When I reflect on the vast mineral resources that we have in Africa, sometimes I don’t know whether I should blame God for giving us such vast resources and then cursing us with greedy and self-centred leaders, or whether I should blame the people who refuse to study the patterns of our history and fight for their resources.
The fact that we can read and write today was not originally intended to free us, but rather to ease the burden of the colonisers and replace our languages—the languages we once used to hide our secrets from our oppressors.
Every gift given has had ulterior motives designed to favour the oppressors. Now, over 2,000 years ago, transatlantic slavery officially came to an end—at least, it is illegal today. That represents centuries of Europeans and Arabs selling Africans as commodities.
Many of our forefathers suffered through some of the most horrific periods in human history. Yet, up till today, for some reason, we are still entirely dependent on those who sold our ancestors to save us from ourselves.
The idea of religion in itself is not bad, but its interpretation was made in a way that encourages us to seek God outside ourselves.
The school system kept everyone in line and in a constant rat race of trying to survive, to the point where people hardly think about thriving and creating anything worthwhile.
Today, there is nothing holding us back except ourselves—the illiterate and the gullible among us. And by that, I also mean educated fools who don’t think for themselves or are afraid to implement what they have learnt.
These charlatans could be seen in the death of Patrice Lumumba. His own people chased after him and allegedly aided his killing by the Belgian government. The same could be said in the case of Thomas Sankara, and the list goes on.
Let’s bring it to the present day. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is currently facing life imprisonment for speaking up for his people and calling out the injustice being done to them. Yet some stomach-infrastructure politicians of the same ethnic origin allegedly aided his arrest.
The current NDC presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, who has proven to be trustworthy and has a clear record of integrity, came under scrutiny not only from his opponents but also directly from his state and his brother.
Now, you can see why they say, “Passing six is not passing sense,” which simply means that common sense is not common.
The question we all need to ask is: Until when are we going to start embracing ourselves as Africans, protecting one another and our dear land, and, most importantly, honouring the spirit of our ancestors who yearned and gnashed their teeth in agony?
Please, my people, let’s understand that the poverty we are facing today is, in part, orchestrated by those we voted for who are not serving the interests of the public.
We should support our brothers and sisters who are doing well and ensure that we conduct adequate research before condemning our own, especially when the accusation comes from outside Africa.
May the spirit of our ancestors, and those prophets who were murdered for speaking the truth, raise men and women who will liberate this continent and help make the world a better place.
Finally, do not be a weapon that an enemy can use against your brother. Educate yourself, love your land, and love your people.
Viva Africa!
I remain your friend and brother,
Maazi Onuora Obodoechi.
