The Failed Airline Bombing...God loves America

The recent unsuccessful passger airline bombing by the young Nigeria obviously send a very wrong signal to the international community about the seemingly reduced terror cases. For the targeted country USA, it's clearly a wake up call. Indeed it goes to tell every one that the war against terrorism in not over, until it's over. And like President Obama rightly puts it, that security lapse that gave the young chap the opportunity to enter the US soil is absolutely unacceptable.

Interestingly, the arguments heating up the burner back home, is that, the young man fail because it's not in the character of Nigerians to neither kill at will nor engage in terrorism. Unfortunately, no one has ever given a thought to the fact that God loves his children all over the world, and the love God has for America, is so much that he cannot put them in agony at a time they're supposed to celebrate the birth of Christ - Jesus, redeemer of the world. The intrigue that came with the failed Airline Bombing added a new twist with some rebranding Islam as a violent religion. But those who know the truth can attest to the fact that Islam just like any other religion abhors violence, killings and crime in strong terms, while it proclaims peace and unity. Thus, terrorism is a thing of the mind and not nationality
or religion.

Indeed the task before parents all over the world is to keep a close watch on their wards. Additionally, friends and relatives owe a duty to play the role of guidance and counsellors to their relatives/allies/associates. As a matter fact, the failure of that suicide attempt by the young Nigerian, is something to thank God for, rather than seeing it as another opportunity to slit the throats of innocent Nigerians all over the world.

The world we live in is full of evil, and we can only reduce it by telling ourselves the truth in all things and in all ways. It calls collaboration, justice, equity, fairness, unity, understanding, peace and an indiscriminate love for all creatures. Nigerians by all standards are a peace loving and law abiding people, the violence we face back home are often triggered by poverty and religious intolerance emanating from infidels and Islamic radicals from foreign/neighboring countries who often capitalize on our porous border to enter and perpetuate evil. It's a challenge and a problem that is candidly begging for international help and co-operation. And so, rather than using one single case to generalize or blacklist, one would call for caution, honest apportioning of blames especially when the young man's father reported the strange behaviors of his son to the appropriate authories at home and abroad.

We all sympathize with America for the shock coming from the attempted bombing of about 300 air passengers at Christmas. It is expected that the relevant authorities will take a decisive step to ensure that subsequent attempts are foiled and arrested like the one of December 25, 2009. And for those who take delight in killing innocent souls, woe on to them and to their families who failed in their responsibilities.

How Nigerians Celebrate Christmas

All over the world, Christmas is celebrated with joy and ecstasy; but in Nigeria, the feast of Jesus Christ has turned an annual ritual to inflict pain and hardship on fellow Nigerians through sharp practices and in different mannerism. While the whole world is singing...Oh Come Let Us Adore Him; opportunists in Nigeria are shouting... Oh come let's crucify or exploit them.

Every year, many Nigerian business men and women, especially those in the privilege petroleum products marketing business find joy in increasing petroleum products prices by 100 - 150 per cent of it original prices. Gradually this unholy act has become a norm, and most Nigerians keep celebrating a supposed joy-filled feast in pain and sorrow. Yet their grumblings never makes any difference; instead their yoke of burdens are either increased by these actors or twisted with a new tone and drama.

While the rest of the world is exchaning gifts of love to herald the brith of the redeemer of the world - our Lord Jesus Christ, just two days (December 23, 2009) to the celebration, Nigerians in Lagos woke up only to be embraced with an interesting story of a Parcel Bomb Blast, which according to assorted Nigerian Newspapers reports, was an intended Xmas Package/gift for one of the Directors of a local Television Station - SuperScreen TV, domicile in Onikpan, Lagos.

Meanwhile, to prepare for the same celebration, Nigerians were offered an extra burden to the already crushing agony of a global economic crunch by what started like a playful threat from the Tanker Drivers, who said they were not going to lift Petroleum products within the Lagos Metropolis in protest against the undue exploitation from government agents and the recent beating of one their members. In their usual way of celebrating Xmas by oppressing the ordinary Nigerian, the clash between privilege opportunits and government agents turned out like the proverbial grass that suffers when two Elephants fight.

But come to think of it, why is it that public is made the scape-goat of a clash between Tanker Drivers and Naval Official(s)? While only nature (Snow or any other act of God) could kill in its infinite wisdom at seasons like this, in Nigeria, people killed themselves in Nassarawa State of Nigeria, over misunderstanding or whatever, between local farmers in the region and Fulani Cattle Rarers; what a way of celebrating Christmas in Nigeria.

