WHAT HAS OUR SOCIETY TURNED INTO?

   What is our society turning into? may I begin this way.Iam personally worried at the collapse of moral and religious values. Any
society without sound value system is merely gloried animal kingdom which though human but a conglomerates of animalistic
tendencies. It calls for concern because humans are distinguished from monkeys and baboons because of rational reasoning. And
so are supposed to be advance than them.
   However human behaviour especially in our contemporary society is abhorrent. If not how can thew happenings be justified? We are very religious and but yet very ungoldy. Nigeria is blessed with abundance of natural and human resources yet one of the poorest countries of the world. Even to organise our society appears unattainable. Our youths remains perpetually unattended to even after aquiring the requisite education.
   It is criminal to complain against corrupt leadership for the fear of been tag anti-Christ. It is fashionable to sleep with women in the open on the streets because it's evidence of gteatness. Our service to God now is not to do his will but to kill other human beings who are not the same faith us. Hatred has replaced love as a value and preached in our worship places. Corruption is the new religion of leadership that is worshipped by us.
   Our society today stands for anything evil evil and good is an unwanted stranger. Selfishness togwther with self centreness is deep rooted in our sub concious minds thereby dividing us into micro social units. Self greed is the new article of faith. In all these too is perverse self righteousness of evil mind which hinders us from humility. Where will this lead us?
We need change in our society, not only political change but attitudinal paradigm shift. Although, the leadership is expected to
provide guide but much is behavioural. There is urgent demand for radical reorientation of our social life. We must return to core
values of love, peace, unity, hardwork, honour, intergrity, accountability, transparency, etc. We must return to the doctrines of the Holy scriptures and de-emphasize extremism. God created man in his imagine and likness and "thou shall not kill" says the
scriptures.
   Therefore, the sanctity of human life must be uphold. Vengeance and all forms of reprisal must belongw to Almighty God
and no any human being owns it. Forgiveness will have to flow like the ocean to clean all atrocities which we are all guilty. We need
sober reflection in order to bring our roles in making negative history to end. To achieve this, nobody should appropriate moral high
ground rather than humility so as to ponder on what we are supposed to have done or not done which contributed in bringing us to
this state of affairs.
   "God is spirit and all those who worship him must worship Him in truth and in spirit, personally, I have also fallen short of the glory of God in contributing in one way or the other to plagued this society of ours into this stage. I ask that God should credit our shortcomings into the fix deposit account of forgiveness. May the Almighty God the Most Beneficient forgive us and heal our land in the
Mighty Name of Jesus.
If you believe in this then support it by typing AMEN.

WHAT IS TRUE RELIGION?

There is a worrisome phenomenon amongst the sons of Adam today especially in Nigeria, and that is true religion. What is religion? The meaning of this concept means differently to many people. To some, religion mens th worship of the Surpreme being, the author and finisher of all cretions Who demands faithfulness in service and worship. All mortals shall return to Him on the day of judgement.
He is God Almighty. While, others dispute His existence by arguing that universe is a product of evolution. May be this explains the divergent religious practices amongst mankind. So many things are considered as religious acts in Nigeria including killing anybody who differ with your faith. The killing and looting of the properties of any person of opposite faith is regarded as one of the highest
forms of religious obligations in contemporary society. Sometimes artifical crisis situations are created for hunting of the sons and daughters of mankind with ochestrated zeal and fanfare. Road blocks are mounted on the high ways where fellow human beings are compel to recite article of faith depending on the one in control, failure to comply, means the victim will be slaughter with shouting of "Allah wah akbar" or "In Jesus Name".

Or on the alternative, the house of a so called non believer is surrounded, the entire family is completely burnt down with innocent children crying in excruciating trauma to death under the supervision of a jubilating religious or ethnic army. Or under the watchful eyes of the victims their properties are looted, then their women and daughters raped to death by overzealous young men taking turns. While the men after all these atrocities may be slaughter one after the other. All these are celebrated acts considered as religious believing that it will catapult them automatically into eternity. The Muslims and Christians especially in Northern Nigeria cannot claim ignorance of these new short cut to paradise. Anybody who share contrary opinion to shading innocent blood and dare express such is considered an enemy worthy of death. Such Muslims will declare fatawah while the Christians call him enemy of Christ, un quote. Recently, a group of ethnic chauvinists on one of the indigenous social networks declared me an enemy of Plateau and by extension their christ and called on members of their group to raze down my house with my entire family because of my opinions and stand against organised injustice against fellow human beings.

