Fr. Richard OMOLADE

Creation, God’s primal involvement in human history is typically the victory of light over darkness. It is the victory of order over chaos. Yet darkness has prevailed over humanity and chaos are constantly being generated all over the world. Sometimes, the picture looks dire, and it seems there is no hope for humanity.  The paradox of life is that sometimes the two must be allowed to operate knowing that ultimately, victory belong to light since God is light and dwells in unapproachable light, and no matter how long lies and darkness prevail, just a little burst of light will banish the darkness.

In Nigeria today, evil seems to have a free rein. It is as if the nation belongs to evil men and they are now at liberty to do as they please.  The people of God continue to struggle to do good and hope for better life, yet it is not happening. Corruption has not just invaded the whole land, it is clearly the prevailing climate of doing business, of playing politics and even education.  Every aspect of life is tainted by shady deals and corrupt practices. Merits have been thrown overboard and those with nothing to offer have taken over the affairs of our life. It is the reign of darkness. You need unholy connections to get contracts with the Government.

Political offices are priced highly and only those with ill-gotten funds can pay the price. Admission to colleges and universities is tied to quota system, but that is a code name for mediocracy since quite often those with better results are often left behind in favour of the children of moneybags.  Not too long ago, the question begging for response was “My Lord, where should I drop the money?” We know the answer and the situation has not changed, judicial verdicts go to the highest bidder, and the poor are robbed of justice and punished for just being poor in a system skewed against them.

In this kingdom of darkness with no reasonable policy in place, with sycophants and psychopaths running everything, the hope of the common man is nonexistent. This situation breeds hopelessness and leaves many in darkness. The lack of certain and clear processes means that most people live their life as if they are in a dark maze. No wonder nothing works with many dissipating their energy looking for solutions to self-inflicted problems.

Today, everywhere one turns, one is faced with absurdity, not purpose, irregularities when one expects clarity of purpose.  We meet Police officers who are programmed to ask for graft even when danger is there to be seen and exposed. Citizens brazenly break traffic rules and constitute themselves danger to other road users. The question begging for answer is how did we get to this situation?  How come many people no longer prefer the straight road, but always looking for shortcuts and cutting corners approaches when faced with difficult situations? The answer is not far-fetched and quite simple. There is no easy way to do anything in Nigeria. The ordinary and published way is often the most difficult approach to solving problems. 

The process and procedure set up often looks good, but the procedure does not get you anywhere. Hence, people try other means even if it means paying dearly and cutting corners. Once this approach works, then no one is interested in going through the legal approach. This is the case in the academia, in public service commission, in the military and even in the world of business. The right way is no longer attractive because it is filled with bumps, and potholes, it is laden with countless hurdles and is extremely time consuming.

This is the situation that has led many to explore shady deals, cutting corners and what is often called the network approach which is nothing other than bribing people to get the result you desire. Regrettably, it is the only path that seems to work. Hence, many exploit the situation and those who are unable to meet the requirement are left hanging. The reign of darkness is upon us, and we need a thorough overhaul of the system to establish a system that is effective and efficient, that is transparent and accomplishes the goal it is set to accomplish. We need a sincere change of heart to let things work and this will not be accomplished until our system of Justice is impartial and effective.

In a system where there are no consequences for malpractice, in a system where money can buy anything including people, transparency will always be sacrificed and justice denied many people. This is a kingdom of darkness, and it must be brought down. Are you going to go down with it or will you embrace the new kingdom of light?

In the final analysis, darkness itself is a gift, being in it helps us to appreciate light more, but it is not a gift worth keeping. Light is a better gift, and it is far better to be soaked in it and let it shine throughout the world. If darkness does not frighten you, you will not appreciate the light. The time has come for us all to say, “Let there be light!”