As if the failed promises of government wasn't enough, yet it is only at Christmas that some Nigerian banks chosed to down-size; thus, making the affected employees celebrate the birth of Christ in agony and worries about where to get the next job. As if we all don't know that the Western world engaged in some kind of bailout that will almeliorate the biting hardship occasioned by the global economic meltdown. Yet, the impact of our own bailout is only seen in an increasing prices of essential commodities. Interestingly, like King Pharouh or King Herold, the yoke or burden of economic meltdown has been worsen by the sharp practices of the Oil Marketers; while the killing has taken a different dimension, respectively.

Perhaps those Nigerians, who never gave a thought to the fact that nothing last forever, don't have any clue as to what the celebration of Christmas means. Otherwise, those who gave the eager-to-hike Petroleum pump prices marketers at the slightest excuse would have known that, rather than give anyone cause to worry or suffer under Christmas, the best gift to offer anyone was either Love or Peace or both. Going further, government should've intervened just like the British government, who recently intervened in the alleged strike/industrial action threat of British Airways workers under the consideration of the effect of such action on the general public within and outside Britain. Maybe because, we have an insensitive government, who probably is saying... to hell with your action/threat and its impact on Nigerians. Otherwise, with swift action, the government would've stop the action, knowing the ripple effects and the usual inflationary repercussion.

The question to ask though, is, if some people somewhere threaten to go on strike in retaliation to a slight or any kind of grief; does it mean government don't have alternative provision for its citizenry, or better still a strategic plan?

It's a pity that, we have deviced an entirely allien means of celebrating Christmas of pain and joy or sorry and grief as against the supposed season of joy, peace and love, which Jesus Christ's birth brought to mankind. Yet, Nigerians keep praying that God should intervene, even when it's obvious that Nigerians are confused and don't know whether, God is the solution, and of course, God is the solution. But before God will come in, he definitely will expect some sign of concern and an action from the people who need his help.

Is it impossible for Nigerians to return to our old culture of communalism and being our brothers keeper? Or is that the people inflicting pain on fellow Nigerians are from another planet, who probably cannot be reached by their friends, relatives and associates, who would been in a better position to appeal to their consciences? Probably to set a deterrant to the sharp practices by the Oil Marketers and the extra judicial killings by some privileged Nigerians is the big deal. We often know what has happened, but not what happens next, and so hineous crimes are often swept under the carpet. Otherwise, it would have been possible to whisk the person(s) behind the evil of the pain caused by the actions of the petroleum agony Nigerians are going through under a supposed merry making period. And even the actors behind the Bomb blast, should have been arrested before their escape; but trust the kind of things that happens in Nigeria, and how it will all end on an interesting note that will neither sound a final warning, nor serve as a deterrant

An Idiom from Eze...

In a seldom morning chat came an idiomatic statement from my dear friend Mr. Eze Egeonu and he puts it thus:

The Chickens made friends with Eaglets at school and when they got home, they narrated the story of their good friends to their parents just as the Eaglets did. Yet the Eaglets parents urge them to invite home their interesting friends. And one faithful day, the Eaglets return home with the Chickens and when the Eagle saw these plum and beautiful Chickens, he was more than excited. But when the Chickens left, the Eagle was quick to tell his wards that those beautiful meals he used to serve them were from the Chicken, of course they got excited too and were very eager to invite them again. The chickens in turn reported their visit to their curious mother (Hen) who told them, look that your best friend is our worst enermy. And so the next time the Eaglets came with their invite, the Chickens were quick to tell the Eaglets that, the same story they were told by their parent (Eagle) have been made known to them too. Thus, neither the Chicken, nor the Hen no longer bothers to cover up her stool; rather each time she passes stool anywhere, she runs away for the fear of the unknown.


What lesson can we draw from it? The import actually is that a bad leader will always be on the run because of his/her bad deeds, and again, you can have it your way most times but never perpetually. You may fool the people, cheat them as many times as it please your reign, but nothing last forever. For sure an end is coming soon for that which seem burdensome and endless.

Proverb the day!

The man who thinks he's wise and decides to bury himself, would definitely leave one arm exposed in his grave. Those who think they're smarter than others should beware....

