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The Oracle: Nigerian Leaders and the Ephemerality of Power

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By Mike Ozekhome

INTRODUCTION

Power is as old as the creation of the world. The first expression of power was by God – when he created the Heavens and the Earth. [Genesis Chapter 1 v. 1 – 2]. The Qur’an states that ‘Allah created the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them.’ [7:54].

God proceeded to create man in His own image and likenesswhen he said, ‘Let us create man in our image, to our likeness. Let them rule over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, over the cattle, over the wild animals, and over all creeping things that crawl along the ground.’ [Genesis 1 v. 27]. This means that man looks like God, and posses the attributes of God – with absolute dominion [power] over all things created by God. Psalm 82: puts it poignantly: “I said, you are “gods”; you are all sons of the MOST HIGH”.

In the labyrinthine corridors of political power, a captivating dance of death unfolds- where the mighty ascend to the throne with grandeaur of illusion and grand promises, only to find themselves ensnared in the labyrinth of their own making. Such is the mesmerizing tale of power and its ephemeral grip on those who wield it. In the Nigerian political landscape, this narrative has played out time and again, as public office holders have succumbed to the allure of authority, often leading to the abuse, misuse and disuse of power.

The ephemeral nature of power, as highlighted in religious texts such as the Holy Bible and the Holy Quran, emphasizes the transient and fleeting nature of human existence and the potential pitfalls of wielding power arbitrarily and unconscionably, without humility, righteousness and due regard to those at the receiving end.

In James 4:14 of the Bible, it is expressed that humans do not have control over what will happen in the future. Life is compared to a vapor that appears for a short time and then vanishes away. This metaphor conveys the brevity and fragility of human life, suggesting that power, like life itself, is temporary and can dissipate rapidly. Similarly, the Quran, in verse 28:76, narrates the story of Qarun, a person of power during the time of Moses. Qarun abused his authority and tyrannized his people. He was granted immense wealth and treasures, symbolized by the heavy. The supremacy of divine power surpasses the transience of mortal power. God stands as the ultimate force to be acknowledged, while humanity’s existence is temporary. As they say, “Soldier come, Soldier go, Barracks remain”.

The Legendary musical icon, Prince, once said passively that, “But life is just a party, and parties weren’t meant to last.”

The historical chinese politician and poet, Li Shang-yin, also told us that, “And a moment that ought to have lasted for ever has come and gone before I knew.”

The much celebrated Indian author, Krishna Udayasankar, also echoed this, “No empire lasts forever, no dynasty continues unbroken. Some day, you and I will be mere legends. All that matters is whether we did what we could with the life that was given to us.”

I once a read mesmerizing poem that is engraved in my every thought of action, a peom by the highly celebrated English poet, Percy Shelly“Ozymandias”. This was the first foremost metaphor for the ephemeral nature of power. It was written in a parlance – depicting a traveler telling the speaker a story about two vast legs of stone standing without a body, and near them – a massive – crumbling stonehead lies ‘half sunk’ in the sand. The words on the statute read thus, “my name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair! But today, the statute is broken and even decayed, where is the self – acclaimed king?”.

With this observation, a compelling pattern emerges—a thought-provoking notion that everything, as if orchestrated by the hands of time, may eventually and inexorably reach its transient conclusion.

The terrific Nebuchadnezzer, King of Babylonian, reigned for so many years. After his great fall, and having come to true repentance, he acknowledged the unlimited and unending power and greatness of God, thus: ‘The matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the Most High ruleth in the Kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever HE will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.’ [Daniel 4 – 1].

What is power?. an American writer – Robert Green, popular for writing international books on human nature – power related, was asked the meaning of power, and this was his response: “Power is the measure of the degree of control you have over circumstances in your life and the actions of the people around you. It is a skill that is developed by a deep understanding of human nature, of what truly motivates people, and of the manipulations necessary for advancement and protection”.

Returning to the nucleus of our banter, let us embark on an expedition through the intriguing Nigerian terrain, shedding more light on the fleeting nature of dominion bestowed upon the fortunate wielders of power.

Picture this: Nigeria, a land of vast potential and immense diversity, where power dynamics dance like fickle flames in the wind. It’s a place where politicians rise to prominence like shooting stars, captivating the nation with promises of change, progress, and prosperity. But alas, as the old saying goes, “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” In this case, it also evaporates like water in the Sahara. In 1655, King Loius xiv of France stood in front of Parliament and imperiously declared “L’etat C’est Moi” (meaning, I am the State”. This was to emphasis his complete hold on power to the exclusion of all other lesser mortals.

Oh, how we have witnessed the Nigerian political stage transform into a theatre of comedy, tragedy and absurd, where the script is written by fate itself. We have seen leaders sprinting towards power, fueled by sheer ambition and infatuation rhetoric, only to stumble and fall on banana peels of their own making. It is as if there is a cosmic prankster, delighting in the ironic twists and turns of political fortune.