This is how bad our new religious practices have gone. Personally, I have tested the goodness of Almighty God, having survived an ambushed by three men armed with AK-47, who rained bullets on my car, so many assassination and kidnapping attempts including exclusions and deprivations, Iam no longer afraid of death. I want to assure all that I will not leave this earth planet early than it is ordained by my God therefore no weapon fashion against me shall prosper. I will continue to fight against injustice, blood letting, criticise bad leadership, oppose inequality, campaign against corruption, preach and promote peaceful existence, resist religious and ethnic manipulations, above all continue to pray for a better society. If this is against your own religion then we may not have common grounds to meet even before God. 

Sincerely can we claim that what is happening has justification from the Holy Books? I have preoccupied myself with reading the Holy Bible and translated Quran and Hadith to discover the origin of these attrocities perpetuated in the name of religion but Iam yet to find one. Can anybody assist me with relevant verses from either the Bible or Quran to help me form a different opinion? What verse of the Holy Books support discrimination, nepotism, corruption, or even leadership failure? Who created Heaven and earth and everything that is in it? Who created the Muslims, Christians and traditionalist? My Bible told me that Almighty God created all these and finally created man in His image and likeness. And that all human beings are from common origin through Adam. Where do we find these new religious practices that preach hatred instead of love, kill fellow human beings instead of leading them to salvation, dispense injustice instead of justice, discriminates instead equity?    

Sadly, we have even indoctrinated our innocent children into these negative traditions which made them potential time landmines. Was this the original plan of God for man on earth? I seek to differ in answering this questions. As a Christian, I have a burden of carrying the cross of Christ, which requires me to love my neighbour like my self. While preaching, Our Lord Jesus Christ, said blessed are the peace makers for they shall be call children of God, but not blessed are those who kill others for they shall inherit the kingdom of God. The Holy Quran states that leave in peace with non muslims until they aggress you and seek to prevent you from doing your religion. When you declare jihad on non Muslims without justification who has stop you from practising your religion? In any case, is jihad self defence in Islamic jurisprudence or an attack? In my considered view jihad is self defence, when you are attacked and prevented from practicing your religion then the reaction may be a holy battle to regain religious freedom. Prophet Muhammad Ibn Abdullah, (peace be upon him) utilised jihad as a wepon of self defence against those who attcked Muslims or conspired against the religion. When he and his followers were forced out of Mecca to Medina on hijira, he declared jihad against them to established freedom of worship of true God. There were christians in Medina living under Islamic rule with their rights and privileges guaranteed. So where are we comming from with these destructive practices? Will killing of each others in the name of religion add value to the kingdom of God?

We have lost our sense of worship and fall victims to manipulations of politics. All these bad practices are political tendencies but not religion. It is politics that has rivalry, competition, hatred and get it at all cost as integral components in Nigeria. For God is Spirit and all those who worhip him must wohip him in truth and in spirit. No true belielieve in Almighty God will hate another human being.
Our worship places have been hijacked for worship of money, the rich dominates and dictates with questional wealth while the poor are mere servants of manipulations. Ethnicity is the vehicle of the crusade while corruption is the fuel driving the machine of hatred and extremism. No wonder, Karl Max argued that religion is the opium of the people.

We have done sufficient harm to ourslves, let reasoning prevail so that we can build a better society for the generations yet unborn. But if killing of each others, corruption, injustice, hatred, discrimination, looting, inequality etc is the religious practices, then I will remain the enemy of this so called Christianity and will prefer hell instead of their heaven. As a mortal, Iam not perfect but will die with my finger up against evil.
May God show us the way to true worship in Jesus Name. Amen.

