EMEKA IKE’S SOCIO-MORAL CONFLICT
Posted by: Okey Iwuji in: ● September 24, 2009
- In: 1
- No Comments
By Okey Iwuji
Emeka Ike, is one of the seasoned Nollywood actors who has successfully engraved his name on the hearts of Nigerian youths through his cherished lover boy roles. He has become famous to the point that few youths will pause for two minutes to describe him or would find it pretty difficult to pick him from a crowd.
He is still desired by film makers and viewers even when some people like Saint Obi have been forced on recess, and maintained number one on the list of his favourite play boy role.
Nollywood Star: Emeka Ike
In one of his interviews granted to Sun newspaper recently, he tries to impact some lessons to any one that cares. Foremost, he gave a picture of one who is not quick to forget his humble beginning. One that is glued to his visions and aspirations despite all play boy attitudes being displayed. At least, his achievements speak volumes of this assertion than party spree behaviour of celebrities.
His emphatic desire to connect back Faith, the prostitute, who helped him out of the cold night when it seemed the world caved in on him. At least, to say thanks for the kindness now he is better of is thought provoking. He teaches resilience, hope and ability to acknowledge publicly ones spring board no matter how odd to present status. His sense of prudence and philanthropic mind is great.
It is quite interesting of him unlike those colleagues of his whose heads are buried in pride and arrogance as though acting is not a means of daily bread like any other profession.
Emeka’s shift in perception of his previous childhood Christian ideals can best be described as a conflict between moral and social belongs. Like other celebrities from home and abroad whose roots are traced to Christian homes, has problem with managing Christian discipline and social demands. Many were wonderful Christians serving in different departments in God’s vineyard such as choir but unfortunately fell for devils manipulations, if he was once born again. Entertainment industry have many of these men and women inside.
Moving out from the watchful eyes of his Dad in search for a living and identity must have implied negatively on his morals. It is a question of upholding Christian tenets once delivered to him than church attendance. To be in company of other celebrities with little or no sound Christian foundation without compromise is a hard nut to crack since evil communications corrupt good manners.
The writer is more at home with the fact that Emeka and his colleagues left Assemblies of God Church for reason based on moral question than modernism as stated. That Anita of Christ Embassy got converted in the University of Ekpoma at the hand of her mentor and husband Pastor Chris Oyakihlome leaves a doubt as to the accuracy of Emeka’s claim on conversion. He could be excused on the grounds that though born in the house of a church Elder does not bring him to terms with what true Christianity entails.
For Emeka, the Assemblies of God church was becoming too archaic and refuse to embrace the changes around. The pertinent question Emeka must sincerely answer is what is archaic and changes around which he expects the church to adapt?
Is it wearing ear rings and plaiting or perming of hair by a man, kissing and caressing and going into women in the name of acting, and other frivolous artists’ lifestyles?
Though some may be pleased to accommodate this waywardness, only be sure such places are presenting the true gospel of Christ.
God and his word never change with time. It is man that wants God to change to his standard. One should be able to tell the home truth when there is a slide back than making efforts to put up a defense.
Emeka and his likes are best described in the light of an adage, ‘ Egu, a caterpillar that held fast on branches while growing up only to loose grip at maturity to land crash. Moving to Redeemed Christian church of God worsened his matter than helping out because he is meant to believe that all is well while in ungodliness; playing his Mungo Park lifestyle with women, smoking, drinking alcoholic and partying.
Judging from his words, it was like exploring every lady that came his way like exploring a brand new car. Hear him,
“Before now, it was like being given a brand new car by The Sun.
you want to explore the car and go everywhere with it. But it will
get to a point you’ll be more careful. Now, I’ve become more
brotherly to my fans because I realized that they look up to me
as a role model. Imagine someone calling me that her boyfriend
had just broken her heart and crying, I’m not expected to take
take advantage of her. I’m supposed to console her. You have to
be a counselor to ladies than discovering what they have between
their legs. I prefer to be my sister’s keeper than being a Mungo Park”.
From his statement and lover boy roles in Films can the General Overseer of RCCG approve him to be a Christian should he stumble on some of his video clips? Though Emeka is sounding like a repented one may be because he is now married and becoming responsible, only God knows how deep. Never forget that all these happened when he had left his former church.
Unfortunately, many socialites have turned some RCCG Parishes hives of unserious Christians where men profess to know God but deny the power unto godliness and the church Authority seem to be pleased with it as though God rewards compromise instead of sacrifice.
The church is now being portrayed as a social club, than a holy place, where sinners are at ease; adulterers, fornicators and spiritual hooligans sit unperturbed every service day.
Remember the scripture that says, ‘ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the World is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the World is the enemy of God.
Love not the World neither the things that are in the World. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the World, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but of the World.
And the World passeth away, and the lust therefore; but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.
It would be good if Emeka understands how many youths had been misled by his lover boy roles as they look to him as model. Men and women like him have punched hard on the morals of Nigerian youths.
WASTED YEARS
Posted by: Okey Iwuji in: ● September 3, 2009
- In: 1
- No Comments
WASTED YEARS
Growing up in the interior was a life with mixed experiences, fun and deprivation to extremes. Fun, in that the serenity of a village setting offered an endless play time for village folks. The routine life of rising early to do your chores, go to stream with peers, prepare for school, return to farm in the evening, eat, out for moonlight play and sleep did not give room for serious thought about the future. Life was a merry go round with activities that have been discovered to be of little consequence.
Everyone was like the other, farmer, petty trader, teacher and at most civil servant. Though there were some citizens of the community living in the cities few made it to the top then. Only a storey building built by his uncle, who retired as a Manager in Nigerian breweries, was standing in the whole community. His big family was privileged to produce some elites the community could boast of at this time. At least, another Uncle was an Assistant Police Commissioner before the civil war. His own Dad was a teacher before he opted for business and in all sincerity a successful businessman by every standard at the time. Another was purchasing Officer of a construction company, Tel Woodrow. Some others were average people in different fields of life. There were couples of houses made of corrugated iron sheets but thatch ones out numbered. In fact, only three families could afford Gen Sets and Television. Emeka and other children would be scrambling to peep through the window to behold this white man’s wonder whenever it was put on at night.
One might pause to ask why such poverty? It was one of the communities devastated by the shelling of civil war. The people were just recovering from ruins of the war. Men had been displaced and dispositioned from work and business places in the cities. Some who made efforts to return at false reconciliation propaganda of the Federal Government aimed to buy face with outside world were eliminated serially. So, men out of fear and frustration found solace in the village, doing miniature jobs to ache a living. Since no good job was coming from Federal government offices, agencies and companies headed by Nigerians because the Biafrans were defeated in the war, majority made due with trading. No mind boggling challenges came from anyone. All these happened in the seventies.
At that time, food was not a problem to provoke to serious thought, at least for children. The land was still yielding increase despite the effects of war. If there was need to think about the World and its problems, we did not realize it. We always believed that our parents were in the corner, not until we are left alone to try.
As we look back, none that we could remember looked beyond what the environment could provide, artisan of various kinds. So going to school was not called a business. Parent’s desire was for us to read and write in order to prepare us for a handiwork. Back from school to farmland because we must work hard to earn a little naira to run the other family expenses. Money was not easy to come by: people were selling their different stuffs to keep life. The use of Biafran currency has been outlawed by the Gowon government in power. And only 20 pounds fiat compensation was handed to every Biafran no matter your previous savings before the war.