An era of authoritarian rule or dictatorship no longer guarantees a leader’s long-term hold on power. While it may prolong their reign, as seen in the cases of Marcos, Khaddafi, Saddam Hussein, or Haile Selassie, it is inevitably bound to reach its end, sometimes through violent means, as witnessed in the fate of certain long-standing Heads of state. Furthermore, the limitations of human lifespan must be taken into account. An individual’s productive years typically fall within the 40 to 50-year range, following a normal distribution pattern known as the “Poisson” distribution. This implies that their most fruitful years span from ages 25 to 75, with the peak occurring between 35 and 65. Considering these factors, the window of power becomes remarkably narrow and encroaches upon the more enjoyable stages of life. Observing some politicians’ maneuvers to cling onto power forever, one might wonder if they harbor the belief of immortality.

Nothing lasts forever, even this life is vanity upon vanity. [Ecclesiastes 1:2 – 8 KJV]. William Shakespeare, in Macbeth from “The Tragedy of Macbeth”: “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more: it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” (Act V, Scene V).

But let us not forget the seriousness of this topic. Beneath the surface of my foregoing satire lies a profound examination of the fleeting nature of power. In a country brimming with potentials, how do we navigate the tumultuous waters of leadership? How do we separate the genuine statesmen from the temporary showmen? And what does it mean for a nation when power slips through the hands of those entrusted with its stewardship?

However, the intoxicating potion of power can be a double-edged sword, corrupting even the noblest of intentions. The abuse of power becomes an inevitable consequence when public office holders who succumb to their baser instincts, using their positions for personal gain, and turning a blind eye to the needs and aspirations of the people they are meant to serve. But in all of this, what is easily forgotten is the ‘EMPHEMERALITY OF POWER’ and position that they hold. With everything in life, nothing is permanent except for the word of God almighty himself. What we ask again, and again is, Leaders, what do you want to be remembered for when you leave power? For certainly you must leave someday. If not today, tomorrow.

Power to these sit-tight leaders is like opium; it intoxicates; it is aphrodisiac, it gives delusional ‘Dutch courage’. It can either make or mar the holder. It is not certain – but – evanescent, fleeting, transitory, volatile and short – lived. (See https://tell.ng/magu-the-ephemerality-of-power-mike-ozekhome-san/).

PRESIDENT BUHARI: FROM YESTERDAY’S STRONGMAN TO TODAY’S VANISHING ACT!

In the realm of politics, power is as transient as a fleeting breeze. It is capable of elevating one individual to the highest echelons of authority, only to swiftly deposit them back into the dustbin of history. As Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari prepares to bid farewell to his tenure, the ephemeral nature of power becomes a glaring reality. Ephemerality stares him in the face. In a race against time, the president now finds himself compelled to attempt making amends so as to leave a lasting impression in the dwindling moments of his authority.

As the sun sets on Buhari’s presidency, the weight of unfinished matters, agenda and unfulfilled promises looms large. He is worried stiff. He says he will run and join his kiths and kins in Niger Republic as a safe haven if he is disturbed in Daura. He means it. He has done so much for the poverty-stricken country using Nigeria’s scarce resources to develop the country. The ever-watchful eyes of the public have always witnessed the rise and fall of leaders grappling with the complex web of power dynamics that define their poor tenures. Buhari, too, has experienced the fickleness of authority; He now understands that time waits for no leader.

In the face of his imminent departure, by constitutional effluxion of time, Buhari is desperate to utilize the remaining days of his vanishing presidency to attempt to make amends and do what he could not do in 8 years. He is now actually aware that his legacy will be shaped by whatever actions he can take within this remaining short span. The concept of a political “swan song” becomes a rallying call for him, as he races against time; against the clock. He now seeks redemption and a chance to reconcile past missteps. Can he do this successfully? I do not think so. Or, do you?

Like a performer on a grand stage, Buhari is noe fully cognizant of the fleeting applause and the ephemeral nature of public favor he had enjoyed so far, even while underperforming. The ticking hands of time now fuels his sense of urgency, urging him to seize the opportunity to rectify the grave missteps that have defined his tenure. Yet, the question remains: Can a leader mend the gaping wounds of a bleeding and beleaguered nation in this twilight of their power? I do not think so. Or, do you?

As we observe the closing chapter of Buhari’s lack-lustre presidency, we witness a leader grappling with the inherent fragility of power. The transitory nature of authority stands as a stark reminder to Buhari that time is an unforgiving adversary. It allows for only a limited window to enact any changes. Buhari’s quest for redemption in this final act is emblematic of the universal struggle to harness the ephemeral nature of power for lasting impact. But, it is too late now. History, a diligent recorder of events, has already closed his chapter.

