FREEDOM: THE CLARION IN THE AIR

Nigerians are going to the polls in two day’s time with the CONTROVERSIAL Freedom of Information Bill (FOIB) not resolved. And so, journalists continue to operate somewhat on parole while the masses continue to be starved of vital information needed to move the nation forward. The result? Rumours upon rumours, leading to confusion.

Who is likely to bail us out after this time out? Shall we be free to express ourselves under the incoming regime? Today’s post focuses on the big question of freedom of expression. Let us pore over this as we head for the polling booths.

CARTOON CORNER

After a bitter struggle characterized with bloodshed and tongue-in-cheek round-table negotiation, the Lancaster House Accord finally produced a transition for independence for Zimbabwe in April 1980. As we march towards another April with the hope to secure our freedom from oppression, it is my pleasure to present a cartoon published in Times International Magazine soon after that declaration of Zimbabwean independence.

Let this kindle hope in us, for after the cloud comes rain.

Let your vote count. Vote wisely.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: AN ENCOUNTER WITH MY GOVERNOR

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: AN ENCOUNTER WITH MY GOVERNOR: "As I promised, you may now read the suspense-packed story of my historic visit to Governor Hussein Abdullahi on January 11, 1977. My pas..."

AN ENCOUNTER WITH MY GOVERNOR

As I promised, you may now read the suspense-packed story of my historic visit to Governor Hussein Abdullahi on January 11, 1977. My passion for an Afro-centric foreign policy, strongly expressed in that visit 34 years ago, has not waned, regardless of the ingratitude of South Africa and other African countries who have returned evil to Nigeria for her motherly mien.

Verily, the harvest will not fail to materialize some day.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

TODAY’S CARTOON:

ESCHEL RHOODIE AND THE DIRTY TRICKS DEPARTMENT

Eschel Rhoodie was the enterprising but infamous Secretary of Information whose promotion in 1972 inflamed passion in South African politics. In 1979, Roodie got his fingers soiled in some shady deals, and as a result, escaped to Ecuador, sneaked to Britain and dissolved into France where he was eventually tried, sentenced and extradited to South Africa in tumultuous disgrace.

Today’s cartoon captures my mockery of Roodie who did so much to paint a good picture of monstrous South Africa while his tenure lasted. It was published in one of the Daily Times stables.

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: FOREIGN POLICY: WHO IS SAYING WHAT?

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: FOREIGN POLICY: WHO IS SAYING WHAT?: "One feature that distinguished the Murtala Mohammed / Olusegun Obasanjo administration was her formidable foreign policy which unequivocal..."

FOREIGN POLICY: WHO IS SAYING WHAT?

One feature that distinguished the Murtala Mohammed / Olusegun Obasanjo administration was her formidable foreign policy which unequivocally proclaimed Africa as the centre-piece of her foreign policy. Not only did my youthful mind totally align with this policy, I took a practical step to demonstrate my solidarity with the administration’s resolve on apartheid.

Today’s post mirrors my preparation for a visit to the then Military Governor of Bendel State, Hussein Abdullahi, right in his office where I presented a painting of General Olusegun Obasanjo. The visit proper, which took place 34 years ago, will be posted tomorrow.

These two posts are for us to ponder; who is saying what about our future foreign policy. We must consider this alongside the internal.

CARTOON CORNER

Just as the foreign policy of the Murtala Mohammed / Olusegun Obasanjo administration received a pass mark for their foreign policy initiative, Nigerians will continue to feel the pain in relinquishing the Bakassi Peninsula during the Yakubu Gowon administration.

Today’s cartoon shows General Yakubu Gowon ceding out the peninsula to Cameroun. Let us pray and hope for wisdom on the part of whoever emerges as President in the coming elections.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: THE PLACE OF PROPAGANDA IN THESE TIMES

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: THE PLACE OF PROPAGANDA IN THESE TIMES: "have not been able to lay my hands on the first segment of this two-part serial published in Sunday Concord in 1984. Amazingly, however, ..."

THE PLACE OF PROPAGANDA IN THESE TIMES

I have not been able to lay my hands on the first segment of this two-part serial published in Sunday Concord in 1984. Amazingly, however, I find the content of this article apt for the moment.

We are faced with all manner of propaganda from the media and terrorist threats from fifth columnists. This article provides a global historical perspective to these matters. Please go through and be patriotic in your response.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CARTOON CORNER: "TOOTHLESS BULLDOGS"

During the struggle for Universal Suffrage in Southern Africa, Zambia’s internal security was always under threat due to the presence of Joshua Nkomo’s ZAPU political organization around her territories. This often led to incessant raids from the apartheid forces. After one of such cases in 1979, I had occasion to draw this cartoon, following the apathy of the UNO and OAU. The cartoon was published in Times International Magazine.