By this, to succeed in school required additional hard work which was really lacking then. Some friends will go on game expeditions; hunting rabbits and squirrels.
At night, we keep wake to tell folktales in the moonlight.
Emeka’s Dad had just returned back to his kano base to begin life afresh amidst fear of the unknown, so none else could stir us up to read our books. His mum had little education. Often times, she would ask whether we would not read our books. But it was not forceful to secure our obedience.
Gradually education awakening started coming in again but only few of us had caught the zeal and Emeka has fallen among the play loving group.
He failed his primary six exams while some other friends passed. A little sense came into him. He was determined to succeed the next sitting and so it happened. His performance in two years in secondary school was excellent as he never came beyond third position. Temptation into the world of fun swept him the second time. He got addicted with music such that we could go during break to Record shops to listen to new LPs in town and remain there only to realize we have missed some lessons. He joined the gang of night crawlers for the sake of music. He never smoked nor entangled with girl friend affair. The only popular drink was palm wine which his Grand dad used to tap, beer was not for children and money was not there too. And he was not a drinker. In fact, the desire to become a priest was still very strong despite his failure in the final interview. Night crawling was just for the fun of music, no one could stop him even his disciplinarian Dad until an incident that brought him back to reasoning again occurred. He resolved to live right and face his studies. By this time gap has been created in his academic performance that he could not do pretty well to gain admission into the university until after four years. Coming out of youth service was unemployment that greeted Babangida regime until now. He would not have been a victim of unemployment few years before if he was diligent with his studies, so he was caught in the web.
Years went in search of job. Though he has got additional certificates to his credit and a job to keep life going yet looking back are lost years and opportunities which he wishes he could regain. No one taught him to live up; He always felt the urge in him.
God was helpful; some friends of ours did not survive the mess.
Living in the town offered a leverage which village could not, at least my own. Challenges as you see people bent in pursuit of one ambition or the other and being insatiable of goals attained keep you on the toes. It was absent in the village then. Everyone was comfortable at nothing. When he reasons now that some Directors of companies, Governors, Senators and Some Presidents and Billionaires are not much older grief will almost slay him. In regret he wishes hand of clock could turn back again. There is so much to be done with little time left. If it is possible to live a second time, he would without delay offer his prayers to God.
This is Emeka’s story. You may have none, similar or worst still. There is a wastage many are guilty of, may be you too, that is, wasting life in worldly pleasure, passion and pride.
Just as he played away his time without thinking about the future, too many people are doing so for a number of reasons without eternity in view. They might not be lucky to redeem the time as God enabled him and might wake up one morning to realize that the Saints have gone or slip into eternity unprepared.
Some Folks never bothered to ask hearty questions about eternity and how to be there or who takes one there. Others frown at Religion, Christianity but comfortable with occultism and free thinking.
Those with little interest have no time now to think about religion, only when certain set goals have been achieved. Besides, they were not taught to believe in Christ nor the born again stuff.
Living in vanity and pride without care, nor accept that Jesus was crucified on the cross for all human being or to spurn his word might be fatal at last. It will mean foolishness to spend ones life in sin, fear, doubt and unbelief while the Savior is still granting salvation.
How long then will you wait to embrace his open wide stretched arms for you?
Remember, it is in the Earthly Courts that people could be guilty with reasons and obtain the audience of the Judge for defense.
Please do it now and don’t waste your own years.
Think about it.
If my piece appeals to you, introduce someone to this blog,
Write to iwujio@yahoo.com
I GOT A SIGHT
Posted by: Okey Iwuji in: ● August 6, 2009
- In: 1
- No Comments
I got a sight
Too fresh to me, but years ago
Walking through the backyard garden
There He stood alone, with backside to me
With height and splendour in display
Clad in sparkling white robe
Who could this be, wonder swept my heart?
Curious to know, he moved
We ran throughout the garden
Without a glimpse of his face
As he pace faster with yards apart
Suddenly heaven broke loose
Streams of praise from heights above
Distils like dew descends gently to the plain
Sweet melodies of Angelic beings saying;
Oh Lord my God, when am in awesome wonder
Consider all the works thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed
Then sings my soul, my Saviour is God to thee
How great thou art, how great thou art
Then sing my soul, my Saviour is God to thee
How great thou art, how great thou art
When through the woods and forest gladly I wonder
I hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
I see the brook I feel the gentle breeze
Then sings my soul, my Saviour is God to thee
How great thou art, how great thou art
Then sings my soul, my Saviour is God to thee
How great thou art, how great thou art
And when I think that God his son not sparing
Sent Him to die I scarce can take it in
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin
Then sings my soul, my Saviour is God to thee
How great thou art, how great thou art
Then sings my soul, my Saviour is God to thee
How great thou art, how great thou art
When Christ shall come with shouts of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow in humble adoration
And there proclaim, my God how great thou art
Then sings my soul, my Saviour is God to thee
How great thou art, how great thou art
Then sings my soul, my Saviour is God to thee
How great thou art, how great thou art
Caught and lost in the melody
With body freeze to the ground void of speech
And atmosphere serene with deadly silence
Only a synchronized angelic beats
He turned with beaming smile
His face now I recall
Jesus the son of the Living God.
Oh dream I found out at last
Yet it was so real to fathom
As melody dissolves gently into my soul
To make everlasting impression
The Militants Among Us
Posted by: Okey Iwuji in: ● July 23, 2009
- In: 1
- No Comments
THE MILITANTS AMONG US
Tension is epileptically dowsing and rising in our Nation as the Federal Government claims to be in discussions with the Niger Delta Militants on conditions for Amnesty orchestrated by Joint Task Force invasion on some communities of Niger Delta namely Gbaramatu axis; okerenkoko, oporoza, kurutie and kunukunuma.
It is good to know that the Houses of Senate and Representatives endorsed the Federal Government dispatched troop (JTF) to Niger Delta to invade the communities in an operation tagged ‘Operation Wipe Out Militants’.
Joint Task Force is a combination of Army, Air force, Navy and Police drafted to the area to keep a watchful eye on the activities of the Militants. Atmosphere in Niger Delta was mildly hostile until 18 soldiers were abducted by the Militants in chanomi creeks on May 13 and nothing has been heard about them till date, although it was reported that the bodies of the soldiers; two lieutenants and sixteen other ranks were discovered in a mass grave in camp 5 in Warri South West local Government area and one of the soldier’s uniform and a rifle found in a shrine in okerenkoko, all in Delta State.
Therefore, the Government believing that they must have died vowed to wage unrelenting war against the militants until the region is rid of militants.
An option opened to the Government against the people, which right now attracting sympathy from within and outside Nigeria.
There was an account of 21 boats full of militants that were sunk by the JTF at the wake of this military action and since then more of civilians and destruction of communities, and people fleeing in confusion are being reported, so the tension has been mounting even as the militants make boast of their readiness to launch a full blown war against the Government. Whether it is an empty threat of a frustrated people time will tell especially when senior commanders of the militants like Ojomo Ogbomo (spokesman), General Boyloaf, Fara Dagogo and others denied being part of the Amnesty discussion going on with the Government and Tompolo (the commander) after the incarceration of Henry Okah, the leader, is at large soon after the bombardment of his residence.
