As it is with everything ever written, it begins with a story. The tale of a child and how by following a sphere of light billions of miles away, men who claimed wisdom bestowed upon him the title; King. It is the story of Jesus, but since we know it already I’ll just move on.
Years ago, let’s say 2030 years ago, ‘Christmas’ would probably have been a Jewish birthday celebration of some carpenter's kid. Maybe there would have been toys, small wooden figures, horses or camels made in his father’s workshop. A fat uncle here and there, one or two scribes or rabbis, some guys from the Carpenters Association, friends from the neighbourhood synagogue, wine and water and the general spirit of cheer.
Nowadays, it’s an international celebration of feasts with chicken and turkeys and fireworks and parties and worshippers lighting candles and singing “Come all ye faithful”. In this country,[Nigeria], the tradition of holly weaving and sipping eggnog by the fireplace have not really caught on, though I spot a mistletoe twig here and there (especially around my bedroom) and we do sing carols and drink beer.
I have at best celebrated fourteen Christmases with a sane mind and I have enjoyed just about every single one of them. For years, the season was my favorite and the gifts just made it all the sweeter. The taste of éclairs and chocolate bonbons on my tongue and the scratchy Jim Reeves vocals on the gramophone while Mum and Dad danced to “Christmas polka” are among my fondest memories.
Now I am older, I have just graduated from the University and I am accountable. The sounds of “Christmas polka” have faded into the dark of my mind and the onus is upon me to create new memories, so I ask myself; what is happening this Christmas?
In Calabar, and in Lagos, Port-Harcourt and Abuja, the streets are agog with merriment and both literally and figuratively, the carnival is in town. I write from Benin City, the Ancient Kingdom, and one could say, the closest thing to a carnival that this city knows is a couple of local talents screaming out their lungs to an audience already inebriated with alcohol. But there in is fun nonetheless.
Outside my window, in the streets by my house (my mother’s house actually), the people are awake, the sidewalks are crowded and lit brightly. Young and old people sit and tell jokes, even at this time (it is 10:22pm, 24th December), the sound of jubilation is in the air and the merriment is palpable. Firecrackers scream into the heavens giving yours truly a start every now and then, and with them, ‘real’ fireworks light up the sky in an amazing display of colours, making everything beautiful. And I smile and imagine tomorrow.
Tomorrow would be sunny, the air would be bright and in the wind, a sparkle so beautiful. Magical tones would tinkle upon the leaves, and wafting out of every house, the sweet, sweet sounds of carols. Joy would resonate in every heart and ‘jingle bells’ chime in our spirits. In my city, the worshippers would sing praises as the fatted turkeys and chickens would come to rest in our bellies, chased down by healthy quantities of the proper brews. Night would come quickly, and as the dark comes upon us, the streets in my area would light up in sparkles of red and green and Christmas lights. And the carnivals would blaze in brighter colours and the people would be happy and everyone would say “Merry Christmas”, and all tribe and religion shall be one.
But I was wrong.
This Christmas did not dawn sunny. I woke with a sore throat to find a dull morning. The sky was overcast in gray clouds and the air was hazy with the thread of dryness and a hint of smog. The smell of cordite and gunpowder was in the air and the firecrackers continued to explode and startle me half to death. And then the bad news came. In the early hours of the morning, while worshippers prayed and sang, Evil struck and bombs blew up churches in Jos and Yobe. And the day which should have been joyous took on a solemn turn. And the power company refused to restore full power and the generators went on in every compound and soaked the atmosphere with smoke and soot.
But what is Christmas? Is it dependent upon circumstances or travails?
Like it has always been and most probably always will, the Spirit of kindness and love prevailed and the clouds parted and the veil of darkness was rolled away, and rays of sunshine penetrated the gloom and as though at a sign from the gods, everything became warm and I could hear the magical tinkles. From afar a neighbour shouted, “Merry Christmas!” and from every house up and down the street came back the chorus, and the air was filled with joy again.
Later in the evening, as I sat on the floor with family and friends, opening gifts, a holiday movie playing on TV, I could feel a stinging in my eyes as the tears threatened to fall. Whether because of the jet of Champagne that had splashed on my face as I opened the bottle or the joy I felt at that moment I cannot tell. One thing was certain nevertheless, this Christmas was wonderful. It did not hurt that ‘Santa’ had provided most of all that was on my wish list, [“World peace” would have to wait for next year], and it was a nice feeling when, as I was about to propose a toast, I heard a child scream from somewhere on the street, “Up NEPA!”
Merry Christmas!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
A Case for †ђξ gods
"As Ȋ̝̊̅§ usual, I would love τ̲̅ȍ announce that I do not intend τ̲̅ȍ act in atheistic temperament nor with any religion-attackin bias", this Ȋ̝̊̅§ M̶̲̥̅γ̲̣̣̥ opinion Ãήϑ I would let it be known, if you don't like it, I recommend you hug tight †ђξ transformer on your street.
That done, let's move on.
