These are the opening verses of some of the numerous poems I wrote as a teenager.
I hope to publish a full recollection in a book in the near future. Please pardon my prose!
DELE OKENLA
PASSION
For a while I feel I should sing
Of my affections, Love and Hate
While in my mind memory bells still ring
Woeful tales of my affections of late.
That I loved her no crime was
Nor a sin any man should forgive
I risked all and bore the loss
I gave her all a lover could ever give.
Gone forever is love's noble desire
For Cupid had dealt a fatal shot
(circa 1982)
TUTU
Think not my love was vain
Wherefore it died down with such ease
For pure it was and as plain
As any true love could ever be
Remember how in sunshine and in rain
I had besought your affectionate bliss
While the ground my mouth in homage kiss
(circa 1982)
RETROSPECT
I should have died long ago and thus be saved a lot of grief
I am debased even in ego, living a man with no belief
To me even death would be a gift
From earthly sorrows to give a lift
(circa 1983)
REFLECTION
I will give you no more reins my heart
Lest in remembrance of wasted years
You shed a thousand tears of blood
(circa 1984)
CONSTANCE
Your eyes, dearest Constance
Are like stars on a dark night
And by their light
I hope to find true love
(circa 1983)
DEATH OF DAD
Once upon a short time ago
There lived a man not proud in ego
A humble man who lived respected
At whose door none begging was rejected.
Dear father, that you should die so saddens me
Alas that wicked Death is so mean!
(circa 1981)
BISI {Jemishe}
In your beauty I saw delight
Whenever you came like the Night
With Stars, you being the Moon
Or like the Sun at mid-noon
Radiant, brilliant, and elegant
(circa 1984)
STORY
Songs of others I had sung all my life
And now who will sing my own song?
Others stars had shone abright
But my star, will it ever shine alight?
Can I those immortal heights attain,
Whereon Shakespeare once dined with the Muses?
Or can I that purest vision ever behold
And like Milton a peerless Seer become?
(Circa 1984)
(.........to be continued!)
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Thursday, 10 December 2009
Some things I said!
ON CITIZENSHIP
There is a need to promote a sense of good citizenship and fair play in the mind of the typical Nigerian. We must learn to take responsibility for our actions and consider their consequences not only on our own interests but also on the interests of others.
4th August 2009
ON THE NEED TO PRESENT A UNITED FRONT
United we stand, divided we fall. We can only achieve the seemingly impossible by tackling the seemingly improbable. Our dreams, our goals, our lives, and our future depend on the decisions we make today. History will not be kind to those that fail to act.
21st July 2009
ON THE INDIVIDUAL
Until we change our individual perspectives we cannot effectively change the status quo.
19th July 2009
ON RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND PEOPLE
'Serve God your Creator with all your heart, love your neighbour as the Good Book says and it shall be well with you'
11th August 2009
ON THE IMPORTANCE OF FACEBOOK
The positive effects of Facebook as an instrument of social and family networking cannot be ignored. Critics who deride it as addictive might be a litttle bit misguided. Is your mobile phone addictive? No! It is necessary and valuable just like FB. Facebook has afforded me the opportunity of reaching out to my friends and family far and wide. Suddenly, people I have given up for lost are showing up on the radar.
16th August 2009
ON THE CRY FOR CHANGE
Everbody is crying 'change' but do they really desire change? People tend to change their minds in the face of sustained persecution or a tremendous gratification! First, we put the cat in charge of our meat and then we prosecute the chicken for the missing meat! We glorify the same people that tread on our heads and shout down the men that attempt to salvage our sunken boat. Which way Nigeria?
23rd August 2009
ON JESUS
When you have Jesus you have everything. His words are true and His promises are always delivered. Happy is the man or woman who puts God first in all things. He reigns!
22nd September 2009
ON THE TRUTH
The truth is greater than fiction
7th September 2009
ON GRATITUDE
Eni to ba mo inu ro, a mo ope da. Thank you Jesus.
15th September 2009
ON THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT DEBATE
Freedom is not something that we need to fight for as it is the residual nature of all that is not proscribed. It is the Right to express ourselves without fear of persecution or recrimination that should be entrenched in our constitution!
7th July 2009
ON GENTLEMEN
Peace, not War. Love, not Hate. Those are the ideals of a true gentleman!
30th June 2009
ON THE PRESS
The Press plays quite an important role in democracy but not necessarily as an arm of the government. In fact, an ideal situation is where the Press is completely independent of the government. History has shown us that the Press could be a double-edged sword and when wielded in a negative fashion, could easily become an instrument of oppression or suppression. I am an advocate of the free press and a fervent protagonist of fundamental human rights including the freedom of expression.
However, the freedom to speak should not be misconstrued as the right to slander nor the freedom to write be taken as a licence to libel. Our society becomes a better place when we learn to curtail our own excesses and rein in negative journalism which, like a spurless horse, could only lead to chaos and anarchy when unrestrained. The restrainment needs to be done as a matter of self-discipline by each and every individual. That, is the essence of liberty!
5th July 2009
ON THE NEED TO ACT
Should we leave things like that, ‘SAD’ as it is? Or should we at least try our tiny best, whether by speech, prayer or action to effect a positive change? What legacy do we leave to our children or generations yet unborn? I say it does not matter whether the change happens in our generation or not but we still have to set the trend. The relentless but peaceful agitations of people like Martin Luther King in the sixties paved the way for Barrack Obama in the United States of today. Perhaps likewise ,our efforts of today might yet breed a future champion of our people in a generation not too distant. That, will be our legacy!
5th July 2009
There is a need to promote a sense of good citizenship and fair play in the mind of the typical Nigerian. We must learn to take responsibility for our actions and consider their consequences not only on our own interests but also on the interests of others.
4th August 2009
ON THE NEED TO PRESENT A UNITED FRONT
United we stand, divided we fall. We can only achieve the seemingly impossible by tackling the seemingly improbable. Our dreams, our goals, our lives, and our future depend on the decisions we make today. History will not be kind to those that fail to act.
21st July 2009
ON THE INDIVIDUAL
Until we change our individual perspectives we cannot effectively change the status quo.
