Nigeria: Dapchi Rescue And The Nemesis Of Propaganda

By Israel A. Ebije

Let me congratulate parents of abducted Dapchi secondary school girls recently returned after weeks of adoption. I must congratulate security operatives on their consistent absence when the girls were taken and retuned. Let me also congratulate the federal government on successful hostage negotiation, where millions in alien currencies was allegedly paid and ‘just’ a few Boko Haram militants released in exchange. 

I will not forgive myself if I fail to congratulate those in government allegedly involved in hostage on the ransom racketeering for a booming business venture. Let me also congratulate those who have been able to convince Nigerians that the abduction was staged for publicity stunt ahead of 2019 presidential election. Let me, however, condole with the losers, those whose kids died for “money and politics”. My heartfelt sympathy also goes to Leah Sharibu who is held as slave for her religious belief. Let me indeed sympathize with those who have turned the unfortunate development into a religious and ethnic fight.

Hailers And Wailers: When Gullibility And Impunity Set To Derail Nigeria

By Israel A. Ebije
The present socio-political climate in Nigeria is replete with intense polarity, bordering on religion and ethnic underpinnings. No one is querying political affiliations or preference. Problem however is the extent of impunity and gullibility among Nigerians in passing judgment and or taking position of an advocate on issues or policies of national import.

President Buhari and Femi Adesina 

The 2015 election failed to do Nigeria under as expected but it has sorely affected our ethno-religious tolerance. It has further the exit of brotherhood, damaged the concept of collective aspiration, and emulsified the idea of peace and love among Nigerians. The political balkanization, constant victimizations and unyielding forces of hate have continued to erode the feeling of one Nigeria.

I cannot exhaust on the need for Nigerians to eschew bitterness and hate campaign along ethno-religious divides. The malignant ailment along cleavages ravages the nation like cancerous cell. Therefore, taking up camp for or against a person or an institution only distracts the present administration. It is indeed instructive to intimate that once we stop all the noise, embark on constructive critical opinion, Buhari led administration will gain speed.

Therefore, those who have pitched tents for President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) and former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ) have only showed how myopic they are in the affairs of growing a nation. These people create their own illusionary world where only their infantile underpinnings are of material worth for baseless arguments.

How can we grow a viable Nigeria when we have a fertile political ground to exhibit our hatred against each other? It has become crystal clear we cannot see anything good at the other side of the fence. We must avoid segregating Nigeria along “Buhari and Jonathan race”. The implication will definitely be grave. It will diminish the humanity in us, escalate hate and destroy our nationhood.

The divide is always between those for Jonathan and those for Buhari. Suddenly, nobody is on the side of Nigeria. The two struggling divides quickly forget that no region can politically govern the others without collaboration. Buhari became president functions effort of Christians and Muslims. Buhari's success or failure will therefore affect everybody regardless of cleavage.

Addressing issues of bad policy within the present “change helpers” has nothing to do with Buhari. Our problem as a country is sycophancy, gullibility and sentiments geared towards hate. Almost a year after the Buhari led administration took off, power generation hugged the floor at 0.00 megawatts, fuel scarcity at its abysmal peak. With the inherited dwindling fortunes of the crude, horrible exchange rate of between the Dollar and the Naira, Nigerians are faced with the worst economic situation in recent time.

Gay Marriage: Where Desmond Tutu Got It Wrong

By Israel A. Ebije
Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu became an internally recognized activist in the 1980's for his strong opposing views against the oppressive era of apartheid in South Africa. Born in Klerksdorp [1], Transvaal [2], South Africa, he was the first black Archbishop of Cape Town.

The 84 years old activist has stood against so many injustices, has helped raise awareness for HIV/AIDS campaign, tuberculosis, poverty, racism xenophobia and many more endemic health and social practices. He is indeed a globally recognized role model in the class of former South African President Nelson Mandela.

*Desmond Tutu

Against the backdrop of his lofty background therefore, it came to many of his admirers as rude shock when the highly respected Anglican Archbishop attended his daughter Mpho Tutu and Marceline van Furth same-sex wedding in the Netherlands. His presence at that wedding indeed endorsed gay orientation, which measurably smears his chains of achievements as an archbishop and activist. Some say he is within his rights to be at the wedding and at the same time endorse the ceremony, others like me totally condemn his implied endorsement.

While I feel laden with burden venting my spleen against his decision to attend the same-sex wedding, it is necessary to confront wrong decisions no matter a person's social, religious profile. No matter the quantum of advocacy for same-sex relationships, it is still frowned at by a good number of humanity who believe it's largely against moral instructions of virtually every religious practice.

I may sound obnoxious, obsolete to persons inclined to same-sex relationships who think it's an attribute of modernity, but regardless of their descent on this matter, it is instructive to harp against the dastardly persuasion which is now encouraging other sexual vices. It is even more sickening for Tutu to raise the stakes considering the strides he has been able to accomplish as a religious and as an opinion leader who advocates on human interest issues that transcends beyond Africa.

The presence of Archbishop Tutu at that wedding may have helped in no small way to either confirm the decision of some youths or to direct them towards taking same sex preference stance. It is therefore instructive to intimate that as a role model, he has taken a position, which indeed will go a long way in fashioning the outlook of so many people on their views towards a pattern of sexual persuasion with all attendant health, psychological and social issues.