Unmitigated hardship is turning Anambra State into a shadow of its old glory. People are desperate to survive amid unprecedented insecurity. Some Inwellians are blaming Inwellians for not doing enough to curb insecurity in their town. Following that peculiar reasoning, citizens of other towns in the South East where insecurity reigns are also to blame for not doing enough to keep it in check. Interestingly, these citizens blaming their fellow citizen for the prevalence of insecurity in their town simultaneously are mute about and absolving the government whose responsibility it is to ensure security for citizens of their states.
Telling the truth has become offensive to government functionaries and sycophants. Critics are being told that they are too blind to see the tremendous progress being made all over their state. Unsubstantiated claims of achievements are aggressively being pushed, and critics are expected to shut up and have no rebuttal.
Deception, mendacity, and trash talk have become rampant and uttered shamelessly with a straight face. Dignity, integrity, truthfulness, transparency, character, and honesty are scoffed at and disregarded in a state that was once exemplary and the flag bearer of Nigeria. So many have developed an allergy to truth and are offended when they hear it. I believe it was George Orwell who observed that the further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it. He also said that during times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act. Plato chimed, saying that no one is more hated than he who speaks the truth. Sycophants are so outraged by the truth that they would stop at nothing to have anyone who speaks it become a memory.
What is painful, though, is the deafening silence of the people who matter in society. More frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will, is the shallow understanding from people of good will. However, after all is said and done, it is the silence of people of good will that we will remember, more so than the words of enemies. The 18th century Irish philosopher and politician Edmund Burke observed that all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men and women do nothing.
The poor are being assured and told to tighten their belts, be strong, and wait for government plans to take effect in the long run. As vague as ‘the long run’ is, I wonder how many will survive at the death rate now in our society. Besides, in the long run we are all dead.
What I consider heartless and cruel is the conspicuous consumption of those in charge. In any case, faith is not knowing what the future holds, but knowing He who holds the future. I take solace knowing that God will speak and root for the indigent and underdog.
Dr. Akubue wrote in from St. Cloud, MN, Monday, September 15, 2025