POLITICS OF ROTATION: YAR 'ADUA V/S JONATHAN

No country can equal Nigeria as far as politics is concern. As paradoxical as this might sound, it is so true that we have made landmark achievements by way of bizarre actings and in other political-show of shame and impunity. So what are we equating with what? We have a whole lot, that no nation can match, when it comes to Nigerian politics. Indeed right from the first republic, the Nigerian politics has witnessed interesting turbulent moments. The key actors/leaders in the past have taken actions that have put the entire nation in shamble; all in the name of national interest. Yet , no lesson to learn, instead we keep busing ourselves with talks and writings that doesn’t work the idea/issue in dispute or discuss. Thus, reminscent the old public opinion laws... that defines the attitude of men, when their core interests are affected or to be protected.

A friend once told me that, he turn down his constituent request to come and represent them at the political forefront. I asked him why? And I couldn’t help but laugh at his simple answer: “I think, Politics is for crooks and I have more interesting things to do than soil my name.” My good friend is an interesting opinion leader, whose opinion contravens the will of his people, just because of what he believes as far as politics is concern. In all honesty, there are many out there, who share in Uncle Dandy’s view point of politics being too dirty and crooked. To this set, an endless wait for Christ’s second coming for redemption is the way out; they dare not thinker the possibility or need for self-emancipation. All they know is that, to rule/lead is for the powerful; whether the rulership/leadership style is killing or not, it doesn’t matter. All they know is that, their endless wait for the liberator, is the only answer to the much expected salvation.

Interestingly, the powerful tacticians and power-brokers have understood the mindset of the voiceless, inactive or passive political advocates, who know how to shout without actioning it. They have understood the workings of the Nigerian politics of opportunism, god-fatherism, money-bags, legendry-monachs and sons/daughters of the ruling class; whose names we never heard in the history books, local or international. This set, knows that majority of Nigerians are cowards or the proverbial barking dogs that never bites. And with the deeply entrenched fear among the Nigerian electorates, these opportunists and power-brokers have always had a field day. Yet the height of impunity with which they demonstrate their high-headedness and tyranical leadership style is a wonder. Little wonder, they apply the rotational political style without considering the interest or concern of the Nigerian masses.

So, which country on earth can match this tall political credential of our beloved Nigeria? Well, the answer lies in politics of rotation. The type that is determined by what the People Democratic Party (PDP) - leading party has to say, and NOT what the Nigerian Constitution has to say. It is a pity that, these political actors/opportunists/power-brokers have succeeded in rotating Nigeria and Nigerians like a spinning cone, without any hope of falling either with the head or tail. They’ve rotated Nigeria for more than forty years without realizing that a forward step-by-step movement is better than the one-spot, retrogressive circumnavigation/circumlocution. To them, progress doesn’t matter, what is paramount is rotation and extreme/liftist political interest. Perhaps, the public treasury loot and reckless mismanagement of our common-wealth, which is the motivation for some of them, has blinded their hunches.

Therefore the questions begging answers are: by what frame-work are those in public offices governing Nigeria? Is it by the party norms and agenda or by the NIGERIAN CONSTITUTION? Why is it that, our dear President’s ill-health and the vaccum so created in Aso-Rock, has become a matter of PDP leadership decision, instead a constitutional one? Why is that Nigerians have become so docile, passive and powerless that just a handful of some selfishless, greedy and heartless opportunists or politicians could bondage our future and toil with it, when we all know that our liberation/salvation lies in our very hands? In all fairness to most of our current crop of Legislators; the Nigerian political arena has witnessed quite an interesting transformation, lobbying, advocation and legislation. But, very truly, their loudible achievements are being rubbished by their king-makers/god-fathers/cabals, who believe that, their take or interest is what matters, as far as governance is concern.

One thing, these actors must know, is that many Nigerians are no longer in the dark-days of ignorance; many thanks to Chief Olusegun obasanjo, whose political activism has brought some ill-intent but positive changes. Thank God, for the Nigerian constitution which has been made available to everyone who cares about acquiring a copy. But the irony of it is that many of us need the help our constitution lawyers to educate Nigerians on the content/text of the Nigerian Constitution, so that we would know how to demand for our rights. Many Nigerians are in desparate need of constitutional and political enlightenment and sensitization to be able jump -start the liberation struggle. Otherwise, these tyrants/political-opportunists and power-brokers would land us in the Heat-Red, Red-Sea. And there’s nothing any Nigerian can do about it, apart from complaining and lamenting. They all know that Nigerians can only shout, complain and lament, and end up in one spot doing nothing about their lamentations. Our fears have become their strength and inspiration; insensitivity to the plight of the ordinary Nigerian has become a norm and a positive value.