When we take a look down †ђξ halls of history, Ãήϑ we picture the wars fought on †ђξ great plains; Elba, Stalingrad, Carthage, Little Horn, †ђξ streets of Biafra, we picture bloodsoaked streets Ãήϑ bodies of men Ãήϑ women Ãήϑ children, littered everywhere as far as †ђξ eye can see. We imagine †ђξ foulest stench upon †ђξ air; †ђξ smell of corpses Ãήϑ blood Ãήϑ Death. In our minds we bemoan these battles Ãήϑ we curse this waste of human life Ãήϑ we wonder at †ђξ folly behind it all.
There Ȋ̝̊̅§ little knowledge of obvious fact, that †ђξ greatest of all these battles, †ђξ most violent, †ђξ most determining Ȋ̝̊̅§ that which has for ages been fought in †ђξ minds of man. †ђξ Battle of Mind Ãήϑ Religion.
Religion Ȋ̝̊̅§ †ђξ belief in †ђξ existence of a Supreme Power which governs †ђξ affairs of Man Ãήϑ †ђξ world. Man, as †ђξ social Ãήϑ cultural being that he Ȋ̝̊̅§ , has Religion intrinsically woven into †ђξ very fabric of his being. Every man believes in a Power (whether it be Allah, GOD, Zeus or †ђξ Mighty Atom), Ãήϑ this should never be counted against him. Where †ђξ problem lies Ãήϑ where it must be confronted Ȋ̝̊̅§ in †ђξ fanaticism or bigotry associated with these beliefs.
In †ђξ state of Nigeria (more than a couple of years ago), existed tribes Ãήϑ peoples, various 'nations' spanning from †ђξ Southern riverine areas over †ђξ mountains τ̲̅ȍ †ђξ arid North, Ãήϑ in between all these lay a vast pantheon of gods. Every tribe believed in theirs Ãήϑ in all of †ђξ Niger area all was at Spiritual peace. Until there came a camel rider from †ђξ desert Ãήϑ †ђξ religion of Islam was introduced τ̲̅ȍ this soil. Unlike †ђξ previous religions practiced in this land, this Islam spelt boldly that all other gods were false Ãήϑ their followers infidel Ãήϑ wrong. It proclaimed that whosoever followed †ђξ God of Islam was set for an Afterlife of paradise Ãήϑ those who didn't were destined for †ђξ Sheol. †ђξ people who heard this message were angered but soon enough †ђξ new religion caught on, (especially after a war was waged on its behalf), Ãήϑ all was at rest.
But not for very long.
Across †ђξ sea came another group, on iron camels[ships], this time around. These ones where whiteskinned Ãήϑ they brought a religion called Christianity Ãήϑ †ђξ god was called Jesus. This religion advocated †ђξ non-existence Ãήϑ complete powerlessness of †ђξ ancient gods, Ãήϑ it demanded that all follow its path. According τ̲̅ȍ Christian God, if you did not believe Ãήϑ spread this gospel, you will burn in Hellfire etc etc. As usual, †ђξ people did not follow completely, until there was a war, Ãήϑ they were knocked into that religion.
Ãήϑ thus began an era of religious bigotry, where men who once lived together in harmonious peace now sought τ̲̅ȍ convert their fellow brothers τ̲̅ȍ their religion, desperate Ãήϑ ready τ̲̅ȍ use force where necessary. In a classic example of a tug of war by evenly matched sides, †ђξ rope which was Nigeria tore in two.
Two, but not half.
Welcome τ̲̅ȍ Nigeria in †ђξ latter end of 2011, †ђξ land of bigotry Ãήϑ a welcome example of a country hanging by a thread. †ђξ people have all taken their places Ãήϑ †ђξ citizenry lies divided between a number of religious groups, with †ђξ majority Ãήϑ definitely most volatile being shared between †ђξ God of Islam Ãήϑ †ђξ Christian God. In †ђξ schools Ãήϑ Universities, †ђξ centres of learning, †ђξ very place where one would have expected more logical points of view, students are persuaded τ̲̅ȍ join one of †ђξ two major groups. Ãήϑ so it Ȋ̝̊̅§ , in †ђξ markets, †ђξ shops, †ђξ offices, in buses Ãήϑ on planes, †ђξ proselytizing goes on Ãήϑ we are constantly being sold one or †ђξ other brand of religion, while that which should bind us Ãήϑ National unity goes down †ђξ drain τ̲̅ȍ rest in an archive of lost hope Ãήϑ diminished glory.
When asked of a student Pastor, what he would do if a traditional worshipper walked into his class, he replied, "I will take up a cane Ãήϑ flog him out". What amazes Ȋ̝̊̅§ that, †ђξ Pastor sees nothing wrong in that. In a fit of righteousness, he throws away his sensibilities Ãήϑ †ђξ onus τ̲̅ȍ protect GOD-given freedom Ãήϑ takes upon a pseudo-mantle of punisher. What stupidity!