19th July 2009
ON RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND PEOPLE
'Serve God your Creator with all your heart, love your neighbour as the Good Book says and it shall be well with you'
11th August 2009
ON THE IMPORTANCE OF FACEBOOK
The positive effects of Facebook as an instrument of social and family networking cannot be ignored. Critics who deride it as addictive might be a litttle bit misguided. Is your mobile phone addictive? No! It is necessary and valuable just like FB. Facebook has afforded me the opportunity of reaching out to my friends and family far and wide. Suddenly, people I have given up for lost are showing up on the radar.
16th August 2009
ON THE CRY FOR CHANGE
Everbody is crying 'change' but do they really desire change? People tend to change their minds in the face of sustained persecution or a tremendous gratification! First, we put the cat in charge of our meat and then we prosecute the chicken for the missing meat! We glorify the same people that tread on our heads and shout down the men that attempt to salvage our sunken boat. Which way Nigeria?
23rd August 2009
ON JESUS
When you have Jesus you have everything. His words are true and His promises are always delivered. Happy is the man or woman who puts God first in all things. He reigns!
22nd September 2009
ON THE TRUTH
The truth is greater than fiction
7th September 2009
ON GRATITUDE
Eni to ba mo inu ro, a mo ope da. Thank you Jesus.
15th September 2009
ON THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT DEBATE
Freedom is not something that we need to fight for as it is the residual nature of all that is not proscribed. It is the Right to express ourselves without fear of persecution or recrimination that should be entrenched in our constitution!
7th July 2009
ON GENTLEMEN
Peace, not War. Love, not Hate. Those are the ideals of a true gentleman!
30th June 2009
ON THE PRESS
The Press plays quite an important role in democracy but not necessarily as an arm of the government. In fact, an ideal situation is where the Press is completely independent of the government. History has shown us that the Press could be a double-edged sword and when wielded in a negative fashion, could easily become an instrument of oppression or suppression. I am an advocate of the free press and a fervent protagonist of fundamental human rights including the freedom of expression.
However, the freedom to speak should not be misconstrued as the right to slander nor the freedom to write be taken as a licence to libel. Our society becomes a better place when we learn to curtail our own excesses and rein in negative journalism which, like a spurless horse, could only lead to chaos and anarchy when unrestrained. The restrainment needs to be done as a matter of self-discipline by each and every individual. That, is the essence of liberty!
5th July 2009
ON THE NEED TO ACT
Should we leave things like that, ‘SAD’ as it is? Or should we at least try our tiny best, whether by speech, prayer or action to effect a positive change? What legacy do we leave to our children or generations yet unborn? I say it does not matter whether the change happens in our generation or not but we still have to set the trend. The relentless but peaceful agitations of people like Martin Luther King in the sixties paved the way for Barrack Obama in the United States of today. Perhaps likewise ,our efforts of today might yet breed a future champion of our people in a generation not too distant. That, will be our legacy!
5th July 2009
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Peace in Ogun State (Revisited) FB 05/07/2009
DELE OKENLA
Sunday, 05 July 2009
The doctrine of Separation of Powers is one of the better tenets of modern democracy. This, in effect, means that the actions of the executive arm of the government will be subject to checks by the legislative arm leaving the judiciary to serve as the ultimate arbiter.
In light of this supposition, one can reasonably conclude that the hyped-up stand-off between the Executive and the Legislature in Ogun State is nothing but merely democracy in action, so why all these hulla-balloo?. There cannot be an effective check and balancing if the two arms of the government are too pally!
It is the duty of the Executive to come up with huge proposals and it is also the duty of the Legislature to check these proposals for accountability. There is no crime committed on either side, it is just a normal political process.
What is not normal, and somehow disheartening, are the personal attacks and negative press being concocted by overzealous supporters of both sides.
The Executives and the Legislators are all paid employees of the State and it is exactly this sort of legitimate argument, whether you believe it or not, that they are paid to iron out purposefully. I would, in fact, be truly alarmed if this were not the case.
The main culprits therefore in this whole fracas, as far as I can see, are the poison-trigger-happy writers who seem to thrive on sensationalism and who seem to think to some degree that 'patriotism' is really the same thing as 'activism', (Apology to Omo Omo)
For the records, even though I have some admiration for the so-called G-15 and immense respect for the office of the Governor, I share none of their political beliefs and I would rather see all of them without exception replaced by a new order of morally upright individuals.
Yet as patriots, we are morally bound to support the government of the day no matter how undesirable we may think they are. And since the government consists of not only the Executive but also the Legislature, then we ought to support all the parties (Pardon my pun).
For the sake of progress, I will strongly appeal to the supporters of the State Governor to stop personal attacks of any kind on the members of the legislature and equally appeal to the supporters of the G-15 to stop demonising the Governor in any way.
What we need in Ogun State is peace not war.
Seun Oloketuyi
Well spoken
05 July at 15:39
Adegboyega Otunba
well said let us engage in meaningful suggestions to move our state forward
05 July at 16:11
Ayo Sonubi
We all know the problems, but how, and when would we start, its talking, talking, talking everyday, lets start something before this country crashes. @ Seun the ball is in your court
05 July at 16:46
Rufus Kayode Oteniya
Those who want peace must certainly be prepared for war. As shine comes after rain, all we want now is peace in Ogun State after this war. So let peace reign.
Dele, blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called the children of God.
05 July at 16:57
Abbey Odukoya
Sir, like you prudently stated above, Seperation of powers, is the most salient feature of Democracy. Being conscious of this fact, then you must realise that the press being the fourth arm of the Government, must be allowed by all Democrats to perform their duties accordingly.
05 July at 17:07
Olukayode Okenla
I have watched with keen interest the politics of Ogun State and Nigeria in general. It is important that we need peace and develoment in the gateway state. Ogun state is blessed with abundant resources (human, natural and others). It is also important that the 3 arms of government are allowed to perform their functions effectively and in line with the constitution and that politics should be played with probity, good governance, accountability and more importantly in the overall development of the state.