For Ojomo, it is a ploy by Government and their Agents to embezzle the Fifty billion naira voted for Amnesty processes by giving bribes and incentives to persuade some militant groups to lay down weapons. He reassured the people of the region his continued willingness to fight until justice is obtained despite the efforts of the Governments and other Judases among the militants to embrace amnesty.
The entire episode is fallout of lack of government strong will to pursue an enduring solution to the problems of the region. A lot of committees were set up in the past to study the problems of the region and advice the government. All the billions voted at different times went down like Jonah in a fish belly into the belly of government’s agents’ facilitators without report seeing the daylight.
The most recent is the Technical committee on the Niger Delta headed by Barrister Ledun Mitee, the President of Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People( Mosop) seven months ago( Dec 2008), whose recommendation was for immediate implementation of report in order to avoid a dire consequence was neglected as usual by the government, which might be part of reason for striking by the militants. It could be that the government underestimated the damage the threat could cause or the powers that be want to capitalize on this opportunity.
Nevertheless, a number of questions have been begging for answers; should all the militant factions in Niger Delta unite do they have the capability to stand a full blown war on the region? Does government grant Amnesty to people who have not been charged to court nor convicted for a crime? How sincere is the Government in Keeping with the terms of Amnesty seeing that it is a known fact that our Government is a truce breaker? How ready is the Government to address the issue that led to militancy?
Militancy is the use of force to achieve a desired political, social and religious change. In the same way, to use force to resist change is as well militancy.
In Nigeria, it is a manifestation of neglect, unequal and unjust treatment meted upon a helpless people over the years. Militancy at all levels is hashed by a bad, selfish and insensitive Government. It appears Nigerian government understand the language of force than voice of peace.
Militants grew up couple of years ago, precisely 1999 in the Niger Delta region. Fingers have pointed at some political bigwigs in the area as brain behind the formations. The politicians formed and equipped these civilian armies against their opponents during the 1999 election that ushered in the Kangaroo kind of democracy in place today. Unfortunately, the use and dump politicians could not keep to terms of contract with their boys so things fell apart. The boys having been sensitized on how to make and use money through bunkering by top Politicians and Government functionaries could not hold back the lust for money. Therefore, a reason was found to struggle for the control of the natural resources which God endowed the Nation with after several proposals for increase on the percentage of derivation formula by oil producing states hit a brick wall during the manipulated one man government of Obasanjo and the oil becoming as it were a prerogative right of those in power, their families and mistresses while majority of Nigerians wallow in abject poverty.
Remember, there was no arm struggle, only a peaceful agitation to be given a fair consideration in the scheme of things in the polity before 1999, especially for a people whose lands and economic well being has been destroyed by pollution from oil and gas flaring. The request suffered a lot of political maneuvers with the death of two illustrious sons; Isaac Boro and Saro Wiwa , divide to rule strategy of the Government and settle the loudest noise maker. Since the government chose to do nothing over these years, now the boys have been empowered through political thug-grey, decision to take destiny into their hands was concluded and enhanced by the hypocritical governance of Obasanjo administration.
The climax of the militants’ pressure to prove to the government that a child that refuses the mother from sleeping will equally not sleep is when kidnapping was added to pipelines blow ups. Politicians and Relatives, government contractors and other rich men became targets of kidnaps for ransom. So, with the interest of these men being threatened a swift reaction is made, hence the position of things right now. Despite the wide criticism based on abducting of helpless and innocent relatives the militants have struck a mark that forced government to listen and come to a round table conference.
If the oil pipelines, the cash cow for many politicians past and present and some Army generals and chiefs were not blown up plunging the national income to the lowest ebb and business activities paralyzed the government would still be slumbering and playing the hide and seek games.
The same houses that endorsed the operation wipe out the militants and put death sentence on any Kidnapper caught closed their ears on the wailing of hapless Nigerians calling for emancipation from the rampage of ritualists.
Though respite might be underway as Leader of MEND, Henry Okah, is been released from detention as one of the conditions laid down by the faction to sit down with government to discuss on amnesty, it can last only if government would be sincere.
While observing a temporal cease fire for sixty days as advocated by MEND to enable a negotiation with the government a surprising package was handed over to Nigerians on the night of Sunday 12th July when everyone woke up with the news of bombing of Atlas Cove Jetty, a strategic oil installation in Lagos by the same MEND killing some Naval personnel on duty. The militant spokesman, Jomo Ogbomo claimed responsibility of the attack and further boasted that soon attack will be extended to non oil facilities built with oil money like bridges across the nation if his group should come under attack of JTF and by so doing a full blown war would be assumed declared. This has left us with confusion and to question which way Nigeria?
The action like other previous ones has been heavily criticized by Nigerians and more by the Yoruba tribe who has interpreted the action an invitation to tribal war.
The Yoruba tribe has started regrouping their militant groups; Oodua Peoples congress and others waiting for reprisal attack should MEND venture into western states again.
While no patriotic citizen is happy about the turnout of events in the country, we all should know that it is a costly price for accumulated injustice, shielding of corrupt rulers for years on ethnic sentiments. It is not certain what will remain of Nigeria by the end of the year should destructions continue in quick succession unabated.
Already the Federal government has rejected every other condition except the release of Henry Okah and offered to pay #65,000.00 monthly to the militants who are willing to surrender their weapons to the government. Ironically MEND is flexing muscles with the government on who will bend for the other which is a signal of evil days ahead of this country.
Now if there be militants, first of all Peoples Democratic Party led government is the number one on the list. With the force of arm they foist their government on the Nigerian people through rigging of elections, hacking down of perceived oppositions and carried on harassment and intimidations, and by force of the Force continued to stay in power despite the bad government contrary to the wish of Nigeria majority to the point that a zealot of their party bragged that PDP will rule the country for the next hundred years.
When Tompolo’s house was raided after the bombardment, JTF told Nigerians that they got list of sponsors of the militants among whom are top politicians, both serving people, which will in no doubt have PDP as majority, foreign companies and nations that buy the crude oil from the militants. The promise to make the list public by the President after few days of announcement has been strangled notwithstanding the pressure from the Public to publish the names of the culprits for all to read.
The Movement for Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra emerged as non violent movement the government did all she could to rope it in as carrying guns but when this effort failed took the shoot at sight alternative. She played deaf to the agitation of this movement instead went on to gun down anybody suspected to be a member of the movement. For a state to take up arms against armless civilians on peaceful protest for what the group perceived as unjust operation is more than militancy.
What can be said of Islamic militants from the North who have made it a yearly ritual to waste lives of non Moslems in the North? The much heard was some arrests made, no other thing was heard about their prosecution, imprisonment or hanging as the case may be. With guns, arrows, dagger, knives these group force people to accept Islamic religion or leave the North. Their reign of terror always lead to break down of law and order and activities in the area for the number of weeks it will last.
Federal government have not endorsed operation wipe out the religious militants.
Almost every section of the country has a militant group formation secretly or openly operating waiting for the doomsday, Nigeria doomsday because it is obvious that this entity will not last any more considering the fact that the government has not shown any zeal in fixing the problems of this country. And since every action is narrowed to tribal interpretation total change would hardly come by, therefore, disintegration looms ahead. Unfortunately, the law makers are not sensitive to roll out laws that will outlaw or check the activities of militants anywhere rather fascinated with dollars and pound sterling shared as trip allowances abroad.
Government should not close their eyes on other militants because of seeming latency soon the country will become ungovernable and overrun.
