Independence Edition

Honestly guys, I ran out of caption for this write-up. I wouldn’t mind your help in suggesting captions (in the comment section). And I am keeping this one short and straight to the point.

Well, it’s another Independence anniversary week, and I guess we are all expected to be writing or saying ‘Happy Independence Day’ to Nigeria, but the truth is I do not know anymore. We are a long long way from a ‘happy’ independence guys! I have a million and one reasons for this conclusion and I am sure you may have more, but I’ll share one that is still very fresh.

So this past week, I went to undergo an eye examination for my drivers license at one of the state teaching hospitals in Nigeria (name withheld). I do not want to go on about the ‘road’ that led to the eye examination. So I walked into the room after asking close to a dozen people for direction from the gate, and these two women are sitting at the desk with bottles of soft drinks half empty on the tables and their eyes fixed on their phones, and it’s about 10.30am. I walk up to the desk and say ‘good morning ma’ thrice before one of the women looks up at me after almost 30 seconds after the third ‘good morning ma’ and asks me to take a seat after telling her why I was there. For another close to 30 minutes, these two women are still with their eyes on their phones while sipping on their bottles of soft drink intermittently, while myself and six other people in the room remained seated ‘awaiting our verdict’. After about 30 minutes, one of the women looks up and makes eye contact with me (already getting very irritated, although expression-less) and asks me to come, she then opens one of the files on the table and hands me a form, asks me to fill it and go make payment at the cash point. Luckily, I am back with the payment receipt in less than 10 minutes, and I am asked to ‘hold on’. After another 15 minutes of ‘holding on’, the form and receipt are taken from me, stapled and handed back to me to take to the eye clinic.

Eventually, I leave the room after almost an hour from my arrival with the form and receipt in my hand, and am wondering why it took me one hour to fill a form and obtain a receipt, but unfortunately, that’s all I could do ‘WONDER’!

I know I said this will be short and straight to the point, but unfortunately it’s difficult to make ‘short’ talks about Nigeria these days. I’ll be looking forward to your suggested captions in the comment section. Also feel free to share your own similar experiences (if you don’t mind). 

In the meantime, ‘keep your head above the water’ while we continue to seek solution to the terminal illness of our dear country.

#myrandomweeklythoughts

@dr_mykk

2019 GENERAL ELECTIONS POSTPONED!

Well, do not panic, THE ELECTIONS ARE NOT POSTPONED. I wish they were postponed though, but they remained as scheduled. On Saturday February 16 2019, Nigerians would decide their next President, and I pray people are allowed to vote, that they vote wisely and that their votes are allowed to count!

I have not done any kind of research into this, but from mere observation, elections in Nigeria; for as long as I can remember, have always been held on weekends; precisely on Saturdays. It has become so routine that it appears conducting elections on a weekday in Nigeria is tantamount to electoral fraud. But I doubt that it does.

Elections on Saturday disenfranchises at least 239,104 electorates from voting. This is the number or Seventh-Day Adventist Christians in Nigeria as at 30th June 2018; who claim that elections on Saturday is against their religious ethics. However, most of the electorate do not seem to see this as a challenge to democracy and certain the government doesn’t. Buhari won with 2.57million votes in 2015, which is more than thrice the number of this largely minority Christianity group.

Although it is bad enough that one electorate is constantly denied the right to vote in elections, merely by the day elections are held, it is obvious that denying 239,000+ people MAY not yet have so much effect on the outcomes of the elections in Nigeria, but this may not remain the case in the near future as populations continue to explode; defiling every possible odd. We all talk so well about every vote counting, but we don’t seem to do so much to translate talk to action.  Hopefully, soon, as little as one electorate’s vote would start to really matter beyond all the ‘stereotype talk’ we hear. I hope it’s not too late then!

Wishing Nigeria a peaceful 2019 electoral outing! Let’s hope the promise of non-interference and that of peaceful, free, fair and credible elections will be kept.

God bless the FRN!

My Thoughts On Viral Dooms Day Voice Note (VN)

So the unfortunate incident of the PMS tanker explosion happened on Thursday, June 28, 2018, and since then this VN has gone viral about a certain man calling out some dates and some transport companies and asking listeners to avoid traveling in or out of Lagos using any of the mentioned transport companies on those dates stated... I do feel strongly to react to this VN, which I have received from at least 7 of my contacts already. 