A state without peace cannot achieve development and good government and I therefore enjoin and appeal to many meaningful ogun state indigines and non indigenes who have the interests of the state should step in by contributiing their quotas in whatever capacities and positions in moving the state forward. I am impressed with the contributions so far and we should join our hands together in an atmosphere of
peace, harmony, good and rich debate to assist our state.
05 July at 18:19
Dele Okenla
Dear Abbey, I totally agree with your views. The Press plays quite an important role in democracy but not necessarily as an arm of the government. In fact, an ideal situation is where the Press is completely independent of the government. History has shown us that the Press could be a double-edged sword and when wielded in a negative fashion, could easily become an instrument of oppression or suppression.
I am an advocate of the free press and a fervent protagonist of fundamental human rights including the freedom of expression. However, the right to speak should not be misconstrued as the right to slander, nor the freedom to write be taken as a licence to libel.
Our society becomes a better place when we learn to curtail our own excesses and rein in negative journalism which, like a spurless horse, could only lead to chaos and anarchy when unrestrained. That restrainment needs to be done as a matter of self-discipline by each and every individual. That, is the essence of liberty
05 July at 18:31
Laja Omotayo
I think we are missing the point here... are these guys/girls there on merit or due to allegiance ( via oath taking etc) to others. The debate should be on the qualification of our representatives and executive to put together a plan that will enrich all of us... I AM NOT SURE WE HAVE THAT IN PLACE!!!!!! also... talking about separation of power, who decides on appointments to the judiciary? figure this out
the constitution needs to be changed as the judiciary shd not depend on the executive
05 July at 18:32
Abiodun Falodun
Thank you Dele that is rule of law but about your state we have to keep our finger cross im from Ondo state what is going on there is new maybe changes want to happens to Nigeria politics from Ogun state!
06 July at 02:32
Abiodun Falodun
To swear to an allegiance is our culture not a religion and is part of our tradition but to used it is as blackmalling will have effect now or later.Think before you do it,think about your family after your are gone nobody have to suffured because of your failure to any allegiance.!That is egun idile,you will go but think of the family.Thanks .Abiodun Falodun.
06 July at 05:13
Toks Toxy
Dele, you & i know for sure that when it comes to politics in
Nigeria, this is not true, and infact it's just the opposite.
Politics in Nigeria is that of SAD story.
06 July at 10:46
Dele Okenla
Toks, should we leave it like that, SAD as it is? Or should we at least try our tiny best, whether by speech, prayer or action to effect a positive change? What legacy do we leave to our children or generations yet unborn? I say it does not matter whether the change happens in our generation or not but we still have to set the trend. The relentless but peaceful agitations of Martin Luther King in the sixties paved the way for Obama in the US of today. Perhaps our efforts of today might yet breed a future champion of our people in a generation not too distant. That will be our legacy.
06 July at 11:02
Toks Toxy
Lets start first from I- Ode, and see how it goes....
06 July at 11:19
Daniel Sync Olusanya
We need leaders with the intention(s) of putting the basic needs of our citizens FIRST!
All this politics bickering is just a joke. People’s lives are wasting away; while our so called leaders find pleasure in power struggle.
We need more FERVENT AND ACCOUNTABLE LEADERS like Fashola (Lagos State Governor).
06 July at 21:15
Kenny Olaoba
I KNOW PEACE WILL STILL REIGN IN OGUN BUT PRAY MUCH WLD NOT HV BEEN DESTROYED BEFORE PEACE TIME.
06 July at 22:08
Oluwole Makinde-Odusola
@ Okenla, Dele - I think Santa granted your request, we now have peace in Ogun State!
I admire your passion forthe upliftment of the people through grassroot activism. You have answered the question if not you, whom? If not now, when?
08 Decenmber at 11:45
Sunday, 05 July 2009
The doctrine of Separation of Powers is one of the better tenets of modern democracy. This, in effect, means that the actions of the executive arm of the government will be subject to checks by the legislative arm leaving the judiciary to serve as the ultimate arbiter.
In light of this supposition, one can reasonably conclude that the hyped-up stand-off between the Executive and the Legislature in Ogun State is nothing but merely democracy in action, so why all these hulla-balloo?. There cannot be an effective check and balancing if the two arms of the government are too pally!
It is the duty of the Executive to come up with huge proposals and it is also the duty of the Legislature to check these proposals for accountability. There is no crime committed on either side, it is just a normal political process.
What is not normal, and somehow disheartening, are the personal attacks and negative press being concocted by overzealous supporters of both sides.
The Executives and the Legislators are all paid employees of the State and it is exactly this sort of legitimate argument, whether you believe it or not, that they are paid to iron out purposefully. I would, in fact, be truly alarmed if this were not the case.
The main culprits therefore in this whole fracas, as far as I can see, are the poison-trigger-happy writers who seem to thrive on sensationalism and who seem to think to some degree that 'patriotism' is really the same thing as 'activism', (Apology to Omo Omo)
For the records, even though I have some admiration for the so-called G-15 and immense respect for the office of the Governor, I share none of their political beliefs and I would rather see all of them without exception replaced by a new order of morally upright individuals.
Yet as patriots, we are morally bound to support the government of the day no matter how undesirable we may think they are. And since the government consists of not only the Executive but also the Legislature, then we ought to support all the parties (Pardon my pun).
For the sake of progress, I will strongly appeal to the supporters of the State Governor to stop personal attacks of any kind on the members of the legislature and equally appeal to the supporters of the G-15 to stop demonising the Governor in any way.
What we need in Ogun State is peace not war.
Seun Oloketuyi
Well spoken
05 July at 15:39
Adegboyega Otunba
well said let us engage in meaningful suggestions to move our state forward
05 July at 16:11
Ayo Sonubi
We all know the problems, but how, and when would we start, its talking, talking, talking everyday, lets start something before this country crashes. @ Seun the ball is in your court
05 July at 16:46
Rufus Kayode Oteniya
Those who want peace must certainly be prepared for war. As shine comes after rain, all we want now is peace in Ogun State after this war. So let peace reign.
Dele, blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called the children of God.
05 July at 16:57
Abbey Odukoya
Sir, like you prudently stated above, Seperation of powers, is the most salient feature of Democracy. Being conscious of this fact, then you must realise that the press being the fourth arm of the Government, must be allowed by all Democrats to perform their duties accordingly.