The Ritualists who by diabolic powers hypnotize people and slaughter them are militants in a way because the victims surrender unwillingly to the ritualists knives under a spell.
Petroleum marketers and bus drivers forcefully extort money from Nigerians based on the fact that our society is an oil based economy. Prices of fuel and fares change at random with short or no notice thereby altering frequently the standard of living forcing people to go out of budget abruptly. In Lagos, price of transports can change two times before the end of the day. A hold up, rainfall and anything can trigger increase in transport fares and the Agboro boys ready to literally fight any one who insists to pay a normal fare.
Police with threat of arms extort money from bus drivers forcefully and many who resisted have fallen to bullet shots, some maimed and others framed and slammed behind bars.
Writers choose the force of pen because a change is greatly needed in the society. Writers for change are equally militants because in some societies pen is stronger and forceful than gun and bars of ebony.
EYO FESTIVAL’S NEXT LEVEL
Posted by: Okey Iwuji in: ● May 27, 2009
- In: Uncategorized
- 1 Comment
On the 25th of April 2009, Lagos was agog with the celebration of Adamu Orisa festival popularly known as Eyo. This festival which originated from Benin kingdom of Oduduwa Kingdom found acceptance among the Isale Eko far back.
Lagos as fondly called is a small area in the Island being inhabited by the original owners of Lagos state, that is, the sons of the soil. As an Island, it is surrounded by Ocean and become blessed by the presence of many business Establishments. Private, Public, Multinational and Government owned Organizations have their offices in the area. Popular markets like Idumota, Jankara, Agbangbo and Balogun are found within it. Corporate entities such as Nigeria Stock Exchange, Central Bank, Zenith Bank and popular streets like Broad Street, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Marina are within the area. It is a hub of business activities where billions of naira exchange hands daily. In this area the celebrants of this festival live. 
Eyo which means rejoice with me and I rejoice is a yearly festival. Also, could be on display, like other Masquerades in Africa, when a member, a very old man, a title holder and a Warrior died in a community. This past one was in honour of a departed Oba and Late Chief Theophilus Owolabi Shobowale Benson.
According to African legendary the display is to bid the departed souls farewell and lead them peacefully to meet with the ancestors in the great beyond.
It is good to know that Masquerade of African antecedent is traditionally rooted in goddian religion. Since culture, tradition and religion are interwoven in a typical African society; Masquerade becomes one of the popular dances witnessed frequently from time to time but not as a festival.
Eyo is becoming popular as year passes. What used to be heard from the mouths of those whose businesses are situated in the area is gaining publicity. Big shots of the land like Prince Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the past Governor of Lagos State have determined to give it an International recognition and acceptance. In pursuit of this project, the incumbent Governor Babatunde Fashola went publicizing through posters and radio announcement before the actual date came. He said, his administration would make the festival gain tourist attraction. To this end, he called off the usual environmental cleaning exercise which holds every last Saturday of
Governor Babatunde R.Fashola Former Governor Ahmed Tinubu
Amidst Eyo Masquerades during the
Festival
every month. He announced that every business should remain closed till the end of the festival.
The publicity the festival is gaining is not unconnected with interest and support it has drawn from men of timber and caliber of Lagos. Reputable people have subscribed into Eyo owning their own masquerades as a way of promoting culture. Some others see it as another way of measuring wealth and popularity since every subscriber of a Masquerade group funds it and keeps the membership.
Little wonder, there exist various groups in different colourful costumes. Only the colours differentiate each group from another because Eyo costumes are sown with the same style and shape with hat atop unlike other Masquerades from the Eastern part of the country.
Promoting Eyo to an International Status for tourism gains is a good thought in a generation that has witnessed the highest tourism patronage since the world began but needs to be fine tuned. No doubt the foreign earnings that will accrue from it might be quite high the environment must be made friendly. The celebrants need to be educated to have liberal and social minds in order to encourage the new status.
Presently Eyo is seen as that belonging to the sons of the soil, non indigenes are barred from coming closer. Any effort to draw nearer to Eyo attracts the wrath of the occupants of the masquerade. In fact, masquerade dance is known for a show of occult powers among the rivalry groups buried in their canes. A lot of painful experiences have been shared by people who suddenly encountered Eyo, the brutality and the effects of the evil cane. Possession of evil powers masquerades are known for made them scary to people in this continent. Therefore, stripping every group its charms and amulets to endear it to participants is an issue that must be addressed by the projectors. Now the Governor is repackaging Eyo to embrace modernism a salient question is whether the Fetish and rituals that goes with Masquerades dances will cease to exist?
Whether the warnings of the consequences of not heeding to business closure notice within the area during Eyo festival and walking on the streets beyond certain stipulated time during the preparatory days are only threats are better explained by the advocators. But some maintained that lives are lost in times like this.
Another challenge facing the Governor is how to tackle the activities of Area boys who harass, intimidate and hold people in hostage to extort money from any victim who walked into them. Definitely, tourists would like to stroll around for site seeing.
Opening of business should not be discouraged rather enough security be drafted in the area to monitor activities of Robbers who would take advantage of the period. Judging from the goings, if it succeeds in gaining International and National patronage, public holidays might be declared for days in Lagos to ensure that visitors have enough feel of the festival. Therefore shops need to open to enable tourists have access to goods being sold, especially made in Nigeria Stuffs. That alone gets revenue to Government by way of Taxes and Levies. To shut down activities would mean lost of revenues which the writer believes this prudent administration will not be associated with.
Another consideration is to map out an area of land by Government as a ground or use of state stadium for the celebration of the festival as in other places to save it from interferences of other activities. It could be built to have toll gates and tickets for participants. A token anyone can part with easily.
To add colour to the festival, it could be liberalized by handing out invitations to other states of the Federation to participate. Those states coming with their own Masquerades will add varieties to the event. Some Masquerades in the East are known within and outside Nigeria.
Lagos houses about 250 tribes in Nigeria and other neighbouring countries who share the masquerade culture with her. It will be amazing if some cultural groups other than masquerades feature too since it is a celebration of culture. This goes along way to strengthen peace, unity, tolerance and love among Lagosians. Strangers will feel appreciated by allowing them to share in the festival of their host. The invitation to rejoice with me as the name implies should not be limited to indigenes. In other cultures, people give invitations to friends, business partners, and well wishers across the globe to grace the occasions. These guests feel highly honoured to be part of the events how much more people that contribute to the growth of Lagos State.
Eyo to embrace modernism is far from giving it a social aura without disconnecting from spiritism and pagan orientations. Masquerades way of initiation and incantations (asoje) are expressions of pagan philosophies which a decent society should part with. Masquerades mingle with demon entities through medium of Native doctors and no patron of evil spirits is approved by God.
By Okey iwuji
iwujio@ yahoo.com
SAVE THE WORLD
Posted by: Okey Iwuji in: ● May 27, 2009
- In: Uncategorized
- 1 Comment
By Okey Iwuji
World all over, intensified efforts are made to combat the menace of Natural disasters in this planet Earth. From Asia to Africa, Europe and America the pangs of these disasters are felt from time to time. In fact, the span of occurrences between one disaster to another is just hair breathe, may be due to global time difference.
In Nigeria, the government battles with Erosions and Desert encroachments to the point that one of her citizen, Dr Chibuno, embarked on awareness campaign by use of special designed automobile to tour Nations through the deserts. Planting of Trees are being encouraged through out the Federation to wage the advancement of these disasters.