Before I go into my reactions on the VN, kindly allow me to state the following:

1. This reaction may be somewhat long and maybe even inconclusive, owing to the ‘weight’ of the subject matter.
2. I am neither a clergy nor a Professor in religion, but just a Christian who loves and studies God’s word.
3. The views expressed in this reaction are obviously centered around Christianity only.
4. I also kindly request that you drop your religious bias as much as possible while reading this. I will be as biblically logical as possible too in presenting my thoughts.
5. Kindly share this reaction as wide as possible if you find it helpful in whatever way.
6. Feel free to contact me for further discussion privately, should you have any reactions to this reaction.

1. DOOMS DAY IS STALE NEWS

It is no news that terrible times are upon us. Even from history, there have been serious moments of persecution and killings; particularly of God’s people during the Dark Ages. Several scriptural references also confirm that terrible events still lay ahead (Matt 24; Luke 21). In fact, Luke warns that just before Jesus’ second return;

“...there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” (Luke 21:25-26)

Therefore scripture sufficiently warns that the days in which we live are evil, and whatever we think we have experienced or are experiencing, are only just the beginning. Calling out just a few dates in June, July and August and marking them for doom leaves a few things to worry about, for instance;

• First, are these the only days that we should expect doom or danger? Can we be certain that after the advertised dates are over, we can rest from all the doom?
• Second, even if the predictions on these dates come to pass, would they be particularly more terrible than anything else that is likely to happen in future? If not, so what is spectacular about predictions on those dates?
• Third, why are all these predictions restricted to Lagos alone? Is the spirit of prophecy restricted by space or are Lagosians due for special punishment, and by who?

I will leave you to struggle with these concerns.

2. FALSE PROPHETS AND SATAN ARE REAL

God had spoken to His people via Prophets in the Old Testament (Moses to Israel, Eli to Hannah, Jonah to Nineveh, Nathan to David, and so on). This practice/medium was as a result of the bridge that sin created between God and man. Fortunately, by the death of Christ and the tearing of the temple veil ‘from top to bottom’ (Matt. 27:51), that bridge was closed; man could now talk to, and hear from God without any aid. However, God gave a few people prophecy (as a gift) to help in His cause (1 Cor. 12).

Also, knowing that satan is real and able to DECEIVE THE WHOLE WORLD (Rev. 12:9), God gave several warning about counterfeiting this gift of prophecy. Some of them are;

1John 4:1- Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world

Isa. 8:20- To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them

Matt. 24:24- For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect

Hence, we must be careful to always match prophecy with the word of God, it’s almost easy to tell a false one when we are rooted in God’s word.

3. DOOMS DAY, SO WHAT!?

Notice the prophecies, warnings or messages in scripture, some of which are found in Jonah 3, Exodus 5, Daniel 2, Matt 24:29-31 (which was Jesus Himself speaking), you would observe the following important indicators;

• Every Prophet always made significant reference to and acknowledged God as the source of their prophecy or message or warning.
• More importantly, the messages were two sides in most cases, if not all. How do I mean? There was always an ‘assurance of hope’ or a direction on how to escape the wrath that was coming, after every negative prophecy. God never left His children in fear and anxiety.

Check that VN again and see if it meets these two specifications above? 

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS 

2Cor. 2:11b warns that we must not be ignorant of the schemes of the devil. We know he exists and that he is at war with God’s people and constantly trying to ‘prove a point’. We do not need a prophecy to tell us that the days are evil, much less one that confuses us by prophesying about disaster in Lagos on June 23rd, but disaster strikes in Plateau. God is not the author of confusion!

However, these do not replace the role of caution. ‘Watch and pray’ is the command we have from God. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline”. (2Tim. 1:7)

Nigeria has become a religiously-sick country; so many religious practices that it’s difficult to separate the false from truth. Some have resorted to selling their conscience to the highest bidder, and these ‘men of God’ would do all it takes to buy our conscience. Do not be deceived!

As we continue in the coming weeks, months and years, rather than fret over a few dates and ‘transportation in or out of Lagos, or travel by air in Nigeria’, believe the promise of God over your life in Psalm 91.

Shalom! 

For reactions: 08099539328 (WhatsApp ONLY)

57 Hearty Cheers!

It’s here again; this time it’s the 57th celebration of October 1st; day of Nigeria’s independence. Obviously, however, this years anniversary is perhaps the most decisive of many others before it. After exactly 50years of ‘celebrating’ independence in the heat of the civil war, Nigeria is yet again at a threshold as a nation; the indivisible, indissoluble unity of Nigeria continues to suffer a multiplicity of perspectives.

