Nigeria at 52: Moving Ahead Together

By Msonter Anzaa

It is 52 years since Nigeria became an independent nation. The story of how we became Nigeria has been told quite often. The challenges we have faced as a nation are great and humbling. The question of leadership has yet to be answered. The issue of genuine nationhood born out of a deep commitment down the hearts of citizens is still largely a mirage. At this moment in the life of our nation, what can we do as a people to place Nigeria on the path of development and true nationhood?

Boko Haram: Should the Ibos Leave Northern Nigeria?

By Msonter Anzaa

The Ibos of Nigeria are a peculiar people. Their presence transcends every nook and cranny of this country. Everywhere – including remote villages where it would seem no one speaks English – the Ibos are present. They are often so integrated into their host society that they speak the indigenous languages fluently. Given their wide reach, every crisis anywhere in the country affects them more severely than other ethnic groups. Following the increasing insecurity across Northern Nigeria caused by the Boko Haram insurgence, there have been calls from various quarters for the Ibos to leave the North. But is this the solution, and even if it is, how feasible is it? 

Christianity and Politics: A Synergy

By Msonter Anzaa

In the world today, there exists a divide between those who believe Christianity and politics can work together and those who think the two have nothing in common. Some Christians consider politics as one of the worldly things followers of Christ must abstain from. This article looks at arguments on both sides, articulates how Christian values can be brought into politics for national development, and argues that this is in fact, the mandate of Christians.

Those who argue against any relationship between Christianity and politics believe – and rightly so – that politics is a dirty game full of darkness. In Nigeria, it comes with murder, corruption, deception and juju. These are obviously not Christian values. Individuals in this group believe a good Christian cannot be a politician, and a good politician cannot be a committed Christian. They are very spiritual-minded but have lost concern for their physical environment. They are not concerned about government policies and roles they can play. They are so committed to prayer that they have lost the place of action in their lives. This hardly seems to me to be the Christian calling.