Thursday, 16 October 2014

MACKY2 THE NIGERIAN RUNAWAY POLICE OFFICER! #BBHOTSHOTS
(FICTION)

Beyond the state of immense nervousness and fear of the unknown often facially expressed by officers of the Nigeria Police Force during security operations, there are couple other traits Macky2 seems to have at large in his coffers. 

There have been some special moments in the Big brother house, with one been rather emotional, from Macky2's birthday to Tayo's good news as his girl friend back home delivers a bouncing baby boy. Bringing to mind the scenes from Macky2's simple celebration, the coming together of all contestants to grace the occasion with their presence as the birthday boy cut the unique cake, many would say his composure and facial expression on the day was confusing, as the rest of the housemates sang the traditional birthday song and cheered him up. People would have expected from the celebrant a bright, cheery and enthusiastic mood but Macky2's bizarre look painted a different picture. The reaction on his face revealed a story of a young man who had been mistaken for a wrong occasion, in other words, someone who is struggling to recover from a state of neglect, oblivion, obscurity or depression.

We cannot question Macky2's expertise in security and community policing, with reference to his psychological & professional approach to incidence in the Big brother house. In the same light, his surveillance skill is one that is commendable. Being an individual who has once plied his trade in defense line and enjoyed years of field experience in law enforcement, Macky2's everyday life has been significantly influenced by his security background, he talks only to improve the silence, he never jumps the gun and he is the best at what he does in terms of observing each and every move in the house. His awareness is top notch and his mental alertness cannot be swept under the carpet. Macky2's ability to manage crisis/conflict is yet to be ascertained in the house and it would most likely be difficult to establish this assertion except an unusual situation arises and he is found in a confrontation, encounter or dispute. I must say the chances of this happening are very minimal. As it is widely agreed, a police officer either former or serving is meant to be at the core of promoting civic responsibility whilst violence is wholly condemned.

In as much as some would say the claims of Macky2's skin-and-bone, lean, skinny, skeletal body structure are inconsequential, inexcusable and unjustifiable, nevertheless, I strongly disagree that an important feature sustaining this argument should go without been weighed, especially in a situation where a significant number of police officers in Nigeria come in bony shapes and sizes. Without mincing words, it would involve about seventeen officers from the Nigeria Police Force to bring a furious suspect of an enormous body size like Rick Ross under control where he would thereon be charged with resisting arrest and battery.

Another irresistible similarity would be the fear of the unknown, an instance where the officer who carried out an attack and made an arrest looks more criminal, more suspicious than the suspect apprehended. For people like me who have kept keen-eyes on the way and manner Macky2 operates in the Big brother house, we have long discovered his intrigue, trickery and manoeuvre in the BBA game. I have been told many years back never to trust a police officer. It’s a situation of a black mamba in the roof; it would then be advised that no one should sleep with both eyes closed.

A flashback- rewinding the tape back to the year 2004 when Macky2 fled the shores of Nigeria for greener pastures in Zambia.  Since the deed is done, it would therefore be irrelevant to dissect on why Macky2 summoned up the courage, took the bull by the horns and against all odds found his way to the land of the legendary African walking safari, Victoria falls, the wild Zambezi River, abundant wildlife, and raw wilderness, all in one friendly country called Zambia. It is well known that many personnel of the Nigeria Police Force are shrinking in abject poverty as a result of wanton corruption at the helm; their bosses feed fat whilst majority are poorly paid. There are quite a number of issues bedeviling Nigeria Police, ranging from poor remuneration, poor logistics, poor welfare, poor communication network, insufficient patrol vehicles and many more.  

For these reasons, it is assumed that Macky2 had put on a thinking cap, carefully weighed the odds and decided to take responsibility for his own destiny.  Hence, as a former security operative of Nigeria police force, it is rather shocking to many like me who found Macky2 in a whole new phase; apparently he took a turn for the better, got his foot in the door and forced his way into an unimaginably world of music.