Ãήϑ now, I wonder, were things not better before these bigotry gods came?
Just saying...
That done, let's move on.
When we take a look down †ђξ halls of history, Ãήϑ we picture the wars fought on †ђξ great plains; Elba, Stalingrad, Carthage, Little Horn, †ђξ streets of Biafra, we picture bloodsoaked streets Ãήϑ bodies of men Ãήϑ women Ãήϑ children, littered everywhere as far as †ђξ eye can see. We imagine †ђξ foulest stench upon †ђξ air; †ђξ smell of corpses Ãήϑ blood Ãήϑ Death. In our minds we bemoan these battles Ãήϑ we curse this waste of human life Ãήϑ we wonder at †ђξ folly behind it all.
There Ȋ̝̊̅§ little knowledge of obvious fact, that †ђξ greatest of all these battles, †ђξ most violent, †ђξ most determining Ȋ̝̊̅§ that which has for ages been fought in †ђξ minds of man. †ђξ Battle of Mind Ãήϑ Religion.
Religion Ȋ̝̊̅§ †ђξ belief in †ђξ existence of a Supreme Power which governs †ђξ affairs of Man Ãήϑ †ђξ world. Man, as †ђξ social Ãήϑ cultural being that he Ȋ̝̊̅§ , has Religion intrinsically woven into †ђξ very fabric of his being. Every man believes in a Power (whether it be Allah, GOD, Zeus or †ђξ Mighty Atom), Ãήϑ this should never be counted against him. Where †ђξ problem lies Ãήϑ where it must be confronted Ȋ̝̊̅§ in †ђξ fanaticism or bigotry associated with these beliefs.
In †ђξ state of Nigeria (more than a couple of years ago), existed tribes Ãήϑ peoples, various 'nations' spanning from †ђξ Southern riverine areas over †ђξ mountains τ̲̅ȍ †ђξ arid North, Ãήϑ in between all these lay a vast pantheon of gods. Every tribe believed in theirs Ãήϑ in all of †ђξ Niger area all was at Spiritual peace. Until there came a camel rider from †ђξ desert Ãήϑ †ђξ religion of Islam was introduced τ̲̅ȍ this soil. Unlike †ђξ previous religions practiced in this land, this Islam spelt boldly that all other gods were false Ãήϑ their followers infidel Ãήϑ wrong. It proclaimed that whosoever followed †ђξ God of Islam was set for an Afterlife of paradise Ãήϑ those who didn't were destined for †ђξ Sheol. †ђξ people who heard this message were angered but soon enough †ђξ new religion caught on, (especially after a war was waged on its behalf), Ãήϑ all was at rest.
But not for very long.
Across †ђξ sea came another group, on iron camels[ships], this time around. These ones where whiteskinned Ãήϑ they brought a religion called Christianity Ãήϑ †ђξ god was called Jesus. This religion advocated †ђξ non-existence Ãήϑ complete powerlessness of †ђξ ancient gods, Ãήϑ it demanded that all follow its path. According τ̲̅ȍ Christian God, if you did not believe Ãήϑ spread this gospel, you will burn in Hellfire etc etc. As usual, †ђξ people did not follow completely, until there was a war, Ãήϑ they were knocked into that religion.
Ãήϑ thus began an era of religious bigotry, where men who once lived together in harmonious peace now sought τ̲̅ȍ convert their fellow brothers τ̲̅ȍ their religion, desperate Ãήϑ ready τ̲̅ȍ use force where necessary. In a classic example of a tug of war by evenly matched sides, †ђξ rope which was Nigeria tore in two.
Two, but not half.
Welcome τ̲̅ȍ Nigeria in †ђξ latter end of 2011, †ђξ land of bigotry Ãήϑ a welcome example of a country hanging by a thread. †ђξ people have all taken their places Ãήϑ †ђξ citizenry lies divided between a number of religious groups, with †ђξ majority Ãήϑ definitely most volatile being shared between †ђξ God of Islam Ãήϑ †ђξ Christian God. In †ђξ schools Ãήϑ Universities, †ђξ centres of learning, †ђξ very place where one would have expected more logical points of view, students are persuaded τ̲̅ȍ join one of †ђξ two major groups. Ãήϑ so it Ȋ̝̊̅§ , in †ђξ markets, †ђξ shops, †ђξ offices, in buses Ãήϑ on planes, †ђξ proselytizing goes on Ãήϑ we are constantly being sold one or †ђξ other brand of religion, while that which should bind us Ãήϑ National unity goes down †ђξ drain τ̲̅ȍ rest in an archive of lost hope Ãήϑ diminished glory.
When asked of a student Pastor, what he would do if a traditional worshipper walked into his class, he replied, "I will take up a cane Ãήϑ flog him out". What amazes Ȋ̝̊̅§ that, †ђξ Pastor sees nothing wrong in that. In a fit of righteousness, he throws away his sensibilities Ãήϑ †ђξ onus τ̲̅ȍ protect GOD-given freedom Ãήϑ takes upon a pseudo-mantle of punisher. What stupidity!