BUHARI’S LAST MINUTE BAZAAR OF CONTRACTS AND APPOINTMENTS

The tabloids and front pages of our social media timelines have been abuzz with reports highlighting a common trend of Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), along with some Governors, engaging in last-minute appointments, humongous expenditures and award of contracts in hundreds of billions.

It was expected that the President and Governors should gracefully wind down their activities and leave certain crucial decisions for their incoming successors. This approach is important to prevent the imposition of projects that may be considered insignificant by the new administration; avoid policy reversals that could negatively impact various stakeholders; and maintain a stable and predictable investment and business environment.

Unfortunately, this ideal scenario now appears to be fading away faster than politicians’ promises after elections. Such hurried decisions often overdue, but they also tend to create predicaments for the incoming governments.

Imagine the shock and angst of a Nation discovering that, a mere 19 days before President Buhari was set to depart office, reports emerged on May 10, 2023, revealing his request for Senate approval of an $800 million loan from the World Bank. The purpose? To finance the National Social Safety Network Programme, aiming to soften the blow of fuel subsidy removal! Gosh!

Apart from the undeniable fact that such a loan would further burden the country’s already towering debt, the timing of the request, so close to the expiration of Buhari’s regime, raised eyebrows and sparked concerns among many Nigerians. It appears to be an act aimed at placing cherry on top of his presidential sundae just before handing over the baton.

One cannot help but wonder if this trend of last-minute borrowings is an attempt to leave a lasting legacy, or simply an act of great mischief, reminiscent of a student pulling an all-nighter to finish an assignment due the next morning. Either way, it certainly puts more suspense and uncertainty on the minds of an already drama-filled realm of Nigerian politics.

Renowned legal luminary Chief Afe Babalola SAN, the esteemed founder of Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), has expressed strong disapproval of President Muhammadu Buhari’s proposition to the National Assembly regarding a fresh $800 million loan aimed at funding the National Social Safety Network Programme (NSSNP). He wondered how Nigeria can be declared bankrupt and still borrow more money. He advised the NASS to reject the request.

Furthermore, during a meeting chaired by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on April 19, 2023, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) granted approval for numerous contracts amounting to over N100 billion.

President Buhari and his ministers have also authorized contracts exceeding N3.7 trillion in the final stages of his administration, specifically between March 20, 2023, and May 14, 2023, and after the conclusion of the general elections. Only few days ago, Buhari wrote to the Senate to approve $800 million from the World Bank to allegedly finance the National Safety Net Programme- to support poor and vulnerable Nigerians through bank cash transfers. Mr President sir, why not leave this for your successor. Where have you been sir?

Only in December, 2022, the NASS approved Buhari’s #819.5bn request for domestic loan. And just on May 4, 2023, the “yes sir” and “Take-a-bow” worst Senate in Nigeria’s legislative history, since the time of Nnamdi Azikiwe and Dr. Nwafor Orizu, approved Buhari’s #22.7 trillion, CBN’s “Ways and Means” loan request just 26 days before quitting!

In a display of consistency, President Buhari has been skillfully curating an ensemble of individuals to occupy various esteemed positions. Just last month, he skillfully reassembled the Board of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, unveiling the dashing James Akintola as the new Captain at the helm.

Not stopping there, he cunningly selected the retiring Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Garba Baba Umar, to take on the pivotal role of Senior Security Adviser on International Police Cooperation and Counter-terrorism in the Office of the Minister of Police Affairs. It’s almost as if President Buhari possesses a knack for handpicking the “finest” talents in his twilight.

And just when you thought his appointing prowess had reached its zenith, news broke of the appointment of Toyin Madein as the new Accountant General of the Federation following the vacancy for a year due to the suspension of the former AGF, Ahmed Idris, amidst allegations of a staggering N109 billion fraud.

On May 23, 2023 (less than one week to go), President Buhari not done has formally communicated with the Senate to approve humongous sums to settle judgment debts amounting to $566,754,584.31, £98,526,012.00, and N226,281,801,881.64, allegedly owed by the Federal government. Promissory notes are the means of payment. This is well over 500 billion. Where have Mr. President and the Attorney-General been? Who are these judgement creditors? Which courts gave the judgement? Were there any appeals or agreements entered into? Why now for God’s sake? Why not leave it to the next administration since government is a continuum?

As the curtains drew inexorably to a close on Buhari’s tenure, the circus-like atmosphere began to fade. The contracts, the loans, the appointments, the sudden remembrance of existing “debts” due,  all remain as reminders of a complex dance between fleeting power, strategy, and public perception. Only time would reveal the true impact of these decisions and whether they would stand as a testament to effective governance or a captivating yet ultimately hollow performance. Do you know the impact? The lives of Nigerians yet unborn have been mortgaged.

