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Opinion: Unraveling The Puzzles Of Earthly Life ( 4)- Aare Kola Oyefeso

Published

6 years ago

May 10, 2020

Editor

By Aare Kola Oyefeso

In the previous series,we touched on quite a number of issues that man is faced with in the earthly life, they are so many and if one has to write a book on them, however voluminous such book is, he wouldn’t have written enough.

My take therefore is, those problems would always confound us especially; The reality of human being, of the world, object of human life, reality of time and space,problem of morality, good and evil, how really free are we, impracticality of freewill and omniscient God, why was the world created, who created the world, the negative power, of course the Supreme Being, and a host of other questions too numerous to be listed lest;we make a surfeit of matters.

To try to offer answers to all these challenges of life, it is of essence we move to the level of determining our true nature which is defined as *Man Beyond The Stethoscope &* *Surgeon’s Scalpel*

The necessity for this is that not until we know our real Self and fine tune the instrument of sublime comprehension, that inheres in man, as an image of the Creator, can we fully understand the phenomenal world talkless the inner world.

Given the seriousness of the topic, we will be raising the intellectual bar of this discourse a bit. Those who are satisfied with their comfort zones might find the facts boring or confounding and may want to drop off. We wouldn’t have apologies for such, having made it unambiguous right at the outset that this discourse is targeted at those who are ready to use the boon of better brain available to humans alone, to rationalize, query,invent, adventure and to crown it all, to get in touch with the Creator, by the means of transcendental meditation.

Albeit; we mustn’t fail to remind those who are comfortable with their positions in life and wouldn’t want to bother about life hereafter that; They are compared with the sparrow that closes its eyes to a prowling cat instead of taking a flight. The eyes closing doesn’t chase the cat away, rather it makes the sparrow an easy prey-a good delicacy for the cat.

The objective is to further expand our understanding of what has sustained and improved life generally and thereafter move to the unfathomed inner world, which we seem to be quite oblivious of. We are thus borrowing a leaf from the British Poet- *The* *Great* *Alexander* *Pope* (1688- 1744) who said;

*A little learning is a dangerous thing; drink deep or taste not the prairian spring; There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain and drinking largely sobers up again*

On this premise i proceed infra;

At this crossroads of truth seeking, we are confronted with five (5) instruments or sources available to man to comprehend the created.

They are;
*LAW*
*Science*,
*Philosophy*
*Religion*
*&*
*Spirituality*

*Law* may seem not really within purview of trying to access God, but no society can thrive or survive without law.By the same token, to access God, we have to primarily fulfill the laws of man- being a pre-condition for worshiping the Lord in Truth.

Therefore, to assist our good living or call it neighborliness, it is deemed necessary to briefly discuss what law is all about although this is better handled by the legal luminaries.

It however goes without saying that whereas, man can live his life all through without bothering about other professions, every modern or city man requires a bit knowledge of law, to stay free and essentially to stave off criminalities, living as we now do in a society where it seems everyone is trying to outsmart or rip off the other. It is for this reason that law’s principal purpose can in a narrow but spiritual sense be described inter alia as; *Establishment of standards, maintaining order, resolving disputes and protecting liberties and rights*

There are however two major laws governing the Creation. One is the *Cosmic law* set up by the Creator Himself to operate His creation.We will dwell at length on this when we take up Spirituality. The other is that of human law and is very essential, otherwise things would have run out of control. That is saying, if we can do anything and get away without being made to account for it, we can imagine what a dangerous world that would portend.

All the Saints have always discerned the need of law to control human life. Moses went for the ten commandments and he gave us what is known as Torah or Mosaic law. Mosaic law is about an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.

Christ operated at the level of the Supreme Lord and gave us a fundamental law of *Love*. Love had always been the basis of all infractions. This supreme law would be found in Matthew 22 vs 36-39 on quote;

*Rabbi,which is the greatest commandant? And Jesus answered; Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thy heart, thy mind and body. He continued; The second is like unto the first,thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. As a corollary Jesus said; On these two laws hang all the prophets and commandments*

This law of *Love* was given over 2000 years ago.It contains truth eternal and direct from the Lord made flesh. Because it is unaffected by law of mutability, love holds true till date and shall ever be.

Embedded in all violations and transgressions-leading to litigations is the non-observance of Love by we human beings. If we had obeyed that foremost and all encompassing law of Love, all proclivity for greed, extortion, corruption, robbery,covetousness, and indeed all criminalities would have died of attrition.

Having failed to observe the fundamental law of *LOVE* it became a desideratum to establish laws to guide the conducts of man,coupled with enforcement agencies in all societies the world over. In any sane society devoid of military rule, we generally have four organs to maintain law and order.