Ãήϑ now, I wonder, were things not better before these bigotry gods came?
Just saying...
Friday, November 25, 2011
†ђξ Virgin
Who is she? What is her name? I dare not write it, nor does my heart dare τ̲̅ȍ speak it, for in its meaning it conveys beauty & at its utterance it sets fire τ̲̅ȍ the senses.
Oh, but the beauty of the gods!
When she smiles you're forced τ̲̅ȍ smile too, as though with †ђξ radiance which emits thus, you're assured of a future of bliss & no pain.
Oh, but d innocence behind that smile! It is as though †ђξ world is free & nothing can go wrong...
Then, she stands τ̲̅ȍ take a walk, you are conscious of those small pointed breasts as they appear in perfect proportion τ̲̅ȍ her slim frame which tapers towards a models waist & a flat belly.
Then at the waist,you're shocked again. For with a curve that would have made Andromeda jealous, her derriere reaches out and curves with such luscious lines, you gasp for breath. Then she walks away swinging her hips τ̲̅ȍ the rhythm of a silent primal beat..the walk is not forced, it is not learned, it's natural.
You keep on staring & suddenly it seems she has noticed, for she suddenly turns with an amused tilt τ̲̅ȍ her head & a mischievous smile on her lips. Her face is smooth & fair, her eyebrows are full & dark.
Then you see her eyes! and d world stops..
Behind those long lashes are dark pools that promise
desire & yet reveal chastity. You long τ̲̅ȍ drown in them, yet you fear τ̲̅ȍ tarnish their purity. You long τ̲̅ȍ know their secrets, τ̲̅ȍ feel their pains & their joys & their fears. You long to love them.. She blinks slowly & her eyelids flutter & open again. It is not on purpose but it sends a shiver of anticipation down your spine τ̲̅ȍ rest in your bowels & a now familiar stirring rises in your groin.
She smiles again & resumes her walk, then you realise you've been holding your breath.
Oh lord, you sigh, she's beautiful.
And it's true.
Oh, but the beauty of the gods!
When she smiles you're forced τ̲̅ȍ smile too, as though with †ђξ radiance which emits thus, you're assured of a future of bliss & no pain.
Oh, but d innocence behind that smile! It is as though †ђξ world is free & nothing can go wrong...
Then, she stands τ̲̅ȍ take a walk, you are conscious of those small pointed breasts as they appear in perfect proportion τ̲̅ȍ her slim frame which tapers towards a models waist & a flat belly.
Then at the waist,you're shocked again. For with a curve that would have made Andromeda jealous, her derriere reaches out and curves with such luscious lines, you gasp for breath. Then she walks away swinging her hips τ̲̅ȍ the rhythm of a silent primal beat..the walk is not forced, it is not learned, it's natural.
You keep on staring & suddenly it seems she has noticed, for she suddenly turns with an amused tilt τ̲̅ȍ her head & a mischievous smile on her lips. Her face is smooth & fair, her eyebrows are full & dark.
Then you see her eyes! and d world stops..
Behind those long lashes are dark pools that promise
desire & yet reveal chastity. You long τ̲̅ȍ drown in them, yet you fear τ̲̅ȍ tarnish their purity. You long τ̲̅ȍ know their secrets, τ̲̅ȍ feel their pains & their joys & their fears. You long to love them.. She blinks slowly & her eyelids flutter & open again. It is not on purpose but it sends a shiver of anticipation down your spine τ̲̅ȍ rest in your bowels & a now familiar stirring rises in your groin.
She smiles again & resumes her walk, then you realise you've been holding your breath.
Oh lord, you sigh, she's beautiful.
And it's true.
Cry of Pain..
The clouds darken, mirroring my mood...all around me evil gathers as I plummet deeper & deeper into
an abyss of sorrow &pain.
D pain is not physical; it reaches from deep within †ђξ far reaches of my heart...gnawing & chewing away, this
nebulous monster takes apart my faith and soul until I'm nothing more dan a pack of muscle & bone.
Once, i was content: young, smart, christian & in love, then in one swoop dat lasted a year, everything changed & †ђξ colours of d world 'harshened' from a golden yellow τ̲̅ȍ the gray of a
cloudy sky and a black as the Devil's robes.
I grew older and the complexities of d world were laid bare τ̲̅ȍ me as childish innocence faded away; I grew smarter & less wise as I chose Science & Logic over Faith & God and as the last straw, Love died and d futility of it all was laid
bare.
But I did not die!
Rather I gave myself τ̲̅ȍ instinct as i became the true animal; powerful, proud & handsome. Avenues were examined by instinct and a measure of Logic rather than blind Faith; Love was discarded as
lust and freedom were embraced as against †ђξ fetters of a relationship. In it all, a sliver of regard was retained for God, however his servants I regarded with suspicion - experience haven taught
me never to trust, where before I would have relied on Faith.