05 July at 17:07
Olukayode Okenla
I have watched with keen interest the politics of Ogun State and Nigeria in general. It is important that we need peace and develoment in the gateway state. Ogun state is blessed with abundant resources (human, natural and others). It is also important that the 3 arms of government are allowed to perform their functions effectively and in line with the constitution and that politics should be played with probity, good governance, accountability and more importantly in the overall development of the state.
A state without peace cannot achieve development and good government and I therefore enjoin and appeal to many meaningful ogun state indigines and non indigenes who have the interests of the state should step in by contributiing their quotas in whatever capacities and positions in moving the state forward. I am impressed with the contributions so far and we should join our hands together in an atmosphere of
peace, harmony, good and rich debate to assist our state.
05 July at 18:19
Dele Okenla
Dear Abbey, I totally agree with your views. The Press plays quite an important role in democracy but not necessarily as an arm of the government. In fact, an ideal situation is where the Press is completely independent of the government. History has shown us that the Press could be a double-edged sword and when wielded in a negative fashion, could easily become an instrument of oppression or suppression.
I am an advocate of the free press and a fervent protagonist of fundamental human rights including the freedom of expression. However, the right to speak should not be misconstrued as the right to slander, nor the freedom to write be taken as a licence to libel.
Our society becomes a better place when we learn to curtail our own excesses and rein in negative journalism which, like a spurless horse, could only lead to chaos and anarchy when unrestrained. That restrainment needs to be done as a matter of self-discipline by each and every individual. That, is the essence of liberty
05 July at 18:31
Laja Omotayo
I think we are missing the point here... are these guys/girls there on merit or due to allegiance ( via oath taking etc) to others. The debate should be on the qualification of our representatives and executive to put together a plan that will enrich all of us... I AM NOT SURE WE HAVE THAT IN PLACE!!!!!! also... talking about separation of power, who decides on appointments to the judiciary? figure this out
the constitution needs to be changed as the judiciary shd not depend on the executive
05 July at 18:32
Abiodun Falodun
Thank you Dele that is rule of law but about your state we have to keep our finger cross im from Ondo state what is going on there is new maybe changes want to happens to Nigeria politics from Ogun state!
06 July at 02:32
Abiodun Falodun
To swear to an allegiance is our culture not a religion and is part of our tradition but to used it is as blackmalling will have effect now or later.Think before you do it,think about your family after your are gone nobody have to suffured because of your failure to any allegiance.!That is egun idile,you will go but think of the family.Thanks .Abiodun Falodun.
06 July at 05:13
Toks Toxy
Dele, you & i know for sure that when it comes to politics in
Nigeria, this is not true, and infact it's just the opposite.
Politics in Nigeria is that of SAD story.
06 July at 10:46
Dele Okenla
Toks, should we leave it like that, SAD as it is? Or should we at least try our tiny best, whether by speech, prayer or action to effect a positive change? What legacy do we leave to our children or generations yet unborn? I say it does not matter whether the change happens in our generation or not but we still have to set the trend. The relentless but peaceful agitations of Martin Luther King in the sixties paved the way for Obama in the US of today. Perhaps our efforts of today might yet breed a future champion of our people in a generation not too distant. That will be our legacy.
06 July at 11:02
Toks Toxy
Lets start first from I- Ode, and see how it goes....
06 July at 11:19
Daniel Sync Olusanya
We need leaders with the intention(s) of putting the basic needs of our citizens FIRST!
All this politics bickering is just a joke. People’s lives are wasting away; while our so called leaders find pleasure in power struggle.
We need more FERVENT AND ACCOUNTABLE LEADERS like Fashola (Lagos State Governor).
06 July at 21:15
Kenny Olaoba
I KNOW PEACE WILL STILL REIGN IN OGUN BUT PRAY MUCH WLD NOT HV BEEN DESTROYED BEFORE PEACE TIME.
06 July at 22:08
Oluwole Makinde-Odusola
@ Okenla, Dele - I think Santa granted your request, we now have peace in Ogun State!
I admire your passion forthe upliftment of the people through grassroot activism. You have answered the question if not you, whom? If not now, when?
08 Decenmber at 11:45
Sunday, 6 December 2009
On praise
When I wake up every morning and I kneel down to pray, it is not to ask God for anything new but to thank Him for keeping me alive in good health and in good spirit. If only for the gift of life, our Lord is worthy of praise!
Saturday, 5 December 2009
On Man
Man is the apex of God's creation. We were made perfect in His image. So much so that if we truly connect with Him in spirit, we too can create our own miracles.
Support or Anarchy? (FB forum) 22/11/2009
Dele Okenla
My stance on politics is that even though we desire change we must still support the government of the day at all levels, offering positive collaboration whenever and wherever we can. Our overall aim is to achieve a stable and progressive governance and not to create anarchy or merely pursue an egoistic agenda.
La Amzat
Even if the govt is diabolical and unprogressive we should continue to feign stupid cos of a pot of porridge!
Dele Okenla
Dear Amzat, I wonder whether your reference to a pot of porridge is intended as a veiled assault on mine or anybody's integrity for that matter. If it were, then it shows justification for my call for our so-called political pundits to re-orientate their surprisingly narrow perspectives. There is a need for would-be critics not only to know what they are fighting for but also to be able to justify why they are using any particular method of engagement.
Tell me my learned friend, what is stupid in supporting your government at any level? Is anarchy preferrable to stability? Must you always be a gladiator at the expense of peace and progress? I think not!
As for porridges, I only eat Ikokore prepared at home. I am nobody's lackey and seek neither grace nor favour from anyone except God. However, I would rather work with a bad government that we hope to replace in order to make things work better for the masses in the meantime than to engage in meaningless and sometimes directionless and self-serving antagonisms that bring forth nothing fruitful.
Stay blessed and focussed.
La Amzat
Good political tirade and swan-song, as the time of change draws near more of the above political rhetorics will come forth from accalimed agents of change, nothing personal here but a surged mud can hit anyone, conscience permitting but then criticism is part of the horse saddle in the manger, salt of life no matter how detested.