Earthquakes are frequent and have become a nightmare among the Asian countries. Hurricanes ceaselessly sweep across nations of Europe and America. Some nations witness locust invasions, out break of epidemics, draughts, volcanic eruption, rain storm.
Our World has come to live with wars; therefore, bloods being let from time to time are less frightening. But there is one that has sent shivers into the spines of men of the earth, predictions about the fall of asteroids and depletion of ozone layers. European and American Scientists have severally alerted the possibility of a clash of asteroids from Mars with the Earth not in far distant time to come. In those predictions, Nigeria was mentioned as one of the likely nations that might experience the fall and a certain percentage of the land mass it will cover.
Now, since these global warnings both the weak and mighty have hearts on their hands. Many nations are not sleeping over the issue. A lot of resources; human and finance are channeled to find solutions to the problems. Scientists all over the world organize summits to brainstorm for a way out. Right now no solution is in sight except some prescribed measures to check the happenings.
As it is, nearly all the scientific theorems taught in school in our days had been altered and proved wrong. Dietician are confused with which food to eat and one to forbid. Sicknesses and diseases multiply every passing day with little or no cure. In short the world has been plunged into a deep chaos.
The clarion call for nuclear disarmaments among nations for which USA have gone to war for years against Iraq, Afghanistan and threatening Iran is one of these measures to prolong the world from burning.
Men and women are paying dearly with their blood on daily basis to ensure that our world is saved from total annihilation.
While these efforts are commendable, at least, to prove that it is in our hands to make a better place for our collective existence. As in the lyrics of American musicians LP, We Are the World, a line says, there is a choice we are making to save our own lives to make a better day for you and me.
It means, there is a conscious effort to save our lives by some men some place. If we make the right choice we shall succeed but bound to fail when we make the wrong one.
Saving our world from imminent destruction is our collective responsibility, not for a few. Therefore, the choice must be made by all no matter color, race, religion and status. We need a genuine commitment to this course.
All human efforts without the right choice will simply linger the problem. Till we choose to do the right thing. Though it might be difficult to get all men do right thing but it is possible if it begins from you and I.
Will you decide to take the right choice if you are informed? Are you concerned in the first place?
The World is a good place if you agree with me. At least, some people find it so.
One Nigerian statesman in his old age was asked by the reporters his perception about the great beyond, said, he is not in haste to leave this world which he has seen for one yet unknown.
And an American Preacher conducted another Preacher round his Seaside Estate, and with pride asked his guest whether the heaven people talk about is finer than his home?
Some others can fight if you dare mention the exit of this world some day to come. So, it shows how dear this earth is in the hearts of men.
You know that Palaces of some Kings and Billionaires lack words to describe. To sum up, are called Heaven on Earth.
Many big shots of America and Europe have been caught with the fever of economic plunge and would not want to take further risk loosing additional dime to this Shark called meltdown. In haste are buying up gold, silver and bronze to sure up the value of their net worth before the crisis throws them out on the streets in rags. Those who are not so smart to discern alternative survival strategy have out of fear of possible shame taken their lives.
A way of protest to any hand,’ which wants to crack this joke on our sophisticated world to think again.
The truth is that, if we do the wrong, soon the Shark will swallow all our gold and silver because it has equally been predicted long ago that the elements of this world will be melted with fervent heat, just as it was said this time will come.
To employ measures without recourse to the Master who predicts the future will mean unserious ness. Our collective efforts will not prevail. Every employed means will be seen as flexing muscles with his divine arrangements, an opposition which the creator will not entertain once more. For one, he is the Lord of the Universe and Master of circumstances.
I think there is more to the alteration of course of life which we have lived in for decades than a sudden change in climatic conditions. The God of the Earth is unhappy with men.
Scientists can dare to explain this away to our detriment
Destruction of this World is conditional, continuous rebel on God’s rule over man, so efforts to save the world without a serious campaign to address man’s relationship with his maker will be futile.
The World can be saved if we really desire it. Let it begin with you and me by returning to our maker in total repentance to seek his mercy and forgiveness.
1Peter3;6,7,10&11,Isaiah24;1-23
iwujio@yahoo.com
Pass to your Friend.
SAVE THE WORLD
Posted by: Okey Iwuji in: ● May 27, 2009
- In: Uncategorized
- 1 Comment
By Okey Iwuji
World all over, intensified efforts are made to combat the menace of Natural disasters in this planet Earth. From Asia to Africa, Europe and America the pangs of these disasters are felt from time to time. In fact, the span of occurrences between one disaster to another is just hair breathe, may be due to global time difference.
In Nigeria, the government battles with Erosions and Desert encroachments to the point that one of her citizen, Dr Chibuno, embarked on awareness campaign by use of special designed automobile to tour Nations through the deserts. Planting of Trees are being encouraged through out the Federation to wage the advancement of these disasters.
Earthquakes are frequent and have become a nightmare among the Asian countries. Hurricanes ceaselessly sweep across nations of Europe and America. Some nations witness locust invasions, out break of epidemics, draughts, volcanic eruption, rain storm.
Our World has come to live with wars; therefore, bloods being let from time to time are less frightening. But there is one that has sent shivers into the spines of men of the earth, predictions about the fall of asteroids and depletion of ozone layers. European and American Scientists have severally alerted the possibility of a clash of asteroids from Mars with the Earth not in far distant time to come. In those predictions, Nigeria was mentioned as one of the likely nations that might experience the fall and a certain percentage of the land mass it will cover.
Now, since these global warnings both the weak and mighty have hearts on their hands. Many nations are not sleeping over the issue. A lot of resources; human and finance are channeled to find solutions to the problems. Scientists all over the world organize summits to brainstorm for a way out. Right now no solution is in sight except some prescribed measures to check the happenings.
As it is, nearly all the scientific theorems taught in school in our days had been altered and proved wrong. Dietician are confused with which food to eat and one to forbid. Sicknesses and diseases multiply every passing day with little or no cure. In short the world has been plunged into a deep chaos.
The clarion call for nuclear disarmaments among nations for which USA have gone to war for years against Iraq, Afghanistan and threatening Iran is one of these measures to prolong the world from burning.
Men and women are paying dearly with their blood on daily basis to ensure that our world is saved from total annihilation.
While these efforts are commendable, at least, to prove that it is in our hands to make a better place for our collective existence. As in the lyrics of American musicians LP, We Are the World, a line says, there is a choice we are making to save our own lives to make a better day for you and me.
It means, there is a conscious effort to save our lives by some men some place. If we make the right choice we shall succeed but bound to fail when we make the wrong one.
Saving our world from imminent destruction is our collective responsibility, not for a few. Therefore, the choice must be made by all no matter color, race, religion and status. We need a genuine commitment to this course.
All human efforts without the right choice will simply linger the problem. Till we choose to do the right thing. Though it might be difficult to get all men do right thing but it is possible if it begins from you and I.
Will you decide to take the right choice if you are informed? Are you concerned in the first place?
The World is a good place if you agree with me. At least, some people find it so.
One Nigerian statesman in his old age was asked by the reporters his perception about the great beyond, said, he is not in haste to leave this world which he has seen for one yet unknown.
And an American Preacher conducted another Preacher round his Seaside Estate, and with pride asked his guest whether the heaven people talk about is finer than his home?
Some others can fight if you dare mention the exit of this world some day to come. So, it shows how dear this earth is in the hearts of men.