However, soon I lapsed into debauchery and I gave myself up to enjoyment to d full & discipline was thrown out the window.
Slowly and slowly, I dug the pit into which I fell, I 'smoothened' the sides so I couldn't climb out Ãήϑ by d time I realised it.. It was too late...too late...
an abyss of sorrow &pain.
D pain is not physical; it reaches from deep within †ђξ far reaches of my heart...gnawing & chewing away, this
nebulous monster takes apart my faith and soul until I'm nothing more dan a pack of muscle & bone.
Once, i was content: young, smart, christian & in love, then in one swoop dat lasted a year, everything changed & †ђξ colours of d world 'harshened' from a golden yellow τ̲̅ȍ the gray of a
cloudy sky and a black as the Devil's robes.
I grew older and the complexities of d world were laid bare τ̲̅ȍ me as childish innocence faded away; I grew smarter & less wise as I chose Science & Logic over Faith & God and as the last straw, Love died and d futility of it all was laid
bare.
But I did not die!
Rather I gave myself τ̲̅ȍ instinct as i became the true animal; powerful, proud & handsome. Avenues were examined by instinct and a measure of Logic rather than blind Faith; Love was discarded as
lust and freedom were embraced as against †ђξ fetters of a relationship. In it all, a sliver of regard was retained for God, however his servants I regarded with suspicion - experience haven taught
me never to trust, where before I would have relied on Faith.
However, soon I lapsed into debauchery and I gave myself up to enjoyment to d full & discipline was thrown out the window.
Slowly and slowly, I dug the pit into which I fell, I 'smoothened' the sides so I couldn't climb out Ãήϑ by d time I realised it.. It was too late...too late...
Monday, November 14, 2011
†ђξ darkness of †ђξ Soul...
There Ȋ̝̊̅§ a darkness at †ђξ heart of every man. †ђξ measure of †ђξ strength of that man Ȋ̝̊̅§ his ability τ̲̅ȍ conquer that darkness. In this battle with †ђξ very tightly woven fabric of his soul, a man sometimes loses, but †ђξ men who are counted worthy Ãήϑ who stand above all others are those who break through Ãήϑ destroy that darkness.
†ђξ people who stay around you, who form your circle of friends, who are your family, those you care most about, they feel †ђξ brunt of this darkness. It Ȋ̝̊̅§ they, who first feel †ђξ whip of †ђξ evil which resides deep within you. Ãήϑ †ђξ question which always arises: could you have stopped it? Could you have prevented this evil from existing Ãήϑ from affecting †ђξ people you love?
In †ђξ effort τ̲̅ȍ destroy that which so eagerly threatens τ̲̅ȍ tear apart †ђξ very fabric of our soul, we find ourselves understanding it, we come τ̲̅ȍ love it, we come τ̲̅ȍ enjoy †ђξ feeling it releases Ãήϑ as with every drug, we become addicted Ãήϑ we come τ̲̅ȍ need it. It Ȋ̝̊̅§ at this point that we transcend that point where we were embattled humans Ãήϑ we become truly evil.
When we don't care anymore, when we do what we do because we can Ãήϑ with absolutely NƠ̴͡ regard for †ђξ feelings of our friends. When we remove †ђξ care Ãήϑ warmth of emotion Ãήϑ we truly Ãήϑ wholly become cold blocks of icy logic. When we die τ̲̅ȍ †ђξ world Ãήϑ care NƠ̴͡ more. When we lose those we care for †ђξ most. Then we near †ђξ pit Ãήϑ that crevasse from which if we surrender, we would never pull out again.
When do you then demand for salvation? ♓☺W do you get it? Ãήϑ from whence may it come?
As it Ȋ̝̊̅§ with any form of ice Ãήϑ cold, warmth Ȋ̝̊̅§ †ђξ cure Ãήϑ a rush of emotions Ȋ̝̊̅§ necessary. But in a heart so cold Ãήϑ dead, can love so pure suffer it τ̲̅ȍ break?
A rush of emotions, a cold heart, a teary eye Ãήϑ a heart torn nearly assunder...
Pure madness.
†ђξ people who stay around you, who form your circle of friends, who are your family, those you care most about, they feel †ђξ brunt of this darkness. It Ȋ̝̊̅§ they, who first feel †ђξ whip of †ђξ evil which resides deep within you. Ãήϑ †ђξ question which always arises: could you have stopped it? Could you have prevented this evil from existing Ãήϑ from affecting †ђξ people you love?
In †ђξ effort τ̲̅ȍ destroy that which so eagerly threatens τ̲̅ȍ tear apart †ђξ very fabric of our soul, we find ourselves understanding it, we come τ̲̅ȍ love it, we come τ̲̅ȍ enjoy †ђξ feeling it releases Ãήϑ as with every drug, we become addicted Ãήϑ we come τ̲̅ȍ need it. It Ȋ̝̊̅§ at this point that we transcend that point where we were embattled humans Ãήϑ we become truly evil.