WAR AGAINST TERRORISM IN NIGERIA: MATTERS ARRISING

It was black Sunday in Borno, the epicentre of the Boko Haram murderous attacks, when gunmen numbering over 50 invaded Kawuri
District of Konduga Local Government Area of the state and set ablaze over 300 houses and shops after killing 52 people including
a soldier, and wounding several others including policemen and civilians. While in neighbouring Adamawa State, several people,
including two policemen were also feared killed as gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members attacked a church in Chakawa
village of Madagali Local Government Area. It was reported that the village was attacked during the Sunday service in the morning.
The re-enactment of unwholesome blood letting is coming at the heels of the visit of the former governor of Borno, Senator, Modu
Sheriff, whose role in the conception of the boko haram phenomenon left many tongues waging. Protests trailed the visit but it failed
on deaf ears, consequently, the peace of Maiduguri town was raptured by multiple explosions leaving many dead and wounded. It is
open secret that the Senator belongs to the class of untouchables and their fear is the beginning of personal safety in Nigerian.
Those who fled from the villages narrated to newsmen how fellow Nigerians were gruesomely murdered in grand style. The invading
gunmen operated in field day fanfare without any challenge from the counter terrorist garrison or security agencies. The casualties
were both young and old, women inclusive. Unfortunately, mankind has been thrown into state of extreme pains again. Sadly, too, it
is a recurrent decimal taking place under the supervision of state of emergency anti-terrorist division stationed in North East. The
blame has been put on the dread Jama'atu alih sunnah liddah watti wal jihadi, popularly refered to as boko haram. The question is
what has become of our security system? Certainly, our police are professionals when it has to do with brutality, cracking down
opposition rallies, extortion, or even attack dogs of disgruntled power drunk politicians. Give then order to dispense meetings even
of people with immunity, an overzealous Divisonal Officer will execute it GSM speed. Worst still give them order to open fire on
Governors or Senators at opposition rally, there will be willing Mbu, but report an armed robbery or boko haram attack, there will be
no fuel in their vehicle to move to the scene until it is over.
To my understanding, the boko haram campaigns has lost focus from the initial declaration of war against the state for the injustices
of 2009 in Maiduguri where their leader, Mallam Mohammed Yusuf and others were extra-judicially murdered after been arrested by
soldiers then handed over to the police. At inception, the campaign targeted the security, corrupt political class and their
collaborators. Many Nigerians had some sympathy for the group then, but I doubt if this exist again. The sect has over reached the
bonds of its goodwill by squandering the sympathy when religion was introduced into the whole concept. No doubt, this misguided
focus has correlations with international terrorist movements which exploited opportunity offered for extension of jurisdiction. Of
course, the situation was not managed properly and sincerely too by the Nigerian authorities. Instead of considering the multiplier
consequences on national security, the situation was politicised for electioneering advantages. Even the culture of trading blames
between the two major faiths contributed in escalating the frontiers of divide for the benefits of the insurgents. No doubt, the country
is in a state of delima, even though, government kept making assurances for ending the insurgency, but each time, the sect proved
such as empty threats.
It is on record, that the former Inspector General, Ringim, while taking possession of police vehicles in Maiduguri in 2012, declared
that the days of boko haram was numbered. In a response, the sect promised taking the battle to his door steps. Few days latter,
Louis Edet House, the headquarters of the Nigerian Police was attacked, while Ringim survived through the whiskers. Not too long
thereafter, the former Chief of Army Staff, Major General Ihejirika stated that boko haram are cowards and they will be crushed soon.
Again, the insurgent relocated the battle ground to first division, Nigerian Army headquarters Kaduna with an attack.The Abuja Office
of the United Nations, Churches, Mosques, Schools, Markets and financial institutions has all come under the rampage of the group
as results. This is outside shootings and killings of both low and high profile personalities. The current campaigns in Maiduguri and
Adamawa States may not be unconnected with the statement accredited to the new Chief of Defence Staff, who stated the insurgent
will end by April, 2014. I still cannot find justification for such security outburst, could it be expression of joy provoked by the new
appointment or demonstration of unprofessionalism? How can a three star General make such blunders even when he has not
assume responsibilities or even been brief about the situation on ground? I used to know that Generals talk less, laugh once a while
and act more. Their actions speak results and not hollow assurances that turn to jeopardise the lives of citizens. Now that he has
murdered sleep will he sleep any more because the sect has welcome his statement with unabated rampage. This development to
my mind has placed the intergrity of the Chief of Defence Staff on trial in the court of public opinions in the days ahead.
It is unfathomable, when the report of huge success aluded by the military. Every week, the news has been that so, so, number of
boko haram has been killed of huge arms have been recovered. Infact, such statements misled Nigerians into believing that the
sting of insurgency has been broken. Suddenly, sometimes late last year, there were sporadic onslaught on security outfits
including Mobile Police Base in Damaturu. Another on the Airport in Maiduguri, where two jet fighters belonging to the Nigerian
Airforce were destroyed, leaving many death. Also, there were reports on multiple siege on military barracks accompanied by
hostage taking of wives and children of officers. These developments make the heart to loose its normal beat, the question is what
is the authencity of the success story of the military operations? Could it be true that most the victms of these millitary operations
are assumed to be members of the sects hence killed. There is furore about the conduct of the occuppy force in the affected areas.
So many instances of grave human rights volaitions have leveled against the operations. The in human approached in the