Why music? ... Being an inquisitive-agent we are as human, it is only natural we emanate some level of curiosity, you want to know why someone from a security background ventures into song making business. Does he finds it easy in Zambia and decides to switch career into rap music as long as he brings home the bacon and earns a substantial living? OR, is it a situation of gifted talent that could not be hidden forever. OR could it possibly be that doing music proved to be the most effective means of dealing with xenophobia and enjoy high level of tolerance in his new habitat.

Why Zambia? ... Was it a decision made during the era of peace keeping mission by Nigeria police force across the continent? I know there are more questions than answers, many twists and turns in his journey. As a result of this; I have taken it upon myself to learn more about this personality. In other to make this happen, my first port of call would be to interview Mr Makanjuola Tumise also known as Macky2 right after his journey with Big Brother Africa.

Twitter - @boluzzz

Thursday, 9 October 2014

WOULD HOUSEMATES FORFEIT THEIR ‘RELATIONSHIPS BACK HOME’ AT THE ONGOING #BBA SHOW?

Amidst the temptation and vulnerabilities of “Man” it’s only a matter of time before we see housemates with genuine relationships back home crack like biscuits and fall like pack of cards

In a generation where the youths amass, numerous as the stars of the sky and the sand on the seashore, it is undoubtedly true that the Big Brother Africa reality TV show has found home in the hearts of many young Africans. Over the years the Big brother annual programme has developed to be a religion for many, whilst the number of people losing their jobs ‘in effect’ increase, the unapologetic fans of the reality TV show would befriend hunger and trade food for uninterrupted moment with their various screens.

It is a joy bestowed on lovers of the show whenever Big Brother airs, with the increasing number of social media platforms, ecstatic viewers showing great enthusiasm are open to several interactive medium to express their excitements, share their opinions about housemates’ chances to progress as well as those with little or no prospect and also discuss the dynamism in the Big Brother house among thousands of other online users across several nationalities on the continent. Considering the traffic on the interactive hashtags on twitter, it would be inconcrete to undermine the massive following of BBA.

I have come to the realisation that differs from the conventional outlook of the show, from a different perspective- It is now clearer to me that the Big Brother TV show is a reality project with vision to understand the factors leading to cracks in a group and the elements behind the irrationality of human behaviour.

It is interesting to figure how individuals that comprise a group of same goal, similar interest and a group with members given equal rights & opportunities to cling on to the grand price would play each other to the game. It is also important to relate this proving project to our daily lives, as it is agreed that understanding the negative effects of immoralities such as evilness, gossip, two faced, dishonesty, wickedness, so on, in a group… which are not found wanting in a reality show of this calibre will go a long way in promoting suitable work environment among colleagues in same career path, tasked with same responsibilities and objectives.

In as much as entertainment is the hallmark of the BBA game, where some would say the excitement and fun housemates bring to the fore is paramount in winning the hearts of hundreds of thousands viewers across the continent which in turn is essential in ensuring a smooth progression to the top, it is also critical for housemates to understand the endangering role of individual's immoralities toward his/her chances in the game, it either makes or breaks them- it's more of the latter going through the memory lane of the show thus far.  No amount of provocation should trigger any man to hit a woman, this is an act I am sure Mr DKB, the Ghanaian representative of season 7 BBA #Chase must have learned thereon, and this is not to say women should be irrational with their actions, we knew right away that the Zimbabwean contestant named Maneta would be disqualified following her unprecedented action on the BBA show… involvement of any harmful objects or substance (like bleach, etc) in a confrontation should not be encouraged.

As the clock ticks and the days count in the Big Brother house, viewers at home look forward to daily load of surprises, fun & entertainment to grace their screens and feed their eyes. It appears we cannot rule out the idea of viewers toward their voting criteria, it goes beyond watching contestants in the BB house acting loose, not upholding standard, being uncultured & unmannered. In the last edition of the show #Stargame, Betty who hails from Ethiopia couldn't stand a chance to win, some would argue she was unprincipled and loose, another contestant who waves a Sierra Leonean flag, goes by the name Bolt, allegedly married prior the show displayed shamefully his vulnerability on continental TV... although getting on the nomination list was kind of delayed but it was only a matter of time before Africa pushed him (Bolt) out of the house.