You know that Palaces of some Kings and Billionaires lack words to describe. To sum up, are called Heaven on Earth.
Many big shots of America and Europe have been caught with the fever of economic plunge and would not want to take further risk loosing additional dime to this Shark called meltdown. In haste are buying up gold, silver and bronze to sure up the value of their net worth before the crisis throws them out on the streets in rags. Those who are not so smart to discern alternative survival strategy have out of fear of possible shame taken their lives.
A way of protest to any hand,’ which wants to crack this joke on our sophisticated world to think again.
The truth is that, if we do the wrong, soon the Shark will swallow all our gold and silver because it has equally been predicted long ago that the elements of this world will be melted with fervent heat, just as it was said this time will come.
To employ measures without recourse to the Master who predicts the future will mean unserious ness. Our collective efforts will not prevail. Every employed means will be seen as flexing muscles with his divine arrangements, an opposition which the creator will not entertain once more. For one, he is the Lord of the Universe and Master of circumstances.
I think there is more to the alteration of course of life which we have lived in for decades than a sudden change in climatic conditions. The God of the Earth is unhappy with men.
Scientists can dare to explain this away to our detriment
Destruction of this World is conditional, continuous rebel on God’s rule over man, so efforts to save the world without a serious campaign to address man’s relationship with his maker will be futile.
The World can be saved if we really desire it. Let it begin with you and me by returning to our maker in total repentance to seek his mercy and forgiveness.
1Peter3;6,7,10&11,Isaiah24;1-23
iwujio@yahoo.com
Pass to your Friend.
Religion In Nation Building
Posted by: Okey Iwuji in: ● April 16, 2009
- In: Uncategorized
- 1 Comment
By Okechukwu Iwuji
Religion, a Philosopher said, is opium of the people. Opium is a powerful drug made from the juice of a kind of flower used in the past in medicine to reduce pain and help people sleep. By implication, he likened religion to anesthetic injections used in operations to lessen or prevent the pains of cuts during operations.
What is not clear is Karl Marx intention; to mock or extol the virtues of religion. Many today make reference to this statement to spite on religion thereby show disenchantment about religious profession. While it is true to be an opium, religion is meant to have more impact than an inducement to sleep if understood and sincerely practiced. The Philosopher may have considered the occupation of Despot and Tyrant rulers of his day on their subjects and the later weakness to resist this domination due to fear and reverence to the Supreme one. As a result, the subjects groan under the yoke of servitude.
Such Nations hopefully wait for Divine intervention to end the tyranny instead to choose path of revolt. This unwavering confidence on God’s unfailing interest in the affairs of men acts like soothing balm on the pains of the people as they eagerly wait for his time as it is believed that God’s time is the best. This is typical of Some African experiences were godless rulers with a corner of the mouth invoke God’s assistance to lead and with the other lie at everything.
Preaching sacrifice, patience and tolerance with the government to stabilize while loot the treasury. Same rulers are ready to deploy military might on axis that oppose to their vaulting ambitions. It is religion that has prevailed on the entire region of
Africa from going up in flames. Apart from this, some folks that committed suicide for some reasons advanced did not have bad days than others living today. In their frustration and hopelessness lacked or refused the healing balm of God’s word. True religion exposes us to God’s word which is said to be medicine to our bones.
Faith in the word creates assurance, hope and peace within. It helps us to ride over the stormy seas of this life and sleep over our troubles. It strengthens our hearts to face the battles of life. It enables us to dwell in peace and safety with one another. Have peace with God and Man while we await divine hands. It redirects our hearts from materialism to spirituality. Generally, it eases our pains. Religion without doubt creates consciousness of existence of a Supreme Being recognized as the Creator of all things.
Though there are some contradictions in presentation of who he is, what he likes, how to worship and reverence him among different religions yet there are substantial agreement on some other teachings. Such teachings as love for humanity, uprightness in dealings, eternal reward and punishment, forgiveness, truth, seeking his pleasure always etc. From these teachings other moral and motivation exhortations are evolved. And these have in no little measure worked to shape our World. Unfortunately, the tinny-thread of contradiction sets us wide apart to the detriment of building a just and prosperous society in some quarters.
A man without religion is sold to the devils and without a guide and good instructor. Religion is a spiritual compass to eternity with God or Satan. It is better imagined the state of our World in the absence of religion whose moral instructions has taken a lot captives. The horror, pain and sorrow a few bedeviled minds have inflicted on people of the Earth keep hearts panting and justifies the need for religion. Terrorism and other vices are satanic arrangements to overrun our world.
As it is written, the whole world lies in wickedness and groans until now. It is this moral instruction that has prevailed on nations from carrying out vengeance and retaliation against others rather swallow bitter pill of wickedness or even take up arms against some member of hers. The writer does not intend to assert that religion has achieved fully its purpose in the lives of people on planet Earth rather had to some extent made the World a better place. Efforts of kingdoms of darkness to go wild are kept in check because of the presence of true religion. It cannot be blamed for man’s woes but man who out rightly rejected it or attended to it with levity or hypocrisy.
True religion has ability to rid from man greed, selfishness, lust, avarice, racism and other tendencies that lead to corruption. Some one at first instance would be jealous for Nations with multiplicity of religion as a second Paradise, judging from the fact that greater majority would be influenced positively if practiced sincerely. For instance Nigeria, where Christianity, Islamism, Gordian and minor religious sects exist, (at least, Christianity has about 60 per cent, Islamism 35 percent and others 5 per cent). If majority should walk within religious principles will bring workability of programmes meant for the system. Evil practice of few and effects will be swallowed like a drop of cube in an Ocean. Every person will be happy. No one in the system would find readily reasons to move out to another. In this system, every thing would work; healthcare schemes, Electricity generation, Employment and whatever.
Both the Leader and the Led seek to deliver their bits with fear and trembling of the Supreme that will bring every man to account on the day of reckoning. When this eludes a nation with diversity of religion anarchy and troubles of large magnitude will take over. Then it justifies chanting again ‘Papist and Protestant should now in peace abide, as religion here now true or false lie side by side’. The religious Bigots should hide in shame, for none has shown anything better than the other. Cease from dissenting voice of rivalry and give focus to her follower ship. Taking up violence and intimidation as part of crusade to win converts instead of persuasion to see reason to accept ones belief is against human rights, ungodly and obscure. Abundance of religion should through godly teachings web people into one objective of building a brotherly society where every one is shepherd to another than divide. In Nigeria and some other parts of this world, destructions to lives and properties traceable to religious riots are enormous. Several billions of naira has been lost to religious riots since it’s inception in the country. Some of the destroyed properties could not be replaced to date. Companies have been grounded; others relocate to other environment friendly nations. Good brains were lost to these tragedies. Finances diverted to rehabilitate these destructions would have enabled a further step of development.
Development usually retards in areas that hosts repeated religious conflicts since they are tagged volatile areas for investment. The central teaching of true religion is righteousness which is said to exalt a nation while sin is a reproach to any people (nation). Exaltation means upliftment or progress, prosperity etc. Doing the right things which is one mark of right living ensures peace, sincerity, orderliness and good governance which creates enabling environment for progress. A warring nation never finds time for meaningful planning. Love for humanity banishes fears, selfishness and encourages equality, fair play and sacrifice for the benefit of all. Through the eyes of love communal interest is pursued rather than personal interest to the detriment of others.