BUHARI’S MIGRATION FROM ONE ‘NIGER’ TO ANOTHER

President Buhari’s threatened migration from Nigeria if he faces too much disturbance after his tenure reminds us of the ephemeral nature of power.  Buhari’s audacious proclamation to leave Nigeria if “disturbed too much” after his tenure is reminiscent of a fleeting magician who mesmerizes the audience with grand illusions, only to vanish when the curtain falls. It begs the question: does his commitment to the Nigerian people only extend as far as his political reign? True leaders stand with their nation, through thick and thin, rather than making flighty escape plans. Is he afraid of the apparition of his woeful below average performance? Is it not this same Buhari that one Mallam …. tracked from Lagos to Abuja to celebrate his victory? Is it not the same President that …, rode a bicycle from Kaduna to Abuja to herald his victory? How the cookies crumble! How the mighty are fallen!

President Buhari’s offhand remark about leaving Nigeria if disturbed after his tenure reveals the transient nature of his power and its tenuous grip on the nation. Leadership requires steadfastness, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the people. By hinting at an escape plan, Buhari inadvertently highlights the frailty of his connection to Nigeria and raises doubts about his dedication to the challenges that lie ahead. In the end, a true leader must weather the storm and stand strong, rather than evaporating into the ephemeral mist of fleeting power. President Buhari fails again and again to rewrite his poor history of governance.

ADMONITIONS

  1. POWER IS INDEED EPHEMERAL

There is no man that has rules for ever, every king must have a heir – because nobody is immortal. If we can view life as power, then we would know that, one day, just like life goes – power disappears. The rise and fall of great empires men – should teach us about the ever changing nature of power.

 

  1. LEAD FOR THE PEOPLE AND NOT SELF

Leaders now go into power with the mindset of enriching their family, friends and generation. To many, it is – let us go and take my share. This a bad practice and ideology to follow. A study of all people-oriented leadership ends well – with great appreciation from the people. Little wonder some politicians are not re – elected on several occasions.

 

  1. LEARN FROM MISTAKES OF PAST LEADERS AND NOT YOURS

It is only a fool that would want to get his finger into the fire, after witnessing his neighbour’s get burnt by the same attempt. History is important. If you do not study history, you cannot shape the future. We should always endeavour to read antecedents of past leaders and their mistakes so that we can correct our paths.

 

  1. THE LAW OF KARMA IS REAL

Whatever goes around comes around. Whatever you sow – so shall you reap. It is a natural law. Men of power have always reaped what they sowed. We should learn that.

 

  1. POWER INTOXICATES

There is a saying that, “apart from the occasional saint, it is difficult for people who have the smallest amount of power to be nice.” I would say no more on these.

CONCLUSION

It is not a mistake that God gave us dominion over the world. We must be wary of power. We must strive to exercise it for the benefit an survival of humanity. Power is ephemeral; it does not last. It comes and goes. Therefore, men of power must try to acknowledge this fact and guide against intoxication. Power has made and marred many great men. We must accept this truth or face the bitter aftermath of our actions.

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Opinion

Voice of Emancipation: Who Will Save the Falling Naira?

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By Kayode Emola

It would be a profound understatement to say that the dwindling fortunes of people living in Nigeria is concerning. A country that had the fastest-growing economy in the 1960s is now classed as the poverty capital of the world. Instead of people sitting down to look for a viable solution, they look only to elections and which criminal politicians they will elect.

In the 1970s, when Nigeria was productive, the Naira was double the US Dollar and a little higher than the British Pound. In 2023, a mere 50 years later, both Pounds Sterling and the US Dollar are a thousand times stronger than the Naira. If this statistic does not worry the intellectuals and provoke the masses to action, then we will end up sitting on our hands until the Naira has gone the same way as the Zimbabwean Dollar, to utter destruction.

Zimbabwe, which boasted of a highly intellectual population, saw its currency destroyed when hyperinflation forced it to redenominate. Between 1980 and 2009, there were three massive redenomination events in an attempt to control the skyrocketing inflation. As a result, 100 *trillion* Zimbabwean Dollars became worth only 40 U.S cents, forcing the country to officially adopt the use of currencies like the Chinese Yuan, U.S. dollar, and British Pounds, just to mention a few.

I know people in Nigeria would say “God forbid”, that what happened in Zimbabwe can never happen to Nigeria. But it behooves us to remember that Zimbabwe is not alone: Venezuela also suffered similar crises of hyperinflation, forcing it to change its currency three times.

In Nigeria, the inflation figures are not accurately reported, causing the people to be unaware of the real dangers that they face. When four tomatoes that cost ₦200 a year ago now cost over ₦1,000, it gives lie to the claim that inflation is only at 20%. The example of the tomatoes alone puts inflation at 500%, suggesting that the reported figures are merely a smokescreen to stop the people from revolting.