The first is the Legislative House whose duty is to promulgate laws, then the Judiciary who is charged with interpreting and administration of
laws. After, we have the Police under the Executive arms. They are responsible for apprehending offenders and enforcement of judgement. We also have the lawyers who serve differently either as prosecutors or counsels to defendants,to Government and to all and sundry. By extension of the law enforcement system, Prison is established as reformatory and for convicts to serve out their punishments.

All these modern age necessities could be attenuated if we make Love our abiding principle. And if for any reason we fail in that regard, another chapter in the Bible comes handy for us in Matthew 5 vs 25 – 26 it reads;

*Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court.Do it while you are still together in the way,or your adversary may hand you to the judge, and the judge may hand you to the officer,and you may be thrown into the prison.Truly i tell you thou shall not escape until thou hast paid the utmost farthing*”

Cognizant of this caveat, jurisprudence actually created a legal maxim for it. It reads; *Esto consetients adversario tuo cito dum es in via cum eo*
The maxim ended with; Neither the hazzard of litigation, nor the cost of proceedings must ever be underestimated. Thus; Amicable compromise early on is invariably the best policy.

As a spin-off, we are to remind ourselves of the attendant consequences of the two principal laws that operate in the World. The two laws are *Justice* and *Forgiveness* borne of *Mercy*.

From the canal perspective,Justice could be considered as good particularly,by the limited man, but what we can achieve by Mercy can not be achieved by Justice.

When we demand for Justice, we earnestly want to punish an erring individual. We are really trying to wash blood with blood. How could our vessel be cleansed by that approach? Yet,a cleansed vessel is a condition-precedent for our re-admission to the bosom of the Supreme Lord
Ergo; Once we punish the offending individual,we trigger off in him vengeance and he wouldn’t rest until he avenges the punishment meted out to him.

If he is able to revenge, we avenge back,he revenges again and this goes on like a vicious circle, until one side imbibes a forgiving spirit,forgives the other person and by so doing, he breaks the karmic chain once and for all.

On the other hand, if we practice forgiveness ab initio, we eliminate any thought of vengeance in the person that has been forgiven. He feels highly indebted to us and continally looks forward to rewarding us for forgiving him.

The drift in essence is; *Justice* belongs to the world of duality under the charge of *Licifer aptly reffered to as The Prince of the world* by Christ.

In the Court of the Lord what operates is *Mercy*. It is; *Go ye and be whole and sin no more*
Were it not so, Jesus wouldn’t be praying for His persecutors under a most excruciating pain thus; *Father forgive them, for they know not what they are doing*

So, when next we are prone to sue anyone or practice vengeance let us remember the injunction of 1 Corrinthians 6 vs 2 -5 on quote;

*Dare any of you, having a matter against one another go to law before the unjust and not before the saints*?

*Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? And if the world shall be judged by you,are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters*?

*Know ye not that we shall judge angels? How much more things that pertain to this life*?

This is a food for thought until i come your way next week to discuss *Philosophy*

-Aare Oyefeso, a businessman, writes from Lagos

Headline

Peter Obi Confirms Defection from ADC, Blames Toxicity, Lack of Solidarity

Published

9 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Eric

Candidate of Labour Party in the last Presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi, has confirmed that he is on his way out of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a personally signed statement released on Sunday, Obi said he arrived at the decision after deep reflection, describing the move as necessary despite “every constraint.”

“I woke up this morning after my church service with a deeply reflective heart… and felt compelled to share these thoughts,” he wrote, adding that many people do not understand the “silent pains” and private struggles faced by those trying to serve in Nigeria’s political space.

Obi painted a grim picture of the current political climate, describing it as increasingly hostile and discouraging.

“We now live in an environment that has become increasingly toxic, where the very system that should protect and create opportunities… often works against the people,” he said, pointing to intimidation, insecurity, and persistent scrutiny as defining features of the system.

The former Anambra State governor also expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of solidarity, even among close associates.

“Some who publicly identify with you privately distance themselves or join in unfair criticism,” he noted, lamenting that humility is often misinterpreted as weakness, while compassion is seen as foolishness.

Obi, however, clarified that his decision was not driven by personal grievances against key leaders within the party. He specifically exonerated ADC National Chairman, David Mark, and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, saying neither treated him unfairly.

“Let me state clearly: my decision to leave the ADC is not because our highly respected Chairman… treated me badly, nor because… Atiku Abubakar, or any other respected leaders did anything personally wrong to me,” he said.

Instead, Obi attributed his exit to what he described as a recurrence of the same challenges that plagued his time in the Labour Party, including internal divisions, legal battles, and external interference.

“The same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises… now appear to be finding their way into the ADC, with endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division,” he stated.

He further lamented that sincere contributions are often undervalued, with individuals becoming scapegoats for broader systemic failures.

“Even within spaces where one labours sincerely, one is sometimes treated like an outsider… as though honest contribution has become a favour being tolerated rather than appreciated,” Obi added.

Despite stepping away, the former governor said he continues to face criticism and attacks on his character, even as he seeks to pursue national development with sincerity.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s broader challenges, Obi questioned societal values that, according to him, often misinterpret integrity and prudent management of resources.