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: SPECIAL ELECTION PRAYERS

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: SPECIAL ELECTION PRAYERS: "Two weeks to the General Elections in 1983, my Concord Laff column published in the Sunday Concord a special prayer. This prayer is reprodu..."

SPECIAL ELECTION PRAYERS

Two weeks to the General Elections in 1983, my Concord Laff column published in the Sunday Concord a special prayer. This prayer is reproduced today with only slight differences. The prayer is being reproduced barely one week before the forthcoming elections. Although the prayer is reproduced hook-line-and- sinca, I encourage you to substitute the names of the candidates and political parties with the current.

Let us take one step further by doing every other necessary thing to encourage our God to hearken. God bless you as you pray along.

TODAY'S CARTOON

Today’s cartoon shows my illustration of President Shehu Shagari presenting the 1980 budget to the joint session of the National Assembly. That cartoon was ordered by the Features Editor in my capacity as freelance illustrator for the then popular Page Seven.

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: INTOLERANCE IN...

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: INTOLERANCE IN...: "CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: INTOLERANCE IN POLITICS: 'The he-goat is generally acclaimed to be lacking in decorum, so much that he e..."

LAMENTS FROM THE CORRIDORS OF POWER

Today marks the end of the one-month ultimatum issued to Laurent Gbagbo of Ivory Coast to relinquish power. This is a test of wills for his fellow African leaders who are now expected to move into action. I don’t know what you wish for that villain. I personally do not wish him dead. Instead, let him be alive to experience thorough disgrace.

The least form of disgrace awaiting Gbagbo is the one I present today from my archives. It is a mockery of another life outside the rooms of power.

It is, however import that African leaders take a decisive step aimed at deterring future tyrants, especially now that the Giant of Africa is heading for the polls.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CARTOON CORNER

After the embassy siege on November 4, 1979, by Iranian students, resulting in the abduction of 53 US embassy staff, Iran and Palestine decided to seal off the Persian Gulf in order to create more obstacles for America. This is the object of today’s cartoon published in one of the Daily Times titles.

Enjoy your day.

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: INTOLERANCE IN POLITICS

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: INTOLERANCE IN POLITICS: "The he-goat is generally acclaimed to be lacking in decorum, so much that he even engages his mother in love making. Twenty-eight years ag..."

INTOLERANCE IN POLITICS

The he-goat is generally acclaimed to be lacking in decorum, so much that he even engages his mother in love making. Twenty-eight years ago, I discovered that the behavior of the average Nigerian is akin to that of the he-goat. I painted my discovery in a humour-laden article titled Nwamkpi’s ordeal – never again. That article was a foreboding on the likely re-emergence of the military into our lives, judging by the way politicians were going about their business. The article was published on October 9 (within two weeks of the return of the Shehu Shagari administration). Less than three months after, the military resurfaced.

IMPORT FOR THE MOMENT

It is my prayer and hope that the coming elections will sound the final death nail to the nuances of our evil politicians with decisive votes for the conscience of the nation. I am, however, worried over the current intolerance at electioneering grounds. INEC can bring up the best formula aimed at realizing our hopes, but the politicians do not seem to be ready for a clean game. Do you know any of them? Please do your best to speak to them. Let us remind them that the wind of change all over Africa is anchored at our borders, waiting for what we make of this great opportunity.

TODAY’S CARTOON

In the early 1980s, the economy of Tanzania dropped so appallingly that the Government banned the use of cars by ministers. They were only entitled to the use of bicycles. My cartoon mockery of that development is our focus today.

Let us resolve to give Africa a new face. Together we can make it. Now is the time to decide.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE.

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: JOAN OF ARC: THE PRIZE OF PATRIOTISM

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: JOAN OF ARC: THE PRIZE OF PATRIOTISM: "The hallway of history is littered with the blood stains of characters executed for sticking to their respective causes. Some of these cas..."

JOAN OF ARC: THE PRIZE OF PATRIOTISM

The hallway of history is littered with the blood stains of characters executed for sticking to their respective causes. Some of these cases are examined today in retrospect, with emphasis on the extraordinary example of Joan of Arc. This was a French military heroine who led the French to victory in battles. Read the full account of this woman who was finally burnt alive at the stake.

CARTOON CORNER

Francois Mitterrand was President of France between 1981 and 1995. While campaigning for his first term, Mitterrand made a sing-song of his preparedness to be fair to Africa. In fact, the election of this great socialist to power brought much excitement especially within Francophone Africa. However, when he became President, the French policy towards Africa took another turn with general disillusionment. It was this state of affairs that prompted today’s cartoon published in the Daily Times in 1981.