Among other issues, restructuring is the song that everyone seems to be singing in Nigeria at the moment. While I do not intend to complicate the debate, I am proposing a ‘more excellent way’ - mind transformation and love, will do the magic. 

How about if we loved each other the same; if we are first Nigerians before Hausa, Yoruba or Igbo? How about if we looked out for the interest of others as much and as sincerely as we sort ours? If we resolved to pursue peace regardless, trusting that the conquest of Peace always outlasts the victories of violence? How about if we simply choose ‘the more excellence way’; leaders and followers alike?

Meanwhile, it’s 57 hearty cheers; Happy Independence Day celebrations! For me, the best days for Nigeria still lie ahead, ‘the more excellent way’ will get us there a lot more faster.

Happy 57th Independence Day anniversary!

Reminiscing CHANGE 730 days later...

Beyond the ritual of churning out a statement to commemorate the day, the President's Address to the nation on Democracy Day (29th of May), as with every other remarkable day, is intended to serve as a mirror into the direction of the government in the period under review.

Fortunately or unfortunately, the Democracy Day address for this year was made by the Vice President, in acting capacity as the President, while President Buhari continues his INDEFINITE medical vacation in the UK (that is talk for another day).

Three issues stood out in Professor Osinbajo's address today, namely; Security, Corruption and the Economy. He continued by stating reasons why he and the rest of the government feel that some amount of progress is being made in these areas: the seeming conquer of the Book Haram sect; the prosecution of individuals alleged for corrupt practices; and several ongoing efforts to reverse the economic trend in Nigeria with initiatives as Economic Monitoring Team, Single Treasury Account, among others...

My submission is simple; we may not need an official address to let us know our current status as a nation, the living condition and hardship of ordinary Nigerians speak volumes already. While we must agree that governance is more of a journey than a destination, it is not gainsaying that Nigeria has been on this journey for way too long, and Nigerians seem to have become 'weary of travelling', but sadly the end may still be fat from sight.

I still believe in the Nigerian dream; I believe that little by little, tiny deeds of kindness and integrity in 180+ million places, will birth a Nigeria of our dreams. Hence, all hands must be on deck!

Happy Democratic Anniversary to Africa's Sleeping Giant!

Dead or Alive? The tale of two Nigerian Presidents.

So this happens to be my first post this year, and one may wonder why I choose to write on this subject among the many issues that beg for attention in today's Nigeria. Well, before I give any explanation, i would wish you all my very articulate readers the very best of the year 2017. And I hope also that you make more comments on this blog in the new year...

History doesn't always repeat itself. But many are fearful that might just be the case, especially with the 10day vacation of President Muhammadu Buhari to the UK and the various suspicions trailing this 'silent' vacation. On the 23rd November 2009, Late President Umar Musa Yar' Adua departed Nigeria on a similar vacation and medical checkup in Saudi Arabia. What was supposed to take just a few days or maybe weeks, latest for several months, without any formal communication to Nigerians the state of their own elected representative. In fact, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, on 22 January 2010, gave the Federal Executive Council (FEC) fourteen days to decide a resolution on whether Yar'Adua was "incapable of discharging the functions of his office". When the silence persisted, with its attendant unfortunate controversies, the Upper house of the National Assembly, on 9th February 2010, invoked the "doctrine of necessity" and transferred Presidential Powers to Vice President Goodluck Jonathan, declaring him Acting President, with all the accompanying powers, until Yar'Adua returned to full health.

On Tuesday Jan. 17, President Buhari wrote to the Senate informing the 'red chamber' of his intention to go on a "short medical vacation" from January 23rd to February 6th, in accordance with the Section 145 (1) of the 1999 constitution as amended, also stating that his Vice; Professor Yemi Osinbajo would "perform the functions of my office" while on vacation. Nigerians have since began to speculate that President Buhari is too sick to continue in office, some have even gone as far as pronouncing him dead.

Many have asked my views on the issue, and here is what I think; first, it is too early for panic and speculations as the medical vacation period has not elapsed, we can begin those speculations if on February 6th we are told that the vacation has been extended. Secondly, President Buhari stated clearly in his letter to the Senate that his Vice would act as President while he is away, so we are not afraid of an interregnum as it was in the case of Late President Yar' Adua. Thirdly, and more sentimental, I strongly recommend that we all pray and wish our dear President Buhari quick recovery and safe return to duty, as he has a country to fix. It would be unfair that he led us this far into recession to leave us here, that's on a lighter note. So on my own behalf, I wish President Muhammadu Buhari a quick recovery and safe return to duty...