La Amzat
My bro, i understand where u coming from and your target, I have nothing against u, u have a plan to contest soon, so whatever u say is prejudiced, cos u have a burning desire. Moreso, there was a comment I made couple of weeks back during a heated OGD discussion which u had to unwittingly delete in order to preserve your political bed. I didnt find it funny but played along cos ojo mbo LOLUWA wi. For affiliations, note am a free-lance and not interested in any savvy or suavy position. Good thing about your response is that you have declared your ambition! Its your right.
Dele Okenla
Good and noble Amzat, I would very much like to believe that you are writing all these without prejudice or any misconception as I rather fail to see the main gist of your outburst other than it being a valiant attempt at good essay-writing.
I am further worried by your choice of words like 'swan-song', 'tirade', etc, as they have either been unwittingly used out of context or perhaps were not meant to be directed at my person since I cannot fathom any issue/situation that could have warranted such, try as hard as I could.
Nonetheless, I must thank you for at least giving me the opportunity to unravel my mind a bit and maybe in the process we might hopefully become better acquainted with each other's perspectives.
First and foremost, be rest assured that I am not part of the status quo, not in the least, and in fact far from it.
Secondly, when I was younger and less informed, I too have felt the same kind of heat and passion to fight the government of the day, for whatever reason for that matter, whether justifiable or not! So you are not alone
As we grow older, age and reason demand that we should always weigh our immediate options against our long-term objectives in every sphere of life, politics not excluded, and we should act only to further peace and progress.
Change as a progressive tool cannot be an end in itself but rather the means to an end, where the overall aim in bringing about such a change would be to improve the prevalent situation. It follows therefore that if the current situation can be significantly improved upon without necessitating a change of guard then such an opportunity cannot be ignored by a true progressive.
Another aspect of change is that it must be positive and purposeful. It is unthinkably malevolent to desire change only for worse individuals to assume control of the situation especially when bearing in mind that real-life politics does not necessarily have anything to do with morality. To expect politicians to be latter-day saints is a bit utopian and absurd in the very least.
Governance is never easy and those that criticise the government blindly are akin to the Volkswagen Golf driver who imagines that he could as well probably drive a Formula One car just as easily. Only a true test can tell.
I refuse to regard you as a rebel without cause and you definitely do not strike me as someone hoping to score cheap points by unduly attacking the establishment. So therefore, I will advise you to try and weigh both sides of an option at all times before accepting or rejecting it. Try to build up and edify rather than pull down or dismantle. There are no specially acclaimed agents of change anywhere except yourself, myself, and the man on the street. Have a good day.
La Amzat
Dele, let me refer u to an article in today's THISDAY 22/11/09, by Audu Ogbeh on Ngige, where the sage addressed some germane issues.
Dele Okenla
Thank you my dear brother. I will surely find time to read it. In the meantime, stay blessed and extend my warmest regards to your family.
My stance on politics is that even though we desire change we must still support the government of the day at all levels, offering positive collaboration whenever and wherever we can. Our overall aim is to achieve a stable and progressive governance and not to create anarchy or merely pursue an egoistic agenda.
La Amzat
Even if the govt is diabolical and unprogressive we should continue to feign stupid cos of a pot of porridge!
Dele Okenla
Dear Amzat, I wonder whether your reference to a pot of porridge is intended as a veiled assault on mine or anybody's integrity for that matter. If it were, then it shows justification for my call for our so-called political pundits to re-orientate their surprisingly narrow perspectives. There is a need for would-be critics not only to know what they are fighting for but also to be able to justify why they are using any particular method of engagement.
Tell me my learned friend, what is stupid in supporting your government at any level? Is anarchy preferrable to stability? Must you always be a gladiator at the expense of peace and progress? I think not!
As for porridges, I only eat Ikokore prepared at home. I am nobody's lackey and seek neither grace nor favour from anyone except God. However, I would rather work with a bad government that we hope to replace in order to make things work better for the masses in the meantime than to engage in meaningless and sometimes directionless and self-serving antagonisms that bring forth nothing fruitful.
Stay blessed and focussed.
La Amzat
Good political tirade and swan-song, as the time of change draws near more of the above political rhetorics will come forth from accalimed agents of change, nothing personal here but a surged mud can hit anyone, conscience permitting but then criticism is part of the horse saddle in the manger, salt of life no matter how detested.
La Amzat
My bro, i understand where u coming from and your target, I have nothing against u, u have a plan to contest soon, so whatever u say is prejudiced, cos u have a burning desire. Moreso, there was a comment I made couple of weeks back during a heated OGD discussion which u had to unwittingly delete in order to preserve your political bed. I didnt find it funny but played along cos ojo mbo LOLUWA wi. For affiliations, note am a free-lance and not interested in any savvy or suavy position. Good thing about your response is that you have declared your ambition! Its your right.
Dele Okenla
Good and noble Amzat, I would very much like to believe that you are writing all these without prejudice or any misconception as I rather fail to see the main gist of your outburst other than it being a valiant attempt at good essay-writing.
I am further worried by your choice of words like 'swan-song', 'tirade', etc, as they have either been unwittingly used out of context or perhaps were not meant to be directed at my person since I cannot fathom any issue/situation that could have warranted such, try as hard as I could.
Nonetheless, I must thank you for at least giving me the opportunity to unravel my mind a bit and maybe in the process we might hopefully become better acquainted with each other's perspectives.
First and foremost, be rest assured that I am not part of the status quo, not in the least, and in fact far from it.
Secondly, when I was younger and less informed, I too have felt the same kind of heat and passion to fight the government of the day, for whatever reason for that matter, whether justifiable or not! So you are not alone
As we grow older, age and reason demand that we should always weigh our immediate options against our long-term objectives in every sphere of life, politics not excluded, and we should act only to further peace and progress.
Change as a progressive tool cannot be an end in itself but rather the means to an end, where the overall aim in bringing about such a change would be to improve the prevalent situation. It follows therefore that if the current situation can be significantly improved upon without necessitating a change of guard then such an opportunity cannot be ignored by a true progressive.
Another aspect of change is that it must be positive and purposeful. It is unthinkably malevolent to desire change only for worse individuals to assume control of the situation especially when bearing in mind that real-life politics does not necessarily have anything to do with morality. To expect politicians to be latter-day saints is a bit utopian and absurd in the very least.
