It is not just our
leaders that need a rebirth of values, we all do. For example, have you noticed
how we drive on the road? We drive with nonchalance and disregard for other
road users; or do you think the convoy of the Kogi state governor (and others
we don’t hear about) just woke up suddenly and started crushing everybody
including himself if it had not been a habit formed before becoming governor? Agreed,
power is intoxicating, but power can be controlled with sound values and strong
character.
We can talk about Kogi
state governor’s convoy, Adams Oshiomole’s convoy and others and castigate them
because they are public figures. What about the bullying of small bus drivers
by trailer and tanker drivers, the intimidation of Okada riders and Danfo
drivers by those who drive SUVs? What about the impatience of Danfo drivers,
Keke riders and Okada riders, who rain abuses on one another at the slightest
provocation and drive against traffic in utter madness? We have relegated love
to the background. 
I remember I used to go
with my mum to the market when I was much younger to buy things; and you know,
my mum would never take the initial price of an item without trying to beat it
down as much as possible which results in some form of haggling. What usually
shocks me however is how women like her would insult her just because they felt
the price she gave them is unfavourable. LOVE RELEGATED.
What about the price
hikes- on food items, transportation fares and on other goods and services- for
no explicable reasons? Increases that increase the sufferings of the bearers
with the inducers smiling away at their expense. Take note that these are
ordinary people dealing with ordinary people; so when we complain about our
leaders haven lost their values and dealing with us the way they do, we should
know that we are no better either. LOVE ABANDONED.
Compatriots, let love
lead. Love is value itself. It is not a complicated economic or theological
theory. When you have love you have and express a high regard for your
neighbour; you demonstrate to people around you that they are important and
full of worth. Love is the greatest of all the values. It is upon it that all
the other ones rest. When we love, we are more PATIENT and KIND because love is
not JEALOUS or PROUD. Love is not ILL-MANNERED, SELFISH or EASILY PROVOKED. The
impatience that so much characterizes the leaders and the led, the unkindness
that we show to one another, the attitude of ‘pull him down to my level’ and
the exaggerated sense of self worth we place on ourselves just so people will
notice you and tremble at your feet are all indicators of LOVE DENIED.
The average Nigerian is
ill-mannered, breaking all available laws and regulations meant for the proper
functioning of society while seeking for what-is-in-it-for-him alone without
regard for the other person.
In all these, we know
that love DOES NOT REJOICE IN INIQUITY. If we have love, we will not surrender
our altars as platforms for unrepentant, convicted criminals, especially those
who have ripped us of our commonwealth to come and ‘praise God’ for His
‘goodness’ in their lives; because love REJOICES IN THE TRUTH.
Love BEARS ALL THINGS,
BELIEVES ALL THINGS, and HOPES ALL THINGS, especially hope in a better Nigeria.
Ultimately, love NEVER
FAILS. It will keep Nigeria from failing unless we let it lead.
Our leaders, who are a
direct extraction from us will lead us astray unless they let love lead.
We will keep having
ethno-religious violence unless we let love lead.
Let love lead…
Be inspired!
Remain motivated!
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