“Why is doing the right thing often misconstrued as wrongdoing in our country? Why is integrity not valued?” he asked.

Obi reiterated that his ambition is not driven by a quest for political office but by a desire to see a better Nigeria.

“I am not desperate to be President… I am desperate to see a society that can console a mother whose child has been kidnapped or killed,” he said, highlighting issues of insecurity, poverty, and displacement.

He concluded on a hopeful note, affirming his belief in Nigeria’s potential for transformation.

“Yet, despite everything, I remain resolute. I firmly believe that Nigeria can still become a country with competent leadership based on justice, compassion, and equal opportunity for all,” he said.

“A new Nigeria is possible.”

Source: Daily Trust

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Peter Obi Weeps for Nigerian Workers, Says Minimum Wage Can no Longer Guarantee Modest Living

Published

1 day ago

May 2, 2026

Eric

A frontline presidential aspirant on the platform of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, has regretted that the minimum wage can no longer guarantee a most modest standard of living in Nigeria.

In a post on his X handle on Friday to mark Workers’ Day, the former Governor of Anambra State said this has happened as inflation, rising food prices, transportation costs, and economic hardship continue to erode the value of honest work.

He said no nation can truly develop beyond the strength, productivity, and wellbeing of its workforce, stressing that the progress of any society rests on the quality of its human capital, the skill of its people, and the commitment of its workers.

‘When workers suffer, the nation suffers. When workers are empowered, the nation prospers,” he noted.

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections said a productive nation must be built on justice, fairness, and respect for labour, adding that “it is the Nigeria we must work together to achieve.”

Obi said through democratic participation, the Nigerian workers have the power to shape governance and determine the future direction of the nation.

He, therefore, urged Nigerian workers to recognise the strength they hold collectively.

“But beyond their labour, workers also possess another powerful tool, their voice and their vote.

“They owe it to themselves, their children, and future generations to support and demand leadership built on competence, character, capacity, credibility, and compassion. By refusing to reward failure, corruption, ethnic division, and bad governance, they can help build a nation where hard work is respected and rewarded with dignity.

“With the support and participation of Nigerian workers, a new Nigeria is possible,” said Obi.

He saluted workers across the world, especially Nigerian workers whose daily sacrifices continue to sustain our families, communities, institutions, and national economy in the face of severe hardship and uncertainty.

Headline

Attorney-General Asks Court to Deregister ADC, Accord, Three Other Parties

Published

4 days ago

April 30, 2026

Eric

The Attorney-General of the Federation has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties, arguing that their continued existence violates constitutional provisions and undermines Nigeria’s electoral integrity.

In court filings, the Attorney General contended that unless the court intervenes, INEC would “continue to act in breach of its constitutional duty” by retaining parties that have failed to meet the minimum requirements prescribed by law.

The filing stressed that the right to associate as a political party is not absolute and must be exercised within constitutional limits. It further argued that it is in the interest of justice for the court to grant the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026 and filed at the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, lists the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators as the plaintiff.

The defendants include INEC as the first defendant and the Attorney General of the Federation as the second defendant, alongside five political parties: African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), Accord (A), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

At the center of the issue in the case is whether INEC has a constitutional obligation to remove parties that fail to meet electoral performance thresholds set out in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and reinforced by the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC’s own regulations.

The plaintiffs argue that the affected parties have persistently failed to satisfy the constitutional benchmarks required to retain their registration. These include winning at least 25 per cent of votes in a state during a presidential election or securing at least one elective seat at the national, state or local government level.

They contend that the parties performed poorly in the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections, failing to win seats across key tiers of government, yet continue to be recognised by INEC as eligible political platforms.

The plaintiffs maintain that this continued recognition is unlawful and undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.

In the affidavit supporting the suit, the forum’s national coordinator, Igbokwe Raphael Nnanna, states that allowing parties that have not met constitutional requirements to remain on the register “is unconstitutional, illegal and a violation” of the governing legal framework.

The suit asks the court to declare that INEC is duty-bound to deregister such parties and to compel the commission to do so before preparations for the 2027 elections advance further.

Beyond declaratory reliefs, the plaintiffs are also seeking far-reaching orders that would bar the affected parties from participating in the next general elections or engaging in political activities such as campaigns, rallies and primaries. They further request injunctions restraining INEC from recognising or dealing with the parties in any official capacity unless and until they comply strictly with constitutional provisions.

Central to the plaintiffs’ argument is their interpretation of the law as imposing a mandatory duty on INEC. They argue that the use of the word “shall” in the Constitution leaves no room for discretion once a party fails to meet the stipulated thresholds.

In their written address, they rely on statutory provisions and judicial precedents to contend that electoral performance is an objective condition that must be enforced to maintain discipline, transparency, and accountability in the political system.

Tribune