Governance is never easy and those that criticise the government blindly are akin to the Volkswagen Golf driver who imagines that he could as well probably drive a Formula One car just as easily. Only a true test can tell.
I refuse to regard you as a rebel without cause and you definitely do not strike me as someone hoping to score cheap points by unduly attacking the establishment. So therefore, I will advise you to try and weigh both sides of an option at all times before accepting or rejecting it. Try to build up and edify rather than pull down or dismantle. There are no specially acclaimed agents of change anywhere except yourself, myself, and the man on the street. Have a good day.
La Amzat
Dele, let me refer u to an article in today's THISDAY 22/11/09, by Audu Ogbeh on Ngige, where the sage addressed some germane issues.
Dele Okenla
Thank you my dear brother. I will surely find time to read it. In the meantime, stay blessed and extend my warmest regards to your family.
Saturday, 28 November 2009
On Social Critics 28/11/2009 (FB)
Dele Okenla
The major obstacle to political progress in Nigeria may not be the corrupt leaders alone but also the so-called social critics who, unwilling to act themselves and perhaps mindful of the risk of becoming redundant, are unwittingly preserving the status quo by unduly and relentlessly chastising those who dare venture to act.
Abbey Odukoya
Sir, I hope you are not allergic to criticism. No society, organisation, institution or even individual can attain excellence without the so called social critics.
Feyi Fawehinmi
Abbey you are seconded. No matter how advanced a democracy is, you will still need social critics to keep the govt on it's toes....power corrupts.God has also given different people different gifts....and believe it or not principled social criticism is a God given gift....you only need to look at people who have brought about real change in their societies by being social critics.If you spend one week in Nigerian Law School, you will hear Gani Fawehinmi's name in various cases everyday...and yet the man never served one day in govt.
Abbey Odukoya
Thank you Mr. fawehinmi, the bane of one of our leadership short comings is the fact that they regard social critics as adversaries while they are surrounded by sycophants that tell them what are euphonics to the hears.
George Ashiru
Dear Cousin...the Japanese say, "Good Thinking...Good Product". Until the value system of the political process is properly established then venturing into active politics fits a certain character type. However, the likes of Obama benefited from the activism of MLK, Ghandhi, Rosa Parks, etc, who were careful not to go into partisanship. Unfortunately, 90% of Nigerians who venture into the political process soon get derailed because the system is too well entrenched for them to change from within.
Feyi Fawehinmi
Very true.....it's possible for a very good man to enter Nigerian politics now and through no fault of his own, will come out of the experience a completely broken man with his reputation in tatters.The odds are so heavily stacked against good people....and this deterioration did not happen overnight...it's been happening gradually over the years.Therefore changing it is not going to happen by going into politics in 2011.For starters we need electoral reforms that will allow good people to compete and win without resorting to godfathers and all sorts.We are nowhere near that yet as things stand.But God does not sleep....
Dele Okenla
Feyi and Abbey, thanks for the concerns raised but be re-assurred that I am not against social criticism, in fact I am all for what Feyi aptly termed 'principled social criticism'.The kind of criticism I hope to discourage is the common and often misdirected baseless negative criticism lacking in merit or justification, especially where an alternative view is not tendered and might, in any case, not be feasible.There is also a general tendency among our so-called progressive elements to shy away from actually involving themselves in the field of play where their criticism is directed.For example, most political critics dont want to be politicians, because they reason it is a dirty job, so who is left to run things? The bad guys!More worrying is the fact that when occasionally a progressive element eventually breaks rank and offers to take on this 'dirty job' he is, more often than not, instantly regarded as a prospective judas and rather than being given the support needed to bring the collective spirit of progress into the system, he is treated as if he were part of the prevalent problem. The result is that good guys continue to be discouraged from participating, and the bad guys continue to have a swell-time plunging our beloved country deeper into abysmal mess.
Feyi Fawehinmi
I promise you, the moment the playing field is proper leveled, Nigeria will be spoilt for choice in terms of the quality of people available to serve the nation.Mark my words.I know many people who are willing to serve and have very good ideas for Nigeria...but given a choice of entering a system that immediately compromises all your values and conscience, you cant blame good people for staying away or fighting from the outside.Let those who have floor now continue to do as they please.Their time will soon be up sha.
Abbey Odukoya
@George: The Americans say "when good people leave politics to bad people, politics become bad". The system cannot change if good people -like your cousin, is being dissuaded form getting involved.
Dele Okenla
Feyi, Rome was not built in a day and unless people start acting now by getting involved regardless of other factors our dream for a better Nigeria will remain just a dream. God works through the minds and hands of men!
Dele Okenla
God works THROUGH the minds and hands of men!
Feyi Fawehinmi
You miss my point....like George has pointed out above, you dont have to be part of the system or in govt to bring about change.MLK's greatest work was done outside govt.So much can be achieved in civil society without spending a day in govt or getting 'involved'.That's what a lot of Nigerians dont understand.The problems with our nation are so myriad that if the only way to bring about change is by 'getting involved', govt will be so overcrowded....we already have 369 reps and 109 senators!.....far more than America.Let us not make the mistake of assuming that change can only come about through govt or by getting involved.If you permit me to go back to Gani...I was priviledged to be at his burial in Sept....you should have seen the crowds and outpouring of emotions and he was never in govt.People also dont know that around 80% of the cases handled by his chambers were completely free...usually involving defenceless people whose rights had been trampled on.Getting involved in Nigeria today will not bring about any meaningful change...I mean the whole thing as presently stands is built on illegality where do you want to start from.
Dele Okenla
Feyi, I am afraid you missed THE point.It is not about heroes and villains or about increasing the number of political offices available. 100 million people can be involved in politics and still there will be no overcrowding.I do not entirely understand the point you made about not being part of the government in order to bring about change. Of course, that is a self-evident truth! However, does that mean that all the good guys should stay out of politics and allow only the bad guys to run the government? Then, why are we complaining? Please enlighten me further on this point.