In the 10 years from 2012 to 2022, the Naira has lost its value by more than 700%: from an exchange rate of around $1 to ₦135 in 2012, it is now at $1 to ₦1,000 and falling rapidly. In 2023 alone, the currency has fallen by more than 50% against the U.S. dollar. In early 2023, it was exchanging at around $1:₦460 at the official rate –around $1:₦600 on the parallel market; whereas today, the official rate is around $1:₦790, with the parallel market exchanging at $1:₦1,000.

This is clearly unsustainable for the general populace, given that the Naira shows no sign of slowing its descent. Both history and its current trajectory suggest that the worst is yet to come. Every economic indicator in the country shows that it is heading in the wrong direction. The foreign reserve that we were led to believe was around $60 billion has been revealed to have only around $3 billion; no thanks to the most recent ex-Governor of CBN, Godwin Emefiele, who opened the treasury for the wolves to feast on it.

If truth be told, we Yoruba have existed in this farce called Nigeria for too long, which is why our fortune has eluded us. To correct this turpitude, the only solution is Yoruba independence. However, we must ensure that whilst we are pursuing this dream, we also begin putting mechanisms in place to safeguard our children’s futures.

We must realise that the Naira is beyond redemption. Currency redenomination is not the answer, as it is a very expensive means of addressing leadership failures. Therefore, we must begin to create our own financial system independent of Nigeria. Creating our own blockchain currency would be able to stand the test of time without being devalued by political whim. We must embrace this technology that will help us to advance the cause of independence, protecting our people from being left out in the cold.

As we march on toward our independent Yoruba nation, may I use this opportunity to reassure our people that victory is certain, though it may take a little time. However, we are far closer to our destination than from where we started, so we must not surrender at this eleventh hour. It is only those who quit that have lost the battle; since we are no quitters, by the Grace of God we will overcome all the challenges ahead of us to reach the victory.

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Opinion

Opinion: Soyinka and the ‘Gbajue’ Metaphor

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By Promise Adiele

Akin Akingbesote was my roommate at Q107 Eni-Njoku Hall, University of Lagos. Akin was in 200 level studying Mass Communication while I was in 100 level studying English. Given the large number of Igbo and Yoruba students on campus then, the general lingo was dominated by code-switching straddling pidgin English, Yoruba, Igbo and other forms of slang. My knowledge of Yoruba was poor, Akin’s knowledge of Igbo was abysmal. So, we struck a deal to teach each other our mother tongue at least, to retain a faint knowledge of all linguistic strategies and slang on campus. Akin, a good-natured guy from Ondo State, suggested that the best method would be for us to come up with expressions in the opposite language and bring it to the table while the other person interpreted and analysed them. I agreed. Every day, I came with different Yoruba expressions and Akin interpreted them. He also came with different Igbo expressions and I interpreted them. Both of us sometimes played pranks and were mischievous with the interpretations. However, we managed the situation and it was fun.

One day, I returned to campus from town and asked Akin to explain the meaning of lo toju eru e! I had seen the expression boldly written inside a bus. He explained that it means keep your load safe. Also, I asked him to explain the meaning of owo da! He said it means where is your money? I disagreed with Akin’s interpretation of owo da! I argued that the bus conductors were wrong to use Owo da as where is your money? I told Akin that owo da could mean where is the money which I thought was arrogant and rude. I further argued that Owo da sounded like a thief demanding money from a helpless victim. Pay your transport fare in Yoruba should mean something else, more peaceful and respectful, something like san owo re. Akin laughed at me and said, “When they ask you owo da, don’t give them your money and see what will happen to you”. I told him that in Igbo, pay your money could be translated as kwuo ugwo gi, or nye m ego gi. Although kedu ego gi could be interpreted as pay your money, it didn’t quite capture the accurate linguistic potential of the expression.

One day, I returned to the room and asked Akin, “what is the meaning of gbajue”? He looked at me intently, smiled and asked, “Why do you want to know the meaning of gbajue, abi you don join them”? His response did not make meaning to me. “Akin, please tell me the meaning of gbajue”, I insisted. Well, it means 419, he laughed as he explained. I noticed that Akin was not serious with the gbajue lecture, so I decided to contact a course mate the next day, concluding that to get the best answer, I would approach an Igbo student who also spoke Yoruba fluently, as well as any Yoruba person. So I went to George Nkwocha, the ever-smiling, peacefully disposed guy in my class. Georgie, as we called him, gave me different meanings of gbajue depending on the context. At last, I concluded that gbajue means deception, dubiety, and all forms of criminal tendencies that are meant to mislead, confuse, and lead astray. End of story. Armed with my knowledge of gbajue, I moved on. No one would bamboozle me with the word again.