A principled person or someone with principles and good qualities will adhere to what is right irrespective of the temptation or pressure to do otherwise; s/he will stand tall in what s/he believes to be right and morally acceptable; s/he would remain focused, determined and would ensures nothing dents or leave a mark on his/her image… "A man that doesn't stand for something will fall for anything".

Excluding Samantha, and Resa who are more conscious, reserved and mindful of their actions, taking cognisance of the fact that 'feeling & emotion' is like a plant it germinates in due time, the more time a lady spends with a man, the higher the chances of being exposed to emotional attachment, once a lady gives the much needed attention, it's only a matter of time before her cookie crumbles. They (Samantha and Resa) have respect for their relationships back home and both seem to be playing the game with self-consciousness and maturity thus far. The rest of the female contestants aren't holding nothing back, they're ready to let themselves go, ready to glow like peacocks, spread their wings and pick from the pool of hot, vigorous, lively and handsome men scattered in the Big brother house on a silver platter.

One of the representatives from Rwanda Arthur 'without waiting for the whistle' has started the race with Goitse, on the other hand the South African hotcake Nhlanhla still playing hide and seek with the queen from Botswana Shella. As emotions develop, feelings kick in and the pressure to fornicate mounts, it is obvious that Alusa's efforts to continuously resist temptation would in no time fall flat which would be at the detriment of his committed relationship back home. The question is would his male counterparts also be coming out of their shells soon?

Wednesday, 1 October 2014

Message Of Hope: #Nigeria #Scriptures – Boluwatife Adekunle
“This is a very important time for the North*.This is a time of great trouble. There will never be another time like this, but the North* will be saved. –At that time- says the Lord All-powerful, I will break the yoke from the necks of the people of Northern Nigeria*. People from foreign countries will never again force my people to be slaves.”


This is the message that came to me from the Lord. The Lord, the God of the people of Nigeria* said,
Boluwatife, write an article for yourself. Do this because the days will come” – this message is from the Lord – “when I will bring my people, Northern Nigeria* back from exile (the land of war)” This message is from the lord. “I will put the people back in the land that I gave to their ancestors. Then my people will own that land again.”

TERROR ON THE PEOPLE…
The Lord spoke this message about the people of Northern Nigeria*. This is what the Lord said:

“We hear people crying from fear. There is fear, not peace. Ask this question and consider it: Can a man have a baby? Of course not! Then why do I see every strong man holding his stomach, like a woman having labour pains? Why is everyone’s face turning white like a dead man?”

“This is a very important time for the North*.This is a time of great trouble. There will never be another time like this, but the North* will be saved. –At that time- says the Lord All-powerful, I will break the yoke from the necks of the people of Northern Nigeria*. People from foreign countries will never again force my people to be slaves.”

NEW NORTH…
This is what the lord says:

The people of the North* are now in captivity, but they will come back. And I will have pity on their houses. The city is now only an empty hill covered with ruined buildings, but the city will be rebuilt on its hill. And the king’s palace will be rebuilt where it should be. People in those places will sing songs of praise, and there will be the sound of laughter. I will give them many children.  Northern Nigeria* will not be small, I will bring honour to them. No one will look down on them. Northern family* will be like the family of Nigeria of ancient days”

I will make Northern Nigeria* strong and I will punish those who hurt them. One of their own people will lead them.