Augustine Togonu-Bickersteth
The progress in other nations is watered by the blood of and sweat of matyrs not the voice of Social critics
Dele Okenla
To George:Good and valiant cousin, I know where you stand on issues like this for we were both brought up to defend good against evil. And did we not grow up together learning the self-same arts of martial combat in which you so much excel, so that we might not only defend ourselves effectively, but also protect others? Tell me then, what chilvary is there in fighting a war that already has been fought and won or lost? How can we as men of valour in spirit fold our arms and say the atmosphere is not yet conducive for honourable men like us to wade in?Feyi said 'the moment the playing field is properly levelled' we will see the marching in of the 'saints'. Excuse me, who are the ones going to do the unenviable task of levelling the playing field for the coming of the 'Quality band'?Should we then rather only concern ourselves with enjoying the goodies of victory after some other poor souls have possibly given their lives to achieve it? I think not!
George Ashiru
Thanks Dele...As a trained engineer, I also learnt that when a product is bad from the design stage, you redesign the product altogether and represent it to the market rather than merely changing its name or white-washing its exterior. Nigeria does not need more change agents, what we need is changed values. MLK fought to change the segregation laws, which today gave Obama his opportunity. In Jesse Jackson's time, it was still a promise.What I expect is for change agents to campaign first for a better constitutution, electoral laws, anti-corruption methodologies, social values and cultural attitudes, which, when activated, will allow change agents to prosecute their agendas. Failing this, we will just be going on a merry go round for another 50 years; different people, but more of the same.
Adetayo Alausa
Well said Dele, but bear in mind not only the desire but the resources at the disposal of this mediocre and heartless politicians to instill fear in people they see as threat. The Life of their political rival to them is like a chess piece and definitely not the Queen or the King but a pawn. You can waste one and the game continues.However some people can fight on the sideline and stay alive especially thoe who don't know the scheming in the political terrain in Nigeria.
Feyi Fawehinmi
@George: Your reference to the need for a new constitution is perhaps one of the most important things we need in Nigeria.We so badly need one.....working with the present document is almost an exercise in futility.But the people who are afraid of changing the status quo continue to block such change.You just need to go back to the circumstances in 1999 when the current document was written to know why it cant work.
Dele Okenla
To George:Dear Cousin,As you may well know, I have had no training in engineering designs whatsoever and therefore cannot offer any expert rejoinder to your metaphor as expressed. However, since most of my limited knowledge and understanding is derived directly from the pages of the Bible, which itself was authored under inspiration from God the Creator and Designer of all things, allow me to indulge myself a bit.Nothing created in nature was ever bad in 'its design stage'. Nigeria was not bad in its design stage, it is bad now because bad people were opportuned to seize and maintain control over it. To turn things around, we now need good people to actively join in the process of nation-building.Change is a very practical issue, not a theoretical process. To bring about change you need in place a change-oriented personnel. It is no use trying to fly an aeroplane with a truck-driver as pilot, unless of course you actually re-train the truck-driver or else simply use a properly trained aeroplane pilot!I noted the apparent contradiction in your conclusion that we do not need more agents of change while you then went on to define the roles of the so-called agents of change and even acknowledged celebrated agents of change like MLK in the process. Funnily enough, I totally agree with you.There is nothing wrong with the Nigerian constitution. I have read it several times over and over again and I am of the reasoned opinion that it is quite workable in the current dispensation. We cannot ignore the substance and start chasing the shadow. My message is clear and simple enough. Social critics could go on criticising as much as they would, bad guys could go on ruling as long as they want, or perhaps change their disposition if they could, but, DO NOT DISCOURAGE GOOD PEOPLE FROM ENGAGING IN ACTIVE POLITICS!
The major obstacle to political progress in Nigeria may not be the corrupt leaders alone but also the so-called social critics who, unwilling to act themselves and perhaps mindful of the risk of becoming redundant, are unwittingly preserving the status quo by unduly and relentlessly chastising those who dare venture to act.
Abbey Odukoya
Sir, I hope you are not allergic to criticism. No society, organisation, institution or even individual can attain excellence without the so called social critics.
Feyi Fawehinmi
Abbey you are seconded. No matter how advanced a democracy is, you will still need social critics to keep the govt on it's toes....power corrupts.God has also given different people different gifts....and believe it or not principled social criticism is a God given gift....you only need to look at people who have brought about real change in their societies by being social critics.If you spend one week in Nigerian Law School, you will hear Gani Fawehinmi's name in various cases everyday...and yet the man never served one day in govt.
Abbey Odukoya
Thank you Mr. fawehinmi, the bane of one of our leadership short comings is the fact that they regard social critics as adversaries while they are surrounded by sycophants that tell them what are euphonics to the hears.
George Ashiru
Dear Cousin...the Japanese say, "Good Thinking...Good Product". Until the value system of the political process is properly established then venturing into active politics fits a certain character type. However, the likes of Obama benefited from the activism of MLK, Ghandhi, Rosa Parks, etc, who were careful not to go into partisanship. Unfortunately, 90% of Nigerians who venture into the political process soon get derailed because the system is too well entrenched for them to change from within.
Feyi Fawehinmi
Very true.....it's possible for a very good man to enter Nigerian politics now and through no fault of his own, will come out of the experience a completely broken man with his reputation in tatters.The odds are so heavily stacked against good people....and this deterioration did not happen overnight...it's been happening gradually over the years.Therefore changing it is not going to happen by going into politics in 2011.For starters we need electoral reforms that will allow good people to compete and win without resorting to godfathers and all sorts.We are nowhere near that yet as things stand.But God does not sleep....
Dele Okenla
Feyi and Abbey, thanks for the concerns raised but be re-assurred that I am not against social criticism, in fact I am all for what Feyi aptly termed 'principled social criticism'.The kind of criticism I hope to discourage is the common and often misdirected baseless negative criticism lacking in merit or justification, especially where an alternative view is not tendered and might, in any case, not be feasible.There is also a general tendency among our so-called progressive elements to shy away from actually involving themselves in the field of play where their criticism is directed.For example, most political critics dont want to be politicians, because they reason it is a dirty job, so who is left to run things? The bad guys!More worrying is the fact that when occasionally a progressive element eventually breaks rank and offers to take on this 'dirty job' he is, more often than not, instantly regarded as a prospective judas and rather than being given the support needed to bring the collective spirit of progress into the system, he is treated as if he were part of the prevalent problem. The result is that good guys continue to be discouraged from participating, and the bad guys continue to have a swell-time plunging our beloved country deeper into abysmal mess.