Having learned and understood the meaning of gbajue in school, I was therefore irked when Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka used it in faraway South Africa as a metaphor to describe the activities of Africa’s most avant-garde political group, Labour Party under the aegis of Obidient movement. According to Soyinka, the Labour Party employed gbajue tactics to befuddle Nigerians, claiming that they won the last presidential elections. The accomplished man of letters avowed that he “can categorically state that Labour Party did not win the election, they came third, not even second”. Let me quickly admit that I am not fit to untie Soyinka’s shoe lace. He is a great man revered and respected across the world. I teach Soyinka’s texts every year. But I am not one of his disciples. I subscribe to Femi Osofisan’s Brecht, Marxist, dialectical leaning more than Soyinka’s ritual cleansing, tragic world view illustrated through his appropriation of Ogun, the Yoruba god of iron and the subterranean agent of self-examination. Soyinka is entitled to his explication of gbajue, although many people think he erred. Many people think he is gradually losing that invincible, iconoclastic portrait of his by consistently aligning with bourgeois, upper-class echelon against the masses. Many people also think that he is gradually eroding all the virtues and principles he stood and fought for as a young man. His “the man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny” has morphed into an ideology with which he is appraised and found wanting because he continues to maintain grave silence in the face of tyranny pro max. Like Soyinka, let me also exercise my intellectual prerogative by offering a personal, surgical dismembering of gbajue, at least within Nigeria’s evanescing, socio-political environment.

Gbajue means to insidiously submit fake academic credentials to the electoral body, serve eight years in an executive capacity and recruit foot soldiers to drum support for you. It is the indoctrination of school children who grow up knowing and answering that someone was this and that, a position attained through deception and beguiling posturing for gain. Gbajue also includes benefitting from the commonwealth having attained a glorious political position riding at the back of fraudulent academic and genealogical claims. All the wealth amassed in that process, all the people who benefitted from that deception are indebted to the gbajue phenomenon and must be made to pay restitution.

Gbajue means when the electoral umpire promises to follow a particular pattern in an election and even goes ahead to publish these regulations in national dailies and the internet. Then, suddenly, like real gbajue-seared beings, make a complete turnaround and abandon the patterns and devices already scheduled for the elections. Then the electoral umpire reverts to its invidious, treacherous, double-dealing methods to conclude the election. The real gbajue element is when the people trooped out in millions based on the promises and assurance of the electoral umpire but only to be deceived, cheated, and abused.

Gbajue means when, during an election, the security apparatus in the country assures people to come out and vote, guaranteeing them ultimate protection and safety. Then, when the people came out, a particular ethnic group is harmed, maimed and dehumanized yet, the same security apparatus connives and looks away from these incidents even with incontrovertible video evidence. Gbajue is when some disoriented people make open threats towards an ethnic group and go on to carry out these threats while the government lapses into hypnotic paralysis only to use media outlets, radio, tv and newspaper to release sterile, hackneyed statements, “we are on top of the situation”.

Gbajue means when in a particular state in the South-South of the country, elections were openly rigged and electoral officers glaringly harassed and threatened by the governor. Yet security personnels looked away and the results were finally admitted by the national electoral body, blurred results. Gbajue is when the electoral umpire, while people of good conscience slept, announced the results of the presidential elections in the wee hours of the night. It is when a group of people representing the judiciary set aside loads of electoral malpractice evidence, chide and rebuke election petitioners as if the judiciary is an arm of the electoral body. Yet, gbajue is surely involved when Abuja is ingeniously stripped of its status as the federal capital territory but does not have a governor as a state, therefore, 25% votes there is inconsequential. Gbajue is big.

Gbajue is when a new government announces the removal of fuel subsidy upon assumption of office without any corresponding, well-thought-out plans to mitigate the excruciating effects of such a knee-jerk decision. Petrol now sells for N620. Pure horror. Gbajue is when a new government titillates the populace with a spurious student loan scheme which lacks any fundamental base and, therefore, crashes as soon as it is announced. Gbajue could be more. It is when a government inaugurates a falsehood industry primarily to hoodwink the people daily with unsubstantiated, misleading tales – UAE lifts visa ban on Nigeria, Mr President is the first to ring the NASDAQ bell, Mr President is the only African leader Biden accepted to meet after UNGA. Gbajue could also mean distributing five billion naira to the states for palliatives when the people received disgraceful, next-to-nothing food items, when, unexpectedly 1$ exchanges for 1,000 naira. Gbajue could be more.

