly promising pastor say to my friend that "faith is a function of work" and that "you cannot have faith if you do not go through a training process."
Considering my perspective, I decided to ask for clarification because I believe that one cannot develop faith unless the seed of faith, which is a gift from the Father, is already present within them. So I asked, "Pastor, is faith not a gift from God that we develop over time?"
At that point, I must have angered the pastor. In response to my question, he asked me, "Are you a pastor?" I replied, "No, Pastor, I am not a pastor." He looked at me with disdain as though I had committed a sacrilege by asking a question and said, "Who are you from the pew to question me in the pulpit?"
I tried to explain to my brother in Christ that it is scriptural that as Christians, every attribute of God in us is a gift from God through Jesus. All we need to do, having been given the gift, is to develop it.
I knew my position did not sit well with the young pastor because of the leader-and-led mentality.
This short story highlights the belief that when we have faith or possess certain attributes of God, we sometimes think it is our own making. We talk and act in this belief, taking glory in it unconsciously.
Whatever you have as a Christian is a gift from God. This becomes clearer when you appreciate the fact that you have died and been reborn. Knowing that your rebirth comes with a new identity—a new you—and that it is not you who lives but Jesus living through you, for you, and to the glory of the Father.
Thank you, Jesus!
It all happened when I went to pay a courtesy call to a female friend of mine in the city of Port Harcourt. When I arrived at her place, I met a pastor who was busy evangelizing. I decided to listen to the "man of God" when suddenly I heard the young, supposedly promising pastor say to my friend that "faith is a function of work" and that "you cannot have faith if you do not go through a training process."
Considering my perspective, I decided to ask for clarification because I believe that one cannot develop faith unless the seed of faith, which is a gift from the Father, is already present within them. So I asked, "Pastor, is faith not a gift from God that we develop over time?"
At that point, I must have angered the pastor. In response to my question, he asked me, "Are you a pastor?" I replied, "No, Pastor, I am not a pastor." He looked at me with disdain as though I had committed a sacrilege by asking a question and said, "Who are you from the pew to question me in the pulpit?"
I tried to explain to my brother in Christ that it is scriptural that as Christians, every attribute of God in us is a gift from God through Jesus. All we need to do, having been given the gift, is to develop it.
I knew my position did not sit well with the young pastor because of the leader-and-led mentality.
This short story highlights the belief that when we have faith or possess certain attributes of God, we sometimes think it is our own making. We talk and act in this belief, taking glory in it unconsciously.
Whatever you have as a Christian is a gift from God. This becomes clearer when you appreciate the fact that you have died and been reborn. Knowing that your rebirth comes with a new identity—a new you—and that it is not you who lives but Jesus living through you, for you, and to the glory of the Father.
Thank you, Jesus!
Friday, 22 December 2017
Why Was Jesus Tempted?
Your text is clear and provides a detailed summary of the key points
What to Know About Jesus' Temptation:
1. Jesus is God who manifested in human form.
2. As a human with blood and flesh, He experienced human frailty.
3. The devil understood that, given Jesus' weakness due to His human nature, He was susceptible to temptation.
4. Jesus would not have been tempted without the possibility of falling, given His human nature. In other words, temptation occurs where there is a possibility that the one being tempted might fall.
5. Temptation predates Jesus. Satan tempted Eve as the first human ever tempted. Satan also successfully tempted Adam, Cain, Abraham, and David to sin. He was less successful with Job, and Jesus was "tempted in every way as we are, yet was without sin" (Heb. 4:15 HCSB).
6. Jesus was tempted thrice by the devil:
- The first temptation (Matt. 4:3-4) was to get Jesus to doubt God's providential care. The devil acknowledged Jesus as the Son of God and argued that, since Jesus was the Son of God, He should use His powers to meet His own needs.
- The second temptation (Matt. 4:5-7) involved the misapplication of Scripture (Ps. 91:11-12) to get Jesus to jump from the highest point of the temple and test God's promise to protect Him from physical harm. Jesus’ response with Deut. 6:16 alluded to Israel’s rebellion at Massah (Exod. 17:1-7). Jesus refused to test God’s faithfulness and protection, trusting the Father without needing tests.