Feyi Fawehinmi
I promise you, the moment the playing field is proper leveled, Nigeria will be spoilt for choice in terms of the quality of people available to serve the nation.Mark my words.I know many people who are willing to serve and have very good ideas for Nigeria...but given a choice of entering a system that immediately compromises all your values and conscience, you cant blame good people for staying away or fighting from the outside.Let those who have floor now continue to do as they please.Their time will soon be up sha.
Abbey Odukoya
@George: The Americans say "when good people leave politics to bad people, politics become bad". The system cannot change if good people -like your cousin, is being dissuaded form getting involved.
Dele Okenla
Feyi, Rome was not built in a day and unless people start acting now by getting involved regardless of other factors our dream for a better Nigeria will remain just a dream. God works through the minds and hands of men!
Dele Okenla
God works THROUGH the minds and hands of men!
Feyi Fawehinmi
You miss my point....like George has pointed out above, you dont have to be part of the system or in govt to bring about change.MLK's greatest work was done outside govt.So much can be achieved in civil society without spending a day in govt or getting 'involved'.That's what a lot of Nigerians dont understand.The problems with our nation are so myriad that if the only way to bring about change is by 'getting involved', govt will be so overcrowded....we already have 369 reps and 109 senators!.....far more than America.Let us not make the mistake of assuming that change can only come about through govt or by getting involved.If you permit me to go back to Gani...I was priviledged to be at his burial in Sept....you should have seen the crowds and outpouring of emotions and he was never in govt.People also dont know that around 80% of the cases handled by his chambers were completely free...usually involving defenceless people whose rights had been trampled on.Getting involved in Nigeria today will not bring about any meaningful change...I mean the whole thing as presently stands is built on illegality where do you want to start from.
Dele Okenla
Feyi, I am afraid you missed THE point.It is not about heroes and villains or about increasing the number of political offices available. 100 million people can be involved in politics and still there will be no overcrowding.I do not entirely understand the point you made about not being part of the government in order to bring about change. Of course, that is a self-evident truth! However, does that mean that all the good guys should stay out of politics and allow only the bad guys to run the government? Then, why are we complaining? Please enlighten me further on this point.
Augustine Togonu-Bickersteth
The progress in other nations is watered by the blood of and sweat of matyrs not the voice of Social critics
Dele Okenla
To George:Good and valiant cousin, I know where you stand on issues like this for we were both brought up to defend good against evil. And did we not grow up together learning the self-same arts of martial combat in which you so much excel, so that we might not only defend ourselves effectively, but also protect others? Tell me then, what chilvary is there in fighting a war that already has been fought and won or lost? How can we as men of valour in spirit fold our arms and say the atmosphere is not yet conducive for honourable men like us to wade in?Feyi said 'the moment the playing field is properly levelled' we will see the marching in of the 'saints'. Excuse me, who are the ones going to do the unenviable task of levelling the playing field for the coming of the 'Quality band'?Should we then rather only concern ourselves with enjoying the goodies of victory after some other poor souls have possibly given their lives to achieve it? I think not!
George Ashiru
Thanks Dele...As a trained engineer, I also learnt that when a product is bad from the design stage, you redesign the product altogether and represent it to the market rather than merely changing its name or white-washing its exterior. Nigeria does not need more change agents, what we need is changed values. MLK fought to change the segregation laws, which today gave Obama his opportunity. In Jesse Jackson's time, it was still a promise.What I expect is for change agents to campaign first for a better constitutution, electoral laws, anti-corruption methodologies, social values and cultural attitudes, which, when activated, will allow change agents to prosecute their agendas. Failing this, we will just be going on a merry go round for another 50 years; different people, but more of the same.
Adetayo Alausa
Well said Dele, but bear in mind not only the desire but the resources at the disposal of this mediocre and heartless politicians to instill fear in people they see as threat. The Life of their political rival to them is like a chess piece and definitely not the Queen or the King but a pawn. You can waste one and the game continues.However some people can fight on the sideline and stay alive especially thoe who don't know the scheming in the political terrain in Nigeria.
Feyi Fawehinmi
@George: Your reference to the need for a new constitution is perhaps one of the most important things we need in Nigeria.We so badly need one.....working with the present document is almost an exercise in futility.But the people who are afraid of changing the status quo continue to block such change.You just need to go back to the circumstances in 1999 when the current document was written to know why it cant work.
Dele Okenla
To George:Dear Cousin,As you may well know, I have had no training in engineering designs whatsoever and therefore cannot offer any expert rejoinder to your metaphor as expressed. However, since most of my limited knowledge and understanding is derived directly from the pages of the Bible, which itself was authored under inspiration from God the Creator and Designer of all things, allow me to indulge myself a bit.Nothing created in nature was ever bad in 'its design stage'. Nigeria was not bad in its design stage, it is bad now because bad people were opportuned to seize and maintain control over it. To turn things around, we now need good people to actively join in the process of nation-building.Change is a very practical issue, not a theoretical process. To bring about change you need in place a change-oriented personnel. It is no use trying to fly an aeroplane with a truck-driver as pilot, unless of course you actually re-train the truck-driver or else simply use a properly trained aeroplane pilot!I noted the apparent contradiction in your conclusion that we do not need more agents of change while you then went on to define the roles of the so-called agents of change and even acknowledged celebrated agents of change like MLK in the process. Funnily enough, I totally agree with you.There is nothing wrong with the Nigerian constitution. I have read it several times over and over again and I am of the reasoned opinion that it is quite workable in the current dispensation. We cannot ignore the substance and start chasing the shadow. My message is clear and simple enough. Social critics could go on criticising as much as they would, bad guys could go on ruling as long as they want, or perhaps change their disposition if they could, but, DO NOT DISCOURAGE GOOD PEOPLE FROM ENGAGING IN ACTIVE POLITICS!
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