NIGERIA’S ELECTIONS: WATCH THEIR PROMISES

It is important to warn again that we weigh every utterance of the various candidates jostling for the masses’ votes. Let us seriously consider their intentions and look at their pedigree before risking our votes. Once we have decided, we shall all be bound by our wisdom or error of judgment. Now is the time to decide wisely.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE.

PRESIDENT ANDREW JOHNSON: COURAGE PERSONIFIED

Andrew Johnson was the 17th President of the United States. Although only educated by his wife, he is recorded as one of the most outstanding leaders in history. please read on and discover for yourself.

CARTOON CORNER

Micias Nguema; pioneer president of Equitorial Guinea, was one the worst African leaders recorded in history. He was however rewarded with a court trial and subsequent execution in the eleventh year of his reign after being toppled by Theodora Mbasogo on August 3, 1979. Today, I serve you a cartoon caricature of the overthrow published in one of the Daily Times titles

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: THE PEN VERSUS THE SWORD

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: THE PEN VERSUS THE SWORD: "On Saturday, July 5, 1980, some notable intellectuals converged at the auditorium of the US International Communications Agency, Ibadan, t..."

THE PEN VERSUS THE SWORD

On Saturday, July 5, 1980, some notable intellectuals converged at the auditorium of the US International Communications Agency, Ibadan, to discuss a burning issue thrown in their laps by Nigerian Writers Club in commemoration of their second anniversary. Among the discussants where Peter Ajayi, then managing Director of Daily Sketch; Bode Sowande, ex-soldier-turned academician and Dr. Femi Osofisan, another academician.

Today’s post is a report of that symposium done in my capacity as the then Publicity Secretary of Nigerian Writers Club. No moment can be more auspicious to revisit the crucial issues raised at that symposium than now, especially with the recurrent traits of satanic leaders all over Africa.

COUNT DOWN TO THE ELECTIONS: 15 DAYS TO GO

Democracy is not a destination; it is a process. Every victory is validated by its process, and the process must be confined to the Law.

As we advance towards the General Elections, it is your duty to stand up now and be ready to be counted among the progressives.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CARTOON CORNER

President Ronald Reagan made some efforts at arms reduction during his tenure, but he made sure that a disproportional percentage of the nation’s budget went in for defence. That policy is reflected in today’s cartoon published in the Daily Times in 1981.

Enjoy your weekend.

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: REALITIES OF THE NUCLEAR GAMBIT

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: REALITIES OF THE NUCLEAR GAMBIT: "This morning, the news is that citizens of the United States and Britain are asking their citizens to consider leaving Japan, following th..."

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: REALITIES OF THE NUCLEAR GAMBIT

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: REALITIES OF THE NUCLEAR GAMBIT: "This morning, the news is that citizens of the United States and Britain are asking their citizens to consider leaving Japan, following th..."

REALITIES OF THE NUCLEAR GAMBIT

This morning, the news is that citizens of the United States and Britain are asking their citizens to consider leaving Japan, following the fear of a nuclear disaster. This prompts me to bring you another article where I expressed concern in the Daily Times, 15 months after the publication of the article posted yesterday.

As we lament over Japan’s fate, the present state of insecurity in Nigeria must be of no less concern. The zealots and political opportunists in our midst are ready to go any mile, including bombings and whatever, just to achieve their selfish goals. The present misfortune began with little incidences of kidnapping within the creeks in the Niger Delta. Today, terrorism has blossomed in Nigeria; only God knows what weapons are at the disposal of these satanic elements.

CARTOON CORNER

In place of a cartoon from me this day, I bring you two protest pictures from South Korea Japan, just released this morning, to corroborate protest cartoon which I posted two days ago.

THE COMING ELECTIONS

The wise exercise of our votes is the surest way to eliminate evil in our country and ensure lasting peace and security. Now is the time to decide within ourselves, sensitise the less informed and hope for the best.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: LIVING IN A TERRORIST WORLD

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: LIVING IN A TERRORIST WORLD: "The greatest problem confronting Nigeria today is insecurity. This morning, the newspapers are replete with warnings from MEND which inten..."

LIVING IN A TERRORIST WORLD

The greatest problem confronting Nigeria today is insecurity. This morning, the newspapers are replete with warnings from MEND which intends to unleash mayhem on the citizens through bombings. This immediately triggers memories of my analysis in the September 6, 1980 edition of the Daily Times – Living in a terrorist world

As at the time of this publication, Nigeria was not among the nations dreaded for terrorism. But, how time has changed everything. The threats from MEND pose a crucial problem to the forthcoming General Elections, and if the Government does not tackle this with all the seriousness it deserves…well.