When greater percentage of the populace lives righteously the hand of God’s favor is drawn on their endeavors because he is pleased with them. Their labor prospers. All live with a single goal to serve one another for a common good. Leaders and the led work together with little or no friction for none seek his own. Sin which represents all manner of unrighteousness brings retrogression every way. In it, greed, dishonesty, corruption of different dimension is breed. It is a canker that tears nations apart. Corruption and looting which are products of godlessness bring a nation to a standstill as case with Nigeria. Think about it, all the nations that have achieved enough feats in live; freedom, good governance, progress and inventions kept at the beginning the tenets of religion in view.
Email: iwujio@yahoo.com
NIGERIAN PROPERTY MARKET
Posted by: Okey Iwuji in: ● February 23, 2009
- In: Uncategorized
- 1 Comment
Daily rising population with inadequate infrastructural development and the need to have a roof over the head created a vacuum for fraudsters, shylock landlords and agents to rip off the helpless public.
In adequate housing facilities in our cities is a big issue in our national discourse since the majority of our leaders taking the place of locust think less to shelter the poor class of our society. Housing for all promised by some politicians remained a farce. Therefore, up to 60 per cent of city dwellers scamper daily for shelter especially big cities like
Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja.
This grave neglect of an important issue like this naturally gave place for the forces of demand and supply to play. And since demand for shelter is on the increase as people migrate to cities in search of greener pasture, with few investors the prices continued to soar.
Government is naïve to intervene in the-cut-throat price because nothing on her part has been done to provide shelter to ameliorate the suffering masses but ban and high import duties and clearing charges which impact on cost of building materials and building itself. This gave greedy opportunists reasons to skin fellow Nigerians in a bid to provide shelter and would do everything to frustrate any housing policy to reduce the burden of house rents on the people. Many are politicians, government contractors and drug barons who are part of the government or have unrestricted access to seat of power.
Not withstanding the high cost of accommodation decent people will not live under the bridge, therefore, would cough out, and sometimes borrow from work places to solve the accommodation riddle. Sadly, some of these money ends in the hands of Dupes who parade as house agents or property vendors whose mouths are wide open like hungry whales as people approach them for houses to rent or buy.
Agents could accept house rents for three years from more than five people for one property, flat or room only to make it survival of the fittest at the end. Go for refund of money agent will be at large, landlord will pose ignorance to your complaint neither will police help out if agent is caught. So, taking advantage of this situation, ours have become a breeding pond for 419ners as popularly called. To alert the simple minded property owners in our cities will boldly write in front of their properties that this property is not for sale or beware of 419ners. Giving an impression that someone can take advantage of your quest.
In the light of this, more so now mortgage business is gaining recognition in Nigeria; it will be good to set up a property market or board that will control the buying and selling of Land and housing properties in the country. The board with physical office like the Nigerian stock exchange market equipped with internet facilities will ensure a smooth trade on old and new properties in the country.
It is a market for selling, buying, renting and leasing of both firsthand and secondhand properties of land and building. It will play the same role as Stock exchange to tangible assets of lands and buildings. It aims to remove the bottlenecks in the acquisition and transfer of land and similar properties like in Europe. It will only require registering with appropriate Authorities detail of properties one wants to buy or sale. This in turn be published or advertised through internet base via property brokers registered with the exchange. It will destroy the activities of fraudsters who advertise, sale and resale to more than one person the same property, removes Omonile syndrome, area boys, quack property agents, giving room to specialized professionals to practice their profession for a fee. It will create price stability or uniformity in price of similar properties in the same location. It will give widespread information on the availability of properties through listing and delisting of properties already purchased. It authenticates and authorizes ownership of properties by issuing support certified papers to purchasers and entering information into central data base. It is a sure way of monitoring payment of capital gains tax and other taxes on properties as the institution will serve as agent to the Government. It will at the same time minimize default in payment of property taxes and increase government revenue. It enhances peaceful cohabitation by eliminating acrimonious litigation over who owns property as buyers through representatives make dutiful search using internet base to ascertain the true ownership. High cost of accommodation will be reduced as a standard percentage for agency commission will be set nationwide. The line up of touts prying for commission will be eliminated because what a buyer or leasee needs is to browse the net to obtain information on any existing property and pays accordingly.
It will create confidence and reputation in the acquisition of properties within and outside Nigeria. Fear of 419ners will be arrested. The exchange will serve as window for authentic information on the existence of properties outside the shores of Nigeria for citizens who may want to buy. As a market, it will give information on the volume of properties been traded in Nigeria from time to time. And possibly offer insight to the government the level of need of such properties in the country and the class of citizenry that needs what. It will give information on the locations where supply is low and demand high to enable investors have accurate knowledge where to channel resources for development. It will ensure orderliness, uniformity and sanity in property transaction in the country. It will enhance set standards of the properties to be advertised hence any property that does not conform to specifications will not be published. It will prevent exploitations by greedy landlords who renege from certain tenancy agreements of maintenance of building once money entered into their hands.
It will enhance a common official valuation or revaluation standard of properties to enable them have the right value before listing.
It will restore the relevance of professional Estate managers and value for professionalism in the system.
It avoids direct contacts, negotiations and payments with parties involved in the transactions since each party passes through a registered agent. It grants to some level the security of lives of buyers and sellers because transactions and payments are done electronically.
Nigeria property market if established by law like stock exchange will leave no one with option than to fall in line, thereby making it very easy to track assets of lands and buildings belonging to fraudulent politicians and 419ners.
NIGERIA POINTS TO PART
Posted by: Okey Iwuji in: ● January 13, 2009
- In: Uncategorized
- 2 Comments
This is an area for debate some would shy away from either for reasons bothering on interest or fear of the unknown. Interest because they are made by the system to the disadvantage of many Nigerians. All who stole the Nation dry in any form, all who have gained an edge over others as a result of politics disequilibrium would not appreciate it mentioned for once.
Anybody who feels that breaking will lead to war; suffering and deaths will equally hate this piece. Above all, anyone who has vast empire in
Nigeria will be the last to lend his support but if we are sincerely objective, truthful and proactive we will not be quick to throw this suggestion overboard due to selfish interests. But as students we will not fail to brainstorm peradventure our collective ideas will give direction to our rulers who meanwhile seem to be confused and lost of ideas and focus. Also, it will enable our rulers to know that we the stakeholders are concerned about the affairs of our nation that have been hijacked by few cabals.
If there could be debate on government policies, constitution review and so on with these few points I set this article a thing for debate among concerned Nigerians.
A lot has been written on our Dailies that borders on the poor management of a vast nation like Nigeria by a few political clique. Some of the revelations by bold, sincere Nigerians during interviews granted to the Press are quite revealing and filled with chilly information which will give a thoughtful person sleepless nights.
Insights drew from the revelations show clearly why we are where we are after years of independence in this jet age. Why some cry for marginalization and others feel unperturbed or raise a false cry to silence them. People wallow in abject poverty, many die daily for lack of good medication while few spend a lot of fortune overseas to treat headache and malaria, many without roof over their heads while some spend millions and billions for homes all over the world without being inhabited by anybody or at two times in a year.