management of the war falls beyound the requirements of Geneva Conventions. Granted, there is need for some sort of ruthlessness
while dealing with war on terror, but it cannot be licence for reckless brenches. The counter terroists coalition must introduce some
civil methods in the conduct relying more on effective intelligence gathering to produce positve results. Indiscipline amongst officers
is also responsible for the abysmal outing of the operations. Without discipline it is impossible for the military to win the war.
The society has also been fueling the crisis with sentiments. Instead of confronting terrorism, others conceived it as conspiracy to
islamise the Nation. Realising these social lapse, the insurgent capitalised on the differences to wreak havoc on everybody. It has
been that once the Church is attacked, then every available Muslim will pay the price and vice versa. Common sense has never been
employ in assessing terrorists situations, instead old prejuices are mobilise to fan embers of hatred against each others. The
question still remains that does boko haram sect has the mandate of Nigerian Muslims to embark on these outrageous carnages. If
the response is speculative, then may I on the strength of such reasoning ask whether the armed robbery and kidnappings going on
in the South East has the blessings of Christians. Certainly, the answer is No. Therefore, Nigerians must refrain from ascribing
religious or ethnic values to evil by isolating it as such. The insurgents has been exploiting the rift between the two major faiths as
fuel for their campaigns. There is need for both Christians and Muslims to discard the blame game by closing ranks against
common evil. It is time we walk out of the fools paradise or else we all perish. There is nothing religious about what is happening,
rather I considered it as blackmail by extreme idelogy taking cover under islam to impose their ideological variant on the society.
The role of leadership is tinted with suspect because instead of facing the security challenge with vigour and determination,
insurgency question has been reduced to campaign strategy for winning elections. Even Mr President cannot be exonorated from
this divide and rule antics. What was the rationale behind statement made in the Christian Centre Abuja to the effect that there boko
haram in his government, and thathe even eat with them.Yet he cannot expose them or order for their arrest. What was the essence
of this statement, to incite the Christians, or to cause national panick? To be fair, Mr President has not demonstrated the political
will power to address the insurgency question either because of ill advise or better still insensitivity to the predicaments of affected
citizens. The President has spent most of his time travelling outside leaving crucial state matters crying for undue attention. His
policies on security challenges are generally sugar coated with little or no results. Look at the situation in Plateau State and other
North Central states. There has been carnage going on in those places for long but mute has been the action. As acting President,
Mr President created false hope of looking into the Plateau crisis, since his election, niether had he visited the area to reinforce hope
for the citizens or send some forms of assistance to the State. Even the Chief Solomon Lar's Elders Committee report on Jos crisis is
cooling in the archives without attention. What is happening in Plateau State, to say the least is worst than boko haram, but the
federal government down played it for unkown reasons. In Wase Local Government Area, thousands of people have been forced out
their houses and presently scattered as displaced persons all over Southern Senatorial Distribution. How can peace be sustained
under these types of official neglect.The nation is navigating serious into chaos while all that concern leadership is how to retain
power in 2015, at whose expense may I ask?
It is an established fact that might has might has not solve any human conflict. All wars fought by man has ended at conference
tables. Despite, the victory of the allied forces in the second world war, dialogue was employ to restore global stability. Recently, tne
Americans adopted diplomatic warfare in its war against terror. it is philosophical that what the tongue can do the sword should not
be used. Therefore, the Federal Government should review its war on terror policy. Special attention should be given to the Amnesty
template of the Northern Elders Forum, which provides for granting reprieve to willng insurgents to drop their arms for reconciliation,
while, the second aspects refers to payment of compensation to victims of terrorism, including reconstruction of destroyed worship
places, schools, markets and other public institutions. This gesture in my thinking will heal the wounds and give victims sense of
belonging. Amnesty should be viewed as a Nigerian concept and not its generic meaning. It was developed as a post war strategy
and latter used to address the militancy question. For it to work, the Federal Government must demonstrate sincere commitments.
Mr president must resist the temptation of the beneficiaries of security votes who would used all forms of sentiments to blackmail it.
The Nation is greater than any individual, therefore national interest should be paramount.
Leadership is selfless service which requires transparency and accountability in public affairs.There is a complete drift from this
corporate responsiblity which cannot be defended. A Leader is a human god that pilot affairs with justice and fairness. Leadership
must engage its primary responsibilities of protecting lives and properties, anything below the margin is failure. In the
circucumstance can assessment be place on balance of positive values? To me, Leadership takes the lion share of the present
predicaments because instead of concentrating on these issues it is engaged in self extrication.The argument has been that these
problems were inherited. This looks like the case of a lazy workman blaming his tools. Mr President has everything it takes to
succeed, he is young, agile, educated and strong, the nation expects nothing from him less than performance. He must concentrate
on his job very well because the bulk ends at his table. Nigerians care less about who rule them once there is food on their
tables.The clamour for power shift is fuel by non performance and injustice which if attended to will dose the tension in the polity.
There is no pretence injustice ravages the entire social fabric. The political class has not demonstrates enough responsibility with
leadership and a rethink will save the future.