Redemption, Reparation, and Justice in Nigeria
In the Judeo-Christian text, when Jesus offered redemption to the tax collector, his submission was, "If I have taken anything from anyone, I am ready to return it fourfold." For me, that is one of the ways to true redemption, reparation, and justice.
With regard to the ongoing issue in Nigeria on Christian genocide, I offer these few possible directions towards justice.
First, sincere acknowledgement: we still refuse to acknowledge that there was genocide during Biafra. The denial and resentment are along factors that make possible Nnamdi Kanu and the atrocities going on in that region of Nigeria. I have spoken with a few persons about the Lekki tollgate massacre during ENDSARS; everyone said the denial and cover-up is why they will never trust government or politicians. Acknowledgement is scary for perpetrators because culpability demands recompense. We can debate the motive and whether the 3R (reconciliation, reconstruction, rehabilitation) worked for the post-Nigerian civil war, but what is obvious is that we refuse to confront the ghost of our ugly past. Anytime we have a “sovereign” conference, everyone is more interested in a power grab than discussing how we can heal the past, save the present, and move toward an equitable future. The lack of sincere acknowledgment of the current reality is fueling the current furor more than anything.
In our scholarship we fight homogenization. We resist generalities for specificity. We cannot lump everyone into this ongoing issue. The political talking point of everyone being impacted is insincere. It promotes erasure and silences specific group experiences. It is political correctness, and it is an evasion of truth. Some of you parents have gone to the school of your children to fight teachers your children claimed were hazing them even when the whole school said it was not true, but you won’t believe an entire group of people who have burial grounds and burnt bodies and dispossessed properties and villages as evidence because they have the "support" of the orange man.
Beyond all this performative patriotism and faux nationalism, we should be thinking, planning, and executing how victims can be compensated. Ways victims can be counseled, rehabilitated, and restored with therapy or other culturally sensitive approaches. We should be discussing the government plan and strategy to repossess villages that people were sacked from and dispossessed of. The Nigerian elite should own this, stop lying, and build trust.
Second, there must be reparation: there is no financial reward that can compensate for pain, but money is a symbol of dedication to change that we would make in the light of past wrongs. The hardest thing for many people to give away is money. In the Judeo-Christian text, there was the story of the rich man who went away in sorrow because he didn’t want to give away money that he probably acquired through exploiting the people. I once thought he resented corporate social responsibility (CSR), but there could be more. Reparations to me is putting your money where the heart now is; that is, repentance from past wrong and commitment not to repeat the same. To repent is to change mind. I have said before, "Sorry is not a good eraser." When I listen to people who oppose reparations in my current location say, "Why do they want money?" "Looking for money they did not work for," or "Grifters," I see ignorance and wickedness on display. I also see people who have no sense of humanity. Reparation is the barest minimum for the unhealable hurts that many people, groups, and nations have experienced. Victims’ past and present must be transparently compensated.
Third, we have to build trust and legitimacy: One time I met a fellow immigrant that said America teaches children to trust state institutions more than they trust their parents. They encourage children to report their parents, and it’s scary if your child is a police or FBI agent or a social worker for state institutions in your home. Does a Nigerian child born 2 minutes ago trust any government or state institution to protect them or their parents? Trust in leadership is a crisis around the world. People said Watergate was when deep American distrust of government began, but I know for people who look like me it is a generational distrust and feeling of betrayal.
Furthermore, we need servant leadership across both public and private sectors. I can write volumes on this, but not today.
Finally, abandon religion, pursue spirituality, and embrace intellect with compassion: this point alone would be a book. I can count on my five fingers how many times I have been in church in the last 5 years, even in America. I seem to be having “Christianity” fatigue primarily because I know and have read about the atrocities that have been committed in the name of God. Christianity has been weaponized for the purpose of conquest, conditioning, and the extraction of resources and capital. I am very critical of Christian nationalism, including any variations such as "white," "red," or "green" nationalism. I challenge complicit Christian theology every chance I receive. Christianity has lost compassion. It has become commoditized. The other day, the people with the “atarodo” hat tried to slip me a Bible. I said no, thanks. In my head and heart, I know they need it more than I do.
I can say the same of Islam. Most of the people who call themselves Muslims in Nigeria, especially the political class, are not really Muslims. These are people obsessed with power who have mastered how to distort Islam and weaponize religion for personal gains, political control, dominance, and relevance. Spirituality reminds us that we are more connected as humans rather than divided. With our intellect, we should pursue curiosity and knowledge with compassion.
I have more to say, but I am returning to my grind.
Whatever happens, may victims find healing, comfort, and recompense.
May Nigeria succeed.
Signing off, see you when I can