Over the years our past leaders have demonstrated incompetence in the management of our Nation’s affairs. The civil war many have criticized would have been avoided if the right things were done. The actors in that war were absorbed of that wrong to Nigerian people based on age, immaturity and experience. We know what we lost in human, economic, social resources etc. In the preceding problems that culminated into war, we lost crème of great minds both military and civilians that would have moved this nation farther than where we are now. We lost people, finance used in prosecuting the war, infrastructure and development. The painful aspect is that those gladiators exonerated for reason of age then could not even at this their older age in power salvage our nation from further ruin rather aided it. Think all that were lost during Shagari, Babangida, Abacha and Obasanjo administrations. They and their cronies made us to know that they did their best for the number of years each administration lasted. We are judges of our own how better we have faired since then.
It would have been amazing if Nigeria remain together in all sincerity going by the saying that united we stand divided we fall, but ours is the reverse. Our enormous human and natural resources would have given us a louder voice among comity of nations but today we are beggars asking for one help or the other from even new states that put their ace together. So long as we refuse uprightness in administering the affairs of this very nation, peace, prosperity and progress will continue to elude our nation. If, we fail for 47 years of practicing our kind of unity it will be good to try the divide formula peradventure our future lies there.
With these nineteen (19) points I set forth the debate why the entity Nigeria should break into small independent units. Your superior argument for otherwise is appreciated.
(1). the unity of Nigeria is on the lips, a political invention that serves the interest of the political class. Nigerians do not shy away from the fact that nothing unites us but football. And if football which lasts for a month at most is the basis of unity then we don’t have an existing unity. In Nigeria, people who are living outside their tribal homes or states live in fear daily because of the unknown. In the North, Kano for example non indigenes work on contracts in States establishments renewable after the term of the contract. And stand the risk of losing employment once an able indigene applies for the job. Getting jobs with indigenous companies or companies dominated by certain tribes from any axis of the nation is very difficult.
The tribal and religious clashes which lead to destruction of lives and properties are significant evidence that a deep rooted hatred exist in Nigerians for other Nigerians.
High rates and levies imposed on non indigenes in some states different from the indigenes carrying on the same business within the same Local Governments cannot be justified if not for lack of unity.
The volatility of some Nigeria states is because of tribal and religious sentiments. Going by the revelation given by ex governor of Abia state on how he fell apart with President Obasanjo. The latter’s remark that the Ibos should be grateful for getting ministerial slots in his administration confirms his disposition towards the Ibo race. A Statesman he ought to be, one who fought the civil war and received Biafra’s surrender continued to nurse hatred after 47 years of the war. What chris Anyanwu, Tell Magazine publisher testified against Hamza Mustapha and Sgt.Rogers ill remarks and treatments against her during Abacha regime centered more on her ethnic belong. The daughter of Pa Abraham Adesanya without mincing words voiced her own venom against the Ibos which I believe represents the mind set of many in that divide. So if this level of bitterness could be found among the supposed enlightened and Socialites of Nigeria what do you think about the locals?
(2).Nigerians all over is willing to go their separate ways. They no longer believe in the entity called Nigeria despite pretence. The politicians know it but will not let go because of selfish gains. The political riots have been fingered on the politicians as master minders but they preach unity with double tongues. Who has won political seat at national level without employing some ethnic jargon to whip sentiments against his opponent from another divide.
The formation of OPC, MASSOB, AREWA, Niger Delta Militants etc is an open show of the commoners out cry to let go. Trust and confidence in one Nigeria have been eroded long ago. So why should we continue to patch up a broken house.
Go through the streets of Nigeria and take census of the people that supports divide the result will amaze you. This reflects in how we handle our matters from our day to day activities as we relate with one another. From Federal Government projects, law enforcement duties, to judiciary in dispensing of justice on personal belongings like house rents, even promotion in work places.
Right now the Niger Delta militants are talking about independence and not resource control, MASSOB is demanding independence as solution to marginalization. Therefore, no level of intimidation will hold Nigeria for long. Anything being done is a smokescreen and an effort to postpone an evil day. Successive Governments at the center have lost the opportunity to unite Nigerians when it could be said that Nigerians were in the dark.
(3).Inability to give Nigerians qualitative leadership has been attributed to our size especially when compares to Ghana and other countries. Therefore it becomes imperative to break into manageable sizes to make the sizes governable. It is obvious that we would not employ the westerners to be at our nation’s helm of affairs unlike establishments where expatriates could be employed. And for the fact that members of political class have been recycled on this nations affairs for too long without success, and would not give opportunity to those who do not belong to their fold to come to the coveted seats. Those appointed to manage government owned companies, states, ministerial posts etc failures were recorded over the years therefore breaking up might be a way out.
(4).Breaking up I believe will enhance speedy development through competition among the broken nations. The idea of making Nigeria business as no man’s business will be laid to rest or believing that the nation’s resources is national cake which everyone with opportunity can cut his own chunk will be checked. Governments will seat up to manage available resources with intention to deliver to their own people.
(5).The leaders will be accountable to their own people and will be under close watch. No use of ethnic, religious or class sentiments to defend looters as in the case of present Nigeria.
(6).This will bring corruption to the lowest ebb. People will be sure of whom they are giving their votes. And can easily hold them responsible to account for their stewardship. Trust Nigerians for jungle justice.
(7).It will rid rulers of mediocrity from the system who manipulate government to their own advantage. Unqualified candidates will no more be field because peoples quota must be met thereby denying better candidates’ opportunity to serve.
(8).By allowing a better candidate means equity and fairness, using a round peg on a round hole. This will go a long way to nail marginalization.
(9).It will encourage harnessing idle resources within the regions or states. The search for oil in the Chad basin of the North and in the West is a fall out of trouble in the Niger Delta. If not no one would have thought of that. As Nigeria abandoned agriculture, tin, coal and columbines etc which were known to be found in Nigeria.
Those resources are still available in larger quantity having been neglected for years now.
(10).It enables the people to have control over their resources and have better deal with it. It is evil to rob the goose that lays the golden egg.
(11). The principle of localization of industries and distribution of resources will greatly be enhanced.
(12).Greater employment opportunities will be created since competition among nations will lead to development.
(13).A greater level of peace, love, respect for life and tranquility will be attended. The yearly blood letting which has become a ritual through religious riot will be considerably minimized since none indigenes of a place will begin to trade with caution and have respect to rule of law.
(14).Protection and management of infrastructures will be realized since people will now become conscious that these things belong to everyone of them. Therefore jealousy over the installations will be instilled in the people to guard what they have.
(15).More security consciousness will be created. No more nations being open to everybody without adequate permit. People from neighboring countries would no longer take advantage of our multi ethnicity to do evil in Nigeria unidentified.
(16).Tribalism and nepotism which has become a clog in the wheels of our nation’s development will greatly be reduced if not eradicated completely.
(17). Remember, history and government said that people that must live as a nation must have some affiliation in terms of culture, language, religion and beliefs. There is a lot of variance in Nigeria on these points making her fit for a State instead of nation.
(18).When every nation’s importance is recognized through specialization on what we can offer mutual respect, regard will be enhanced.
(19). the surest way to break the politician’s strong hold on Nigeria’s polity is through divide to set a new political order for each republic. Presently, it appears the political cult took an oath of corruption and never to probe each other. The victims of ever probe are those that have bitter fallouts with their masters, which ended on pages of papers only, both at the presidential and governorship chairs. Today, the way things are going is suggesting that the present administration is compensating the immediate past administration for the cover up it gave to other administrations before it, thereby building a continued platform for corruption. The next administration might say little or nothing about the misdeed of the present administration (if any). Unless the past presidents caucus is broken presidential probes will remain a mirage.
Recent Comments