- The third temptation offered Jesus the opportunity to seize a kingdom and avoid the cross. Satan presented Jesus with the "bait" ("all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor") and the compromising stipulation ("if you will fall down and worship me") (Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 2003:1570).
7. Had the devil succeeded in making Jesus fall, Jesus would have failed in His mission to redeem humanity and reconcile them with God.
From the foregoing, it is clear that Jesus' temptation was a direct challenge to His mission on earth by the devil.
While there are lessons to be learned from Jesus' temptation, it is crucial to understand that the primary focus was not on the lessons we can derive but on the devil's intention to thwart Jesus' mission.
Wednesday, 21 October 2015
Justin Trudeau: Unhealthy Song From Nigerians
Sociopolitical commentators online have been buzzing about the recent developments in Canada, particularly with the emergence of 43-year-old Justin Trudeau as the Prime Minister of a developed nation like Canada. What surprises me is not just the excitement and commentary from this part of the world (Nigeria), but also our failure to recognize that a similar scenario could have played out in Nigeria. This is largely due to our ingrained, subservient nature and our tendency to be minions without independent thought.
The colonial legacy of godfatherism has deeply ingrained a mentality of servitude in our subconscious. Erasing this mentality would require a sociocultural reawakening, which, in my opinion, is a prerequisite for rediscovering our lost identity and humanity.
If we had a deeper understanding of the debilitating effects of the godfather-godson relationship, we would strive to eliminate godfatherism from our sociopolitical landscape. Knowing that a godfather would never allow a godson to ascend to leadership while he is still alive, one would think twice before entering such an imbalanced relationship that benefits only the godfather at the expense of the godson.
We can change this narrative, but how can we do so without a conscious and deliberate effort to alter the status quo? Not long ago, before the 2015 general election, then-President Goodluck Jonathan made a statement that someone older than him would not succeed him. Although this statement was far-reaching, it was also laughable. Jonathan, who spoke about the need for a new generation to take over, failed to apply this principle when it came to the key players in his administration, such as Edwin Kiagbodo Clark and Anthony Akhakon Anenih, who wielded more power than his official cabinet.
Today, we have President Muhammadu Buhari, who is old enough to be the father of Justin Trudeau, managing a 21st-century Nigeria where a new generation is still entangled in the web of godfatherism. To be clear, I am not against Buhari’s presidency. In fact, it reflects the reality that people get the leadership they deserve. If the younger generation fails to claim their rightful place, the older generation will continue to shape their fate. It’s as simple as that.
The colonial legacy of godfatherism has deeply ingrained a mentality of servitude in our subconscious. Erasing this mentality would require a sociocultural reawakening, which, in my opinion, is a prerequisite for rediscovering our lost identity and humanity.
If we had a deeper understanding of the debilitating effects of the godfather-godson relationship, we would strive to eliminate godfatherism from our sociopolitical landscape. Knowing that a godfather would never allow a godson to ascend to leadership while he is still alive, one would think twice before entering such an imbalanced relationship that benefits only the godfather at the expense of the godson.
We can change this narrative, but how can we do so without a conscious and deliberate effort to alter the status quo? Not long ago, before the 2015 general election, then-President Goodluck Jonathan made a statement that someone older than him would not succeed him. Although this statement was far-reaching, it was also laughable. Jonathan, who spoke about the need for a new generation to take over, failed to apply this principle when it came to the key players in his administration, such as Edwin Kiagbodo Clark and Anthony Akhakon Anenih, who wielded more power than his official cabinet.
Today, we have President Muhammadu Buhari, who is old enough to be the father of Justin Trudeau, managing a 21st-century Nigeria where a new generation is still entangled in the web of godfatherism. To be clear, I am not against Buhari’s presidency. In fact, it reflects the reality that people get the leadership they deserve. If the younger generation fails to claim their rightful place, the older generation will continue to shape their fate. It’s as simple as that.
Friday, 9 October 2015
UNEXPECTED LOVE
Enchanted by her beauty, which was further enhanced by her intellectual acumen, he was captivated by the way she radiated the effulgence of the goddess of love. He couldn’t resist the urge to express his feelings to her. Despite the class barrier that existed between them, his love for her transcended societal boundaries. Pressing forward, he walked briskly to her and said, “With you is where I belong, and that’s where I want to be.”