CARTOON CORNER

This cartoon shows the reaction of the United States after the USSR invasion of Afghanistan in 1980. The fear of the US was that Poland would be the next target,judging from the experience of Poland on September 17, 1939 when the nation was invaded by USSR.

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: PITFALLS OF NUCLEAR ARMAMENT

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: PITFALLS OF NUCLEAR ARMAMENT: "“But quite unlike the apocalypse of a possible celestial destruction through Armageddon or any other theories held by varying religions, i..."

PITFALLS OF NUCLEAR ARMAMENT

“But quite unlike the apocalypse of a possible celestial destruction through Armageddon or any other theories held by varying religions, it is not unlikely that the final destruction of man shall be by man himself”

The above quotation formed part of the opening paragraph in the second and final installment of my serial article published on page 3 of the Daily Times on September 22 and 23, 1980. Today, the nation of Japan whose tragic experience prompted those thoughts is about to experience self-destruction, unless God quickly intervenes. As I write this, three nuclear reactors, north of Tokyo, are releasing signs of uncontrollable radiation leak.

Please go through this article and give a thought to our frail world.

CARTOON CORNER

At about the same time this serial was published, citizens of Hiroshima rose in protest over nuclear tests within their territory by the US and USSR. That protest which I recorded in a cartoon, and was published by the Daily Times, is our focus today.

ELECTION UPDATE

As we count down to Nigeria’s General Elections, it is important to ask; have you spoken to your people within the grassroots? Do they know the dangers of selling their votes? Now is the appointed time to speak or forever be silent if we allow the buffoons to take us to ransom again. Let your vote count.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE.

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: SAVING THE WORLD FROM NUCLEAR DISASTERS

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: SAVING THE WORLD FROM NUCLEAR DISASTERS: "Between August 6 and 9, 1945, Japan experienced the first nuclear attack from America with the support of the rest of the Allied Nations. ..."

SAVING THE WORLD FROM NUCLEAR DISASTERS

Between August 6 and 9, 1945, Japan experienced the first nuclear attack from America with the support of the rest of the Allied Nations. Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the nation’s industrial pride were reduced to rubbles alongside hundreds of thousands of Japanese.

As Japan goes through the valley of the shadows of death yet again, this time around through handiwork of Mother Nature, I invite you to a two-part serial published on September 22 and 23, 1980, in the Daily Times. It mirrored the stubbornness of Japan and her final humiliation and torture.

It is important to note the current threat of nuclear emission from certain reactors, following the earthquake.

Please look out for the conclusion tomorrow – an analysis of the World Wars and the dangers of nuclear armament.

Please take time out and pray for Japan.

CARTOON CORNER

In the early 1980s, the Mauritanian leadership came under international condemnation for their notorious acts of amputation of thieves. A cartoon mockery of this ugly trend is our focus today.

ELECTION REMINDER

Nigerians, remember; the election is fast approaching. Pray for God’s leading on whom to give your vote. Let your vote count.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE.

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: REMEMBERING THE ANDREW PHENOMENON

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: REMEMBERING THE ANDREW PHENOMENON: "Do you still remember Andrew? Well, those born after the Second Republic will probably be thinking of Christ’s first disciple. However, th..."

REMEMBERING THE ANDREW PHENOMENON

Do you still remember Andrew? Well, those born after the Second Republic will probably be thinking of Christ’s first disciple. However, those who were adults then will quickly remember Andrew as a symbolic representation of the descent Nigerian adopted by the Ethical Re-orientation propaganda arm of the Shehu Shagari Administration.

Today’s post focuses on the Andrew phenomenon as a reminder to the fact that, years later Andrew remains nothing but a laughable tale-tell.

Do we have a chance to make amends? Yes, April is the month of this change. Let your vote count.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CARTOON CORNER

About the greatest achievement of the Jimmy Carter administration was the signing of the Camp David Accord on September 17, 1978 after thirteen days of secret negotiations between Prime Minister Menachem Begin of Israel and President Anwar Sadat of Egypt, with President Jimmy carter mediating.

Shortly before the trio took off to Camp David for that negotiation, I was commissioned by Time International Magazine to illustrate their cover story of the grim picture facing the negotiators. This cartoon appeared on the front page in the Monday, September 17^th edition of the magazine.

Enjoy your day.

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: KILLING THE "MUMU" IN US

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: KILLING THE "MUMU" IN US: "Today’s post, Killing the Mumu In Us, revisits my mockery of the bogus Ethical Revolution mounted by the ousted Shehu Shagari administrati..."

KILLING THE "MUMU" IN US

Today’