The gbajue culture is maintained and desperately sustained by a coterie of desperate felons whose motives are glaringly tied to gain and the protection of the same. Thus, Nigeria is caught in a whirlwind of different gbajue metaphor. The result of the growth of gbajue in the land is the international embarrassment the country is currently facing regarding the inconsistent academic records of the number one chief executive officer in the land. But gbajue’s comeuppance could be summarized in these words by former US president Abraham Lincoln “you can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time”. I hope the majestic Kongi agrees with my definitions of gbajue.

Promise Adiele PhD is a lecturer with Mountain Top University, and can be reached via Promee01@yahoo.com

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Developing Your Mindset for Reasons in Seasons

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By Tolulope A. Adegoke

“If you are having a bad time right now, kindly know that it cannot last. Never make a permanent decision based on a temporary problem. The authentic solutions are tied to your levels or stages of MANifestations!” – Tolulope A. Adegoke, PhD., FIMC, CMC, CMS, CIV, MNIM

Change is indeed inevitable. Change is also the principle of life, that means everything that is alive is bound to change at certain stages of life, even things that are not alive will change. In other words, the way the river runs through the mountain is simply wearing away the mountain, and when you go back to the mountain in like fifteen (15) years later, you will discover that the river has become wider. At this point, we need to acknowledge that change is in creation, it is part of life. So, here is the question, Ecclesiastes 3:1-3, it reveals that, “to everything, there is a season…” this means, everything has seasons., and everything were created for specific or diverse reasons. And to every purpose under Heaven, there is a time for it. This is the best news I have ever got in my life, which I am also privileged to be sharing publicly at the moment. When I understood this I was a teenager; and it changed my life. I understood that everything is a season. If you are having a bad time at the moment, it cannot last! And if you cannot find a job right now, that is only a season. If your business is going in the wrong direction, it is a season of slide. If nobody wants to marry you, that’s only a season. There is going to come a season when everybody wants to marry you! If you are “broke” at the moment, the good news is that, you are seasonally broke! But that doesn’t define the reasons for your purpose and existence, because it is only for a time. That’s simply the good news, and why we are always reminded never to make a permanent decision in a temporary problem.

Success is not something that you pursue. It is a matter of becoming a person of value. We shouldn’t be pursuing money. We should pursue purpose, we should pursue vision for ourselves, our countries, for our communities. We shouldn’t be pursuing things; what we need to pursue is IDEAS. There are ultimately three (3) categories of people on this plane called earth: i. The Poor People – they talk about money all the time ii. The Rich People- they talk about things iii. The Wealthy People – they talk about ideas.

What separates the above categories are simply thought patterns and habits. They all think differently. For example, the poor people pursue money; the rich people pursue things, while the wealthy people pursue ideas powered and amplified by vision. So, constantly, there is a different way of thinking. I hope nations of the world, most especially the Third World Countries, the young people of our nations become “IDEAS-oriented people”, because it is important to note that IDEAS attracts money. So. I suffice to say that, if we minimize this desire to get money, and elevate the creativity of new IDEAS, we will find that financial results will naturally flow to it. The likes of Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Strive Masiyiwa, and the likes didn’t pursue money, they pursued IDEAS, even the late Steve Jobs who invented the Apple computer, and the iphone never went after money, but he developed an idea into a massive and global realities. If you observe all of the wealthy people in the world, you would discover that it was IDEAS that made them wealthy, not money. So, I think we need to reverse it. Don’t pursue money, and then try to get an IDEA. Get an IDEA, then money will pursue the idea into fruition, and you would become a by-product as far as wealth.

Dr. Myles Monroe of blessed memory shared the above school of thoughts. He tireless preached it to young people to stop looking for employment, he stated: “why don’t you position yourself differently, and look for deployment. To be employed means that somebody else is benefiting from your energy. To deploy yourself means that you are using your own energy to be productive. So, instead of waiting for someone to give you a job, simply by all means create your own work. That’s why I tell people that, there is a difference between creating your WORK and JOB. Your “job” is what they trained you to do, while your “work” is what you are born to do. Your job is your skill, which they fire you from at any point in time. But your work is your GIFT, no one can take that away from you. Your job is where you get compensation for activity; your work is where you get fulfilment, because you love it so much. You can retire from your work, because your work is you! so, when a person discovers their work, they no longer need a job, based on the fact that their work makes them productive! So, there are countless young people in this country and the world at large who are full of talents, full of gifts, but have failed to harness them. I need to add that every problem in life is a business.

All businesses are simply someone solving a problem, which implies that, the more problems that are available in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America, and the world at large, the more businesses available for young people to begin.” And, this is what I think we are lacking. We are trying to get trained to get a job, we are not trained to start a business. We are trained to let other people employ us, we are not trained to deploy ourselves!

The question now is, do we just sit down and let change happen to us? Or are we just watching change happening around us? Or are we aware that change is happening within us? Or are we going to be among those proactive people who will make sure that we affect or influence what happens around us?!