When we don't care anymore, when we do what we do because we can Ãήϑ with absolutely NƠ̴͡ regard for †ђξ feelings of our friends. When we remove †ђξ care Ãήϑ warmth of emotion Ãήϑ we truly Ãήϑ wholly become cold blocks of icy logic. When we die τ̲̅ȍ †ђξ world Ãήϑ care NƠ̴͡ more. When we lose those we care for †ђξ most. Then we near †ђξ pit Ãήϑ that crevasse from which if we surrender, we would never pull out again.
When do you then demand for salvation? ♓☺W do you get it? Ãήϑ from whence may it come?
As it Ȋ̝̊̅§ with any form of ice Ãήϑ cold, warmth Ȋ̝̊̅§ †ђξ cure Ãήϑ a rush of emotions Ȋ̝̊̅§ necessary. But in a heart so cold Ãήϑ dead, can love so pure suffer it τ̲̅ȍ break?
A rush of emotions, a cold heart, a teary eye Ãήϑ a heart torn nearly assunder...
Pure madness.
Democracy: †ђξ utopian farce
Democracy, they said, was government of the people, by them and for them. The history behind the concept stretches back in time through the ages and I will not bore us with a history lesson. There are other things to bore with.
Democracy as an ideology is wonderful, but just as it is with Faith and fiction, it exists on the pages and in the mind. It has no tangible form.
There is no way in any normal society so prone to many different psyches and ideologies even, that a system of government whereby a people lead themselves in such away that the profits are shared equitably among them can exist.
Humans are animals at their best, beasts at their worst, and with all such living forms, there is something known as a caste system. Some are always at the top, and the profits of the spoils are given to them for first sampling.
Take a lion's pride for instance. Lions, as the heads and rulers, if I may, of their prides, stay back while the rest of the pride, the lionesses, do the hunting, and the killing. A classic example of 'Monkey dey work, Baboon dey chop...'
The President of the nation, or Ruler or Chancellor, is an animal, a baboon.
One basic thing about democracy which is utterly surprising is the irony which lies between 'basic human rights' and 'upholding the rule of law'. For the completely antagonistic who are willing to learn, I'll give a short lesson.
What are basic human rights?
Right to food, shelter, warmth right? Wrong. It goes a lot further than that. It extends far more. It involves the right to do what one wants to do. Whenever one wants to do it. That is the part they try to make us forget.
Please note that, I do not seek to promote any form of anarchy or indicate that there exists a conspiracy to put down the common man below the boots of the Baboon.
I just want to say the truth, and as I see it. You are entitled to your own belief.
'Upholding the rule of law' is another matter entirely. What exactly is the rule of law? I don't have a law degree. I graduate from the University with a bachelor's degree in microbiology, but I know that 'upholding the rule of law' involves the use of force to determine that the inhabitants of a particular area are subject to rules that have been put down by other people. A direct violation of their rights.
The upholding of the law is a direct violation of the law.
Democracy like I said before is a farce, and not only in my country, Nigeria. It is the same all over the world, but here in Nigeria, the stink of the falsehood which follows the concept reeks so badly, one is tempted to look over his shoulder for the source of the smell.
In a law debate, the argument for democracy would go thus: the people making the laws which govern the land were put in place by the same people who are to be governed. There is no problem with that concept and ignoring the obvious, (which involves election rigging and the simple fact that it is not always the person one wants that gets elected), it may even be applauded but for a single problem. The simple issue that it eliminates freedom.
The singular feature which coats democracy and makes it so attractive to the world, is freedom. Democracy promises freedom and an opportunity for the man at the bottom to reach the top. It eliminates the caste system and places each man as an equal. Small wonder the Russian revolution and the overthrow of the Tsar. Very Greek, very Christian even.
It does this on paper only.
Democracy institutionalizes position, and that which in the monarchial caste system is based on birthrights is now left for whoever can grab it. Very un-bourgeois if I may, and thoroughly false.
Democracy is like the rainbow, a colouring so visible to the eye and yet, so invisible and unreachable. In my opinion, as a concept, to be taught in schools and maybe practised, there is
no problem. But as an ideology higher placed than gerontocracy or the monarchy, I demand it be pulled down.
The concept never worked, except in an ideal society. And we know, no such thing exists.
Democracy as an ideology is wonderful, but just as it is with Faith and fiction, it exists on the pages and in the mind. It has no tangible form.
There is no way in any normal society so prone to many different psyches and ideologies even, that a system of government whereby a people lead themselves in such away that the profits are shared equitably among them can exist.
Humans are animals at their best, beasts at their worst, and with all such living forms, there is something known as a caste system. Some are always at the top, and the profits of the spoils are given to them for first sampling.
Take a lion's pride for instance. Lions, as the heads and rulers, if I may, of their prides, stay back while the rest of the pride, the lionesses, do the hunting, and the killing. A classic example of 'Monkey dey work, Baboon dey chop...'