THE NEW NIGERIA…
This is what the lord said, “At that time I will be the God of all the tribes of Nigeria*. And they will be my people”

This is what the Lord says:

“The people who escaped the enemy’s sword will find comfort in the desert. Nigeria* will go there looking for them

From far away, the Lord will appear to his people. The Lord says, “I love you people with a love that continues forever. That is why I have continued showing you kindness. Nigeria*, my bride, I will rebuild you. You will be a country again. You will pick up your tambourines again. You will dance with all other people who are having fun. You farmers of Nigeria* will plant vineyards again. You will plant the vineyards on the hills around the city of Taraba*”

This is what the Lord says: “Be happy and sing for North*! Shout for Nigeria*, the greatest of the nations!”
Sing your praises and shout: “The Lord has saved his people! He has saved those who are left alive from the nation of Nigeria”

DIASPORA…
“Nations, listen to this message from the Lord! Tell this message in the faraway lands by the sea: God scattered the people of Nigeria* but he will bring them back together. And he will watch over his flock like a shepherd. The Lord will bring the North*back. He will save his people from those who are stronger. The people of Nigeria* will come to the top of Mountain, and they will shout with joy. Their faces will shine with happiness about the good things the Lord gives them.”

He will give them grain, new wine, olive oil, young sheep and cattle. They will be like a garden that has plenty of water. And the people of Nigeria* will not be troubled anymore. Then the young women of Nigeria* will be happy and dance. And the men, young and old will join in the dancing.

“I will change their sadness into happiness. I will comfort my people, making them happy instead of sad. I will give the priests plenty of food. And my people will be filled and satisfied with the good things I give them” This message is from the Lord.

CHIBOK GIRLS
This is what the Lord says:

“A sound is heard in Chibok  –  bitter crying and great sadness. Rachel cries for her children, and she refuses to be comforted because her children are gone.”

But the Lord says “Stop crying. Don’t fill your eyes with tears. You will be rewarded for your work” This message is from the Lord.

“The people of Nigeria* will come back from their enemy’s land. Nigeria* there is hope for you.” This message is from the Lord.

FINAL WORDS…
This is what the Lord All-Powerful, the God of Nigeria*says: “I will again do good things for the people of Northern Nigeria*. I will bring back those who were taken away as prisoners. At that time the people in the land of Northern Nigeria* and its towns will once again use these words: ‘May the Lord bless you, good home and holy mountain!

People in all the towns of Northern Nigeria* will live together in peace. Farmers and those who move around with their flocks will live peacefully together in Northern Nigeria*. I will give rest and strength to those who are weak and tired.”

After hearing that, I, Boluwatife, woke up and looked around. My sleep was very pleasant.

“The days are coming” says the Lord… “When I will help the family of Northern Nigeria* to grow. I will help their children and animals to grow too. It will be like planting and caring for a plant. In the past I watched over Northern Nigeria* but I watched for the time to pull them up. I tore them down. I destroyed them. I gave many troubles to them. But now I will watch over them to build them up and make them strong.” This message is from the Lord.

“People will not use this saying anymore:

‘The parents ate the sour grapes, but the children got the sour taste.’
“No, people will die for their own sins. Those who eat sour grapes will get the sour taste.”

Boluwatife Adekunle
@boluzzz



=====
Excerpt…

Jeremiah chapter 30 & 31 (JIL version)

Me* – Boluwatife*         = Jeremiah
Nigeria*                            = Israel
Northern Nigeria*           = Israel and Judah
North*                              = Jacob
The people of the North*= Jacob’s people
Northern Family               = Jacob’s family
Ancient days                     = long ago
Taraba*                              =Samaria
Mountain                          = Zion
Chibok                               = Ramah
What Is The Hope Of The Poor? – Boluwatife Adekunle
World Bank data categorises Nigeria among the poorest Nations in the world; the power at the helm disregarded such notion. He believes- that is one data from the pot-of-jokes. While some of us felt statistic of such embodiment, judging by its root as well as its pedigree would remind a five years administration of a job “not well done” probably none of us predicted the response from the powers that be and that painted in glare picture the insensitivity of this administration; its policies and actions toward the downtrodden Nigerians.

What should we make of responses like: Nigeria has the highest number of private jets in Africa, in an attempt to brush-off World Bank data? This is “sadly” a partial statement leaving out the masses; delusional government at best. Perhaps this explains the reason behind the TV commercial, a laughable advert with a stained image been photo shopped in the same frame where great minds were presented. Those who designed such advertisement have successfully trampled on the personalities of those charismatic leaders. Although they’ve done well by recognising these people; the great late Nelson Mandela, Lee Kuan Yew, Barrack Obama etc. which implies they actually understood what good governance means and what great leadership entails.