We must clearly understand that change also produces four (4) classes of people, and they are simply privileged to be reading this article at the moment. The First Classes of People can be described as The Watchers – they watch things happen. We must be enlightened that not all change is IMPROVEMENT. For instance, someone used to weigh 120kg, and now weighing 162kg, that is simply a change. for some of you, that is not an improvement. Such a person has lost his or her wardrobe, the ability climb the staircases smartly and swiftly, even lost the quality of health he or she had.

Change doesn’t connote improvement all the time. The problem is, without change, there is no improvement. So, you need to be committed to the decision of what to do with change. Change will happen, and if you are not careful, it could be destructive. You have to determine what kind of change do I want or need in my life? And I want you as a young person, a mother, a father, a business person, think as a company, even as a family, or educational pursuit. What kind of classes do you want to take in college this year? What kind of grades do you want? What kind of relationship do you want to have in your life? Who do you need to drop, and who do you need to pick up in your relationship? What kind of people do you want or need to associate with? What are the books you need to read that you have never read before? Those changes come with choices! So, what kind of a person are you?

We must always understand that we should not always get everything now (in a hurry). By the grace of God, I have spent 15 years in the University, and I have acquired a Bachelor’s Degree, a Master’s Degree, a PhD., while still counting several certifications on many academic platforms. Many people got their jobs earlier and settled for their jobs, while some of us delayed our money making profile by leveraging on what were compensated with as payment to ascend, all in the name of acquiring a foundation, platform that would influence the future and hand over a better world onto coming generation. Today, many of us, either by names or deeds are being registered in the anal of history, aligning with purpose in diverse phases of life by God’s special grace. Dr. Myles Monroe (of blessed memory) corroborates the above assertions, that he delayed his money making endeavours for five years, and later got in an hour as pay-check what others get in a year. Many people today, aren’t focused on developing ourselves, rather they are trying to grab the money now.

Please, I honestly charge you to focus on self-improvement, self-expansion, rather than trying to get you pocket fixed backwards, because the more valuable you make yourself, the more value you attract. You are not paid for how hard you worked, you simply paid for what you are worth to the organization. However, the more intellectual, spiritual, and psychological development you have, the more emotional stability you have developed would determine your strength of value to the world. Put in other words, if you become valuable to the world, the world will pay you to be yourself. It is very important for you to become a person of value, and not to seek value in things. I get paid for what I know, not for what I do! And I strongly believe that this is what need to perceive as being valuable.

Do you know what they actually call intellect? That is what they call CAPITAL. You know intellectual capital is really a commodity, therefore, I am using this platform to charge young people across the world to focus on discovering purpose for their lives come what may (why God created you to this earthly plane), and then discover your gifts (abilities), also take adequate steps to refine them, though the processes may be totally no convenient. Develop your gifts, practice them, and then even begin to sow them for free into your community. Develop yourself to the adequate point of building capacity, and in a short-time, you will discover that people will pursue you because of the values you become. You will discover that people will pursue you because of your fruits, and you maximize your fruits or gifts in life just like a tree. Trees never bring their fruits to you, they simply manifest it. I charge you also to MANifest! You are attracted to the tree because of its values. So, when you develop your gifts and refines it, you don’t need to look followers, they will find you, naturally. After all, leadership isn’t about finding followers, it is about followers being attracted to what you have. And, this is, true commodity.

Conclusively, Dr. Myles Monroe further agreed on the above when he stated that, “power for me to be successful was not in the teacher, it was not in the educational system, it wasn’t in my culture, it wasn’t in my society, it was within me, and I began to think, “God, if you are a good God, why are these people better than me? If you make me in your Image, why are they special? And am I a monkey?” And that night, there was no thunder, no earthquake, no lightening, nothing. I just heard in my mind. And the voice said, “I asked you to believe in me, and you will be saved, not them.” And that night, I made a commitment to believe what God said. I was 13 years old at that time, I said “okay, I believe that I have the power to experience far beyond all I can ever ask, think or imagine, and that’s when my pursuit of God began.” Years ago, before his demise, Dr. Myles was asked by a journalist that when did he perceive he was going to be a preacher, this was his response: “I even didn’t want to become a preacher. Matter of fact, I still do not consider myself a preacher. I think it drove me to have a passion to help everybody who has been oppressed. My passion is to make sure that no one should live under what I experienced. I have never desired to be a minister. I desire to help people.” Therefore, the reward system of leadership is as follows: followers are the flowers that decourates the trees of leadership, the fruits are the rewards that naturally manifest to encourage and to appreciate the leader for effective MANagement and (Him-prove-moments) improvement of its ships (platforms/ followers), by the values such being creates.

Dr. Tolulope A. Adegoke is an accredited ISO 20700 Effective Leadership Management Trainer

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