The President of the nation, or Ruler or Chancellor, is an animal, a baboon.
One basic thing about democracy which is utterly surprising is the irony which lies between 'basic human rights' and 'upholding the rule of law'. For the completely antagonistic who are willing to learn, I'll give a short lesson.
What are basic human rights?
Right to food, shelter, warmth right? Wrong. It goes a lot further than that. It extends far more. It involves the right to do what one wants to do. Whenever one wants to do it. That is the part they try to make us forget.
Please note that, I do not seek to promote any form of anarchy or indicate that there exists a conspiracy to put down the common man below the boots of the Baboon.
I just want to say the truth, and as I see it. You are entitled to your own belief.
'Upholding the rule of law' is another matter entirely. What exactly is the rule of law? I don't have a law degree. I graduate from the University with a bachelor's degree in microbiology, but I know that 'upholding the rule of law' involves the use of force to determine that the inhabitants of a particular area are subject to rules that have been put down by other people. A direct violation of their rights.
The upholding of the law is a direct violation of the law.
Democracy like I said before is a farce, and not only in my country, Nigeria. It is the same all over the world, but here in Nigeria, the stink of the falsehood which follows the concept reeks so badly, one is tempted to look over his shoulder for the source of the smell.
In a law debate, the argument for democracy would go thus: the people making the laws which govern the land were put in place by the same people who are to be governed. There is no problem with that concept and ignoring the obvious, (which involves election rigging and the simple fact that it is not always the person one wants that gets elected), it may even be applauded but for a single problem. The simple issue that it eliminates freedom.
The singular feature which coats democracy and makes it so attractive to the world, is freedom. Democracy promises freedom and an opportunity for the man at the bottom to reach the top. It eliminates the caste system and places each man as an equal. Small wonder the Russian revolution and the overthrow of the Tsar. Very Greek, very Christian even.
It does this on paper only.
Democracy institutionalizes position, and that which in the monarchial caste system is based on birthrights is now left for whoever can grab it. Very un-bourgeois if I may, and thoroughly false.
Democracy is like the rainbow, a colouring so visible to the eye and yet, so invisible and unreachable. In my opinion, as a concept, to be taught in schools and maybe practised, there is
no problem. But as an ideology higher placed than gerontocracy or the monarchy, I demand it be pulled down.
The concept never worked, except in an ideal society. And we know, no such thing exists.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Our Independence; Our Freedom
*Clearing throat* Yes, it's time for something serious. Once again, I have abandoned my adolescence and pick up the mantle of my 'Old age', according to my roommate.*laugh* Time to pen the words for my country.
Years ago, so long now it is almost forgotten, that brilliant Sunday morning in October, when we became a nation, free, and independent. For sixty years, we had been an official colony, a protectorate of the British Royalty. Finally, freedom was ours. One country, one nation, united under one banner, by border and as brothers, one people under GOD; Nigeria.
Many years have passed now and yet the meaning of what we won by blood and toil is still lost upon us. Independence is what we celebrate, but the true meaning of our independence is unknown to us. As a date upon which a state is free as a polity and is able to conduct herself politically, we understand October 1, 1960. But as the day when a people came together as one, and the dark blue Union Jack was tossed down and a new, bright green and white flag flew bravely from the rooftops, signifying a people free from dependence or control by any person or group, that day is what we have forgotten.
Till this day, in our everyday activities, we still see the oppression, the suffering, the put-down of our people by others who have by some means been elevated to some sort of status. Till this day, we see people who would seek to take away our independence and our freedom. We see people who by diverse machinations seek, hard, to ensure our continued subservience and dependence upon them. Till this day, our freedom, our complete independence from subjugating control is challenged.
Our enemies come in different shapes and shades, putting on various masks and pretences. They live among us. They are in everything we are involved. They are everywhere we are. They can be seen and heard, we know who they are, but the fear, the oppression they levy determines we do nothing. They are called by different names. We know those names. We know our oppressors.
The ancient scourge of our economy as a nation has been corruption, this monster seeps deep, deep within our souls. It entrenches itself within us, reaching deeper, into our subconscious, making itself a part of us, deciding our actions, eliminating our freedom. This monster creates the oppressors. It is the urge to be corrupt which gives birth to oppression. The oppression from our leaders, the oppression from the bribe-taking lecturers in our schools, we know these things. We know these people. We know these oppressors. We see them every day. They will seek to destroy us. They will seek to climb upon our backs to glory, and bask in the view of our dead corpses if they can. But we will not let them.
Over fifty years ago, in a world not so different from ours now, brave men stood united and decided to fight for what they wanted, for what they knew was theirs. For “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” The oppressors would seek to enslave our lives, that our liberties are extinguished, that in the pursuit of happiness we fail. But we will fight them. Marching head high, with the arrows and bullets of derision flying all around us, we would reach into the hearts of the monsters and rip out their source.