She, pleasantly astonished by his courage and the ease with which he spoke, was overwhelmed by a commoner who, defying the societal norms for interactions between an aristocrat and a commoner, disregarded the social divide. She smiled at him in response to his advances. Accompanied by her maids and bodyguards, she glided into the palatial building with grace and poise.
Convinced that genuine love was in the air, the young man was overwhelmed with joy and excitement and was unable to sleep the night he met his love. Being someone who never relents in his pursuit when he sees a glimmer of hope, he went to the stream, knowing she would be there.
From a visible distance, he saw the beat of his heart. He walked straight to her, oblivious to those around her. Speaking in anticipation of her response, he looked into her eyes with a squint as though he was searching deep within her soul for the unquenchable fire of her affection and said, “If Romeo truly died for Juliet's love, then I’m ready to die for you, and if need be, live for your love.”
She looked at him smiling, though she tried to conceal her blush, for she was swept off her feet by his choice of words. She responded, “If what you say reflects your feelings towards me, then I propose you do something to prove your love for me.”
Not wanting to give her any reason to doubt his love, he said, “Speak like a flowing river, and I’ll go with the tide like a helpless fish.”
“I propose you serve in my father’s vineyard for seven years without pay,” she said. She made this proposal, mindful of the deceptive nature of men, who might promise anything in their desperation to win a woman's affection without meaning a word of it.
Prodding him further, she said, “I’ve heard sweet words from nobles—men trained to speak in captivating and irresistible ways - but I’m not easily fascinated by their sugar-coated tongues. They often turn out to be a show of sweet treachery. But to hear these words coming from someone considered a ‘nobody’ leaves me stranded in utter amazement.”
To be continued...
Tuesday, 19 March 2013
Say No To 'OKPETU' For A United Nigeria
Can you imagine being in a twin-engine airplane that's running on one engine because the other is faulty, and the one that is running is experiencing serious "Okpetu" (a problem), while the passengers onboard are fighting to prove their supremacy, notwithstanding the imminent danger of the plane? Who can guarantee their safety in a plane headed for a crash-landing?
Just the other day, I was traveling from Bonny Island to Port Harcourt on a boat. It was raining, and we had a bad engine, with the captain trying all he could to rectify the problem. We were on a troubled part of the water—whether to call it sea or river can be confusing when it comes to the Bonny waters. Then, all of a sudden, one of the passengers onboard, for reasons I’m still trying to fathom, said he was going to beat up the captain. As it turned out, there had been a heated argument between them. This chap, as I learned right then, was a leader of one of the fraternities in the universities and notorious for troublemaking. I said to him, “What sense would it make to beat the captain in this situation?” I made him understand that if he must fight, beat, or do whatever he decides to do to the captain, he should wait until we get onshore.
It’s amazing how people think. Whether with their head or with their emotions, only their actions reveal.
The foregoing brings to mind the recent violence in the northern part of Nigeria, erupting from a purported insult to Prophet Mohammed of the Muslim faith by a Christian.
Nigeria is presently at a crossroads, a decisive period where whatever we do can either spell doom or otherwise. At this juncture in our nationhood, it would be utter foolishness and endemic ignorance to fan the embers of hate and disunity. We are going through a lot of "Okpetu" (problems) that are threatening our unity as a nation. Ideally, one would expect Nigerians to avoid escalating these problems to a point where the Nigerian plane crash-lands or the boat capsizes.
Let me take this opportunity to call on my fellow enlightened compatriots from Northern Nigeria to rise to the occasion and reach out to their fellows in the North who are easily provoked to perpetrate and perpetuate violence without a justifiable reason. It’s time we acted wisely if we are to sail together in this boat called Nigeria to our preferred destination. The task before us is not easy, but it is achievable if we act consciously and deliberately to enlighten our fellows to the point where their stereotyped notions are disabused from their mindsets. We’ve got to show that we truly believe in the unity of Nigeria and Nigerians, irrespective of regional, sectional, ethnic, religious, or other divides.
May God bless Nigeria and all well-meaning Nigerians.
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