Please share this post, and don't forget to drop your wishes for PMB on the comment section below. Gracias!

STATE OF THE ECONOMY

 

The last few months in Nigeria seem to have been the worse ever experienced in the history of Nigeria, maybe since the end of the civil war. In fact, some Nigerians have concluded that 'things have fallen apart'; from a bag of rice rising from N13,000 to N28,000; a rim of A4 paper rising from N500 to N1,200 and even one gala rising from N50 to N70 or so Naira, and unfortunately, income isn't just constant, but threatening to reduce. Things indeed seem to have fallen apart. Someone was reported to have committed suicide two days back; the first of its kind in my area and without a note, now am wondering could this be the new trend?

 

We can help each other survive this unique times of the Nigerian economy. Simply share with us how you have kept yourself up and going in this sickening times in Nigeria. You can just be helping someone survive tomorrow or the day after.

C'mon just leave a comment please and share if you can! 👍

DEMOCRACY: 17 YEARS AND CHANGING...!

 

I have been thinking all day of how best to capture my perspectives about the state of affairs in Nigeria 17 years into the only surviving period of democratic rule in Nigeria's independent history...

May 29, some 17 years ago(1999), meant the dawn of a new era for many Nigerians and Nigeria in particular; the military was gone and we hoped this time for good... One administration after another has subsequently come and gone in 4 tenures (under the same political party); all serving twice consecutively. Unfortunately, Nigerians have only began to experience a new 'delicacy', and somehow we feel like it's no different from what we have had in the past, or even worse (as some argue)... The second sentence in President Buhari's anniversary speech captures this point: "It has been a year of triumph, consolidation, pains and achievements". Although many seem to identify more with the 'pains' than the 'triumph', and even fewer are less (or not at all) concerned about the 'consolidation' and 'achievements', the reasons are, however, not far-fetched.

From reality, we observe that two sides exist to every coin; the pleasant and ugly experiences of our lives are what make the complete story of who we are, and regardless  of where we are, as individuals, we are still 'changing' - our stories are still unfolding (good and bad). This may apply for Nigeria as a state as well...

We are obviously millions of miles away from where we are headed, but we are definitely not where we left off. Regardless our seeming 'weekly' troubles: terrorism, corruption, Niger-delta, and recently the fall in oil prices, we have only a few things to smiles about: Nigerians seem to have began to realize the power of the ballot, INEC is becoming truly independent (especially with the last general elections), notwithstanding the number of casualties, and we hope these trends continue.

 

It's exciting to think that what we face at the moment isn't the last of Nigeria's experiences or the end of her story; Nigeria indeed is 'changing', and we have a couple more ugly and definitely pleasant experiences to share... The latter will only prevail and subsist if the next 365 days are met with resolve and commitment from leadership and followership alike. Like I always say, and ending on that note:

IF THE NIGERIAN STATE IS TO SURVIVE, THOSE WHO ADVOCATE IT MUST SUBMIT TO IT, THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN IT MUST PRAY FOR IT, AND WE WHO REPRESENT IT MUST FIGHT FOR IT!

Long live Nigeria; and

Long live you and I to see her best days!

Happy Democratic Anniversary! 

RESCUE OPERATION ONE BY ONE!

 

Unfortunately mixed feelings have trailed the 'rescue' of two of the missing Chiboks school girls earlier this week. The girls were rescued 'one by one'; with Amina Ali preceding the other (who's identity is not released at the time of publishing this post).

Bravo to our military for the rumored progress so far in the 'war against terrorism'; but as we know, it is not over until the enemy is defeated... More bravo for the 'rescue' of these two girls (Amina with one child, and maybe the other with one or two children when her identity is released), and even more impressive is the 'welcome home offer' of a full education scholarship and the promise of a better life by the FG (or maybe I should help Mr. President to be more specific and say by his administration)...

 

My worry, however, is that in this 'Rescue Operation One and One', the military has not satisfactorily spelt out the 'rescue procedure'. Don't miss my point: we agree that Sambisa and environs have been under military siege in the last few months, we also understand that over 200 school girls were abducted. So my point: if the military operations in the Northeast over the last few months is the 'rescue procedure' that led to this release, how come only two are rescued (and at different times); and if the rescue is by 'operation within an operation', then it is important we are aware of the 'rescue procedure', so we can expect the other girls to be rescued in this 'Rescue Operation One by One'...

Whatever the case, Nigeria must survive! *wink*