It’s disheartening to see our leaders turning deaf ears to the cry of the poor; they’ve became irresponsive to their plights, they sumptuously feast on their fortunes while the downtrodden rotting in abject poverty. The oppressed lives in total darkness, feeding/living below two dollars per day and their bodies deteriorate as a result of malnutrition. They’ve been subjugated, enslaved and betrayed by the same leadership they voted in to tackle their misfortunes. It is agreed that our people are gullible but maximising their vulnerabilities beyond extreme is totally unjust and inhumane.

The peoples’ representative at the power house has failed; conspicuously what we have at the centre is a leadership that has completely neglected its constitutional responsibilities, an administration that has since gone off-track and has long buried its political will for true governance. In retrospect, I would never had imagined that three years down the line after President Jonathan got elected into office, we would be reaping heavily from the seed of wrong choice. It was indeed a regrettable decision which has taken its toll; we could only wish to turn back the hands of time.

Nigerians were caught unaware- and while there’s sorrow in our land, the federal government through its incapability has created enabling environment for political thieves to intensify their looting powers.  It becomes more obvious that squandering public funds seem to be a sweetening competition among the elites, it is a luxury game where the average class of the citizenry are match officials and the unfortunate Nigerians are mere spectators – At the end of every match a new political team is introduced to step up the game.

It is safe to say President Jonathan’s administration is solemnly a franchise; a license to other governing bodies and political offices to embrace corruption at great length.  C-in-C; Corruption-in-Colossal.  The state of the country today is one that is heartbroken; the situation describes a nation that has lost course, where there is need for an urgent redirection. Nigeria is currently headed for an iceberg and if the needful is not done to steer the ship back on course, the impact will spell doom to all and sundry.

With the new trend of militarisation, the formal equality of rights and privileges of the people have been brought to halt by the dictator operating under the guise of democracy, human rights have continually been violated, dented and abused. Just when we thought we’ve seen the height of bad governance; abysmal leadership, a fresh turmoil hits us right in our face and it appears the situation is only worsening.

Nigeria has metamorphosed into a “show of shame”, a laughing stock in the global circle; every other day the international media looks forward to our ill-fated gimmickry and the country has continued to hit international headlines for all the wrong reasons. How did we arrive at this sorry state, a land of peace filled with fat and honey suddenly emerged as a land of insecurity, bloodshed and hopelessness. Our people continue to face untimely death, so many dreams have been cut short, many souls have been bombed dead. Kids have become orphans, while parents turned childless. Families are left with lifetime hurts and so many unfortunate persons with unforeseen disabilities.

The poor has being the receiving end of all Boko Haram’s atrocities, it appears all the bombings are meant to affect the poor who has nothing to offer the country at this grieved time; We’re completely helpless…  As Boko Haram leader keeps on talking tough, the response from the presidency matching with its body language is one that is frightening and unpromising. My heart goes out to parents of the abducted Chibok girls and united we stand to demand from the government to #BringBackOurGirls. It is a presidential shame that it took the 17 years old Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani advocate for girls’ education to convince the C-in-C to meet the parents of the abducted chibok girls three months after Boko Haram’s raid on Government Girls School,  Chibok. No better ways to describe a president that has NOT the love of the people at heart.

At a time like this in Nigeria, you cannot but wonder on what “actually” is working, our people are not being educated; the level of illiteracy increases. Over the years the educational sector has been battered with unprecedented retrogression. Students found themselves out of school for countless months as a result of government’s failure to comply with the need to improve the standard of education and enhance the quality of training in our tertiary institutions.

The state of Nigeria today is tragic and her doctors downing tools could only compound adversity for the poor.  The law enforcement agencies have been compromised and the Judiciary is unreliable. In the face of all these, you tend to ask WHAT IS THE HOPE OF THE POOR?

Boluwatife Adekunle
@boluzzz
July 21, 2014