In this, we would suffer casualties. In this endeavour we would almost fail. As we march down this road, things would get worse and the pain from the oppression we would face would be interminable. Then, it would get better. Just at the edge, at the brink of failure and defeat, we would rear up again and push the oppressors down the ledge of human history and once again, it would be written that brave people stood and fought against tyrants and won their freedom.
To those who oppress I write a few words. Your time has come. The life of tyranny you have led before now has come to an end. No more. No more would you sit upon your malodorous thrones and demand sacrifices of those who seek simply to live the lives they were born for. No more would you spread your foul-smelling tentacles into the hearts of the pure and innocent and corrupt their souls for your evil schemes. No more would you serve your evil master, Corruption, and enslave the Children of this great nation. My country is free, Nigeria is independent, and her people more so.
Years ago, we were given freedom as a state, now we demand freedom for ourselves. The battle for our souls cannot however be won by our mortal might, solace and refuge must be found in the arms of GOD and by his Grace, with his power flowing in our veins, we would conquer the evil ones.
And when the oppressor seeks to stand in whatever form, whether as a political leader enforcing a policy, an extremist religious faction trying to terrorize us or a lecturer forcing us to bribe through his course, we will be steadfast, we would not back down, we would stand and say NO, and demand that that which is right be done and our freedom remain. We would stare into the face of oppression and proclaim our independence, our freedom.
So help us, GOD.
Years ago, so long now it is almost forgotten, that brilliant Sunday morning in October, when we became a nation, free, and independent. For sixty years, we had been an official colony, a protectorate of the British Royalty. Finally, freedom was ours. One country, one nation, united under one banner, by border and as brothers, one people under GOD; Nigeria.
Many years have passed now and yet the meaning of what we won by blood and toil is still lost upon us. Independence is what we celebrate, but the true meaning of our independence is unknown to us. As a date upon which a state is free as a polity and is able to conduct herself politically, we understand October 1, 1960. But as the day when a people came together as one, and the dark blue Union Jack was tossed down and a new, bright green and white flag flew bravely from the rooftops, signifying a people free from dependence or control by any person or group, that day is what we have forgotten.
Till this day, in our everyday activities, we still see the oppression, the suffering, the put-down of our people by others who have by some means been elevated to some sort of status. Till this day, we see people who would seek to take away our independence and our freedom. We see people who by diverse machinations seek, hard, to ensure our continued subservience and dependence upon them. Till this day, our freedom, our complete independence from subjugating control is challenged.
Our enemies come in different shapes and shades, putting on various masks and pretences. They live among us. They are in everything we are involved. They are everywhere we are. They can be seen and heard, we know who they are, but the fear, the oppression they levy determines we do nothing. They are called by different names. We know those names. We know our oppressors.
The ancient scourge of our economy as a nation has been corruption, this monster seeps deep, deep within our souls. It entrenches itself within us, reaching deeper, into our subconscious, making itself a part of us, deciding our actions, eliminating our freedom. This monster creates the oppressors. It is the urge to be corrupt which gives birth to oppression. The oppression from our leaders, the oppression from the bribe-taking lecturers in our schools, we know these things. We know these people. We know these oppressors. We see them every day. They will seek to destroy us. They will seek to climb upon our backs to glory, and bask in the view of our dead corpses if they can. But we will not let them.
Over fifty years ago, in a world not so different from ours now, brave men stood united and decided to fight for what they wanted, for what they knew was theirs. For “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” The oppressors would seek to enslave our lives, that our liberties are extinguished, that in the pursuit of happiness we fail. But we will fight them. Marching head high, with the arrows and bullets of derision flying all around us, we would reach into the hearts of the monsters and rip out their source.
In this, we would suffer casualties. In this endeavour we would almost fail. As we march down this road, things would get worse and the pain from the oppression we would face would be interminable. Then, it would get better. Just at the edge, at the brink of failure and defeat, we would rear up again and push the oppressors down the ledge of human history and once again, it would be written that brave people stood and fought against tyrants and won their freedom.
To those who oppress I write a few words. Your time has come. The life of tyranny you have led before now has come to an end. No more. No more would you sit upon your malodorous thrones and demand sacrifices of those who seek simply to live the lives they were born for. No more would you spread your foul-smelling tentacles into the hearts of the pure and innocent and corrupt their souls for your evil schemes. No more would you serve your evil master, Corruption, and enslave the Children of this great nation. My country is free, Nigeria is independent, and her people more so.
Years ago, we were given freedom as a state, now we demand freedom for ourselves. The battle for our souls cannot however be won by our mortal might, solace and refuge must be found in the arms of GOD and by his Grace, with his power flowing in our veins, we would conquer the evil ones.
And when the oppressor seeks to stand in whatever form, whether as a political leader enforcing a policy, an extremist religious faction trying to terrorize us or a lecturer forcing us to bribe through his course, we will be steadfast, we would not back down, we would stand and say NO, and demand that that which is right be done and our freedom remain. We would stare into the face of oppression and proclaim our independence, our freedom.
So help us, GOD.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)