It’s foolhardy to rejoice at President Yar ‘Adua ailing health, after all, none of us can predict or dictate what happens to us the next minute. Nigerians, honestly don’t need this one-sided and sentimental style of politics called “Politics of Rotation.” After all, the people in power today got there par chance, courtesy of Nigerians inactivity and docile nature. If PDP doesn’t know, at least those of its members that have conscience and a good sense of judgement should have known the truth and tell it to the top echelon of the party that, what matters is good governance and not rotational politics of sentiments and ethnicity.

If for no other reason, at least for the mere fact that, for over forty years, rotational politics has taken us nowhere, except in the same spot of retrogressive -circumnavigation/circumlocution. It really doesn’t matter, who rules/leads Nigeria, whether a Northerner or Southerner, what should matter is good governance and not political propaganda and sycophancy. Those who have succeeded in rotating themselves in government for over forty years, should have been wise enough to realize that, even though there’s no ovatition, what they’ve amass for those endless and hopeless reign, can take care of their third generation. Rather than wait, for the wind of change to disgrace them out of office, it is better for them to bury their faces in shame and quit the political scene quietly. For the wrath of God is fast coming. And when it gets there, the actors will no longer have a hiding place, and their cohorts/sycophants will abandon them to their fates.

We all know that, in every bit of rumour, fact elements abound. Again, many Nigerians know the position of the lapses ridden constitution; so the noises coming from the PDP circles and the wave length of the power-brokers and cabals about Vice President – Goodluck Jonathan being compelled to resign, and of course, the declaration of 9-day prayer/Aso-Rock not being vacant, sinks clearly in the ears and minds of Nigerians. But there’s a limit to everything. There’s a limit to how long Nigerians will remain silent to the illegality and manipulations of PDP in elections, in governance and in the outrageous and bizarre leadership style. Indeed there’s a limit to the endurance of the pains the party is inflicting on Nigerians; there’s a limit to the tolerance of failed promises of 6000 MG Watt of electricity, rebranding, secrecy, deceit and tenure elongation even in the face of the willing-horse failing health. Nigerians know how to love but the precedent being set by some bad leaders is creating a new culture of hate and disenchantment.

Those who mean well for Nigeria, should quit talking and confront these cabals, who tell lies even on oath, who have toiled with our future for countless years. They’s should be told about empathy, and the fact that nothing last forever except change. And that God is watching everyone of us. Thus, the fear of God, will herald the wisdom that will save them from the wrath or Sledge-Hammer hanging in the air. Rather than campign or lobby for who occupy’s the seat in Aso-Rock, we should rather pray for Mr. President because, whatever happens to him will affect everyone Nigerian, whether directly or indirectly. We know, that the one who beqeathed power to him, had an agenda. Interestingly, he regretted one thing about his choice/action at least for once – July 22, 2009 in Ota, and that is the fact that, President Umaru Musa Yar ‘Adua disappointed him with the continuity promise which according him (Chief Olusegun Obasanjo), motivated him into joining “the Yar ‘Adua and Jonathan campaign train” in 2007. From hindsight, we should tell the truth about the provision of the Nigerian Constitution, which states clearly the hierarchy of order in the event that, a sitting – president quit office for either health conditions or an act of God. We should also, remember that the devil is always pursuing God’s children, yet as s/he chases after the children of God, so God trails him/her. Thus, we had better be mindful of our alterances concerning President – Yar ‘Adua’s health. Whoever, wishes him death should know that God is behind him.... It is high time Nigerians got involved in the decision making and policy formulation of Nigeria, especially as it bothers on governance, because whatever happens in the nations rolls back to our choice of policies and leadership.

Indeed a situation where Nigerians don’t have a say in the determination of the affairs of the state either by true representation or proxy, spell danger for our unity and development. The choice of liberating Nigeria from evilmen and greedy men is a collective and compulsory task, so if we/you can't take the initiative by telling our parents, uncles, friends, associates, party members and “representatives” the gospel truth, then we had better quit complaining and shouting and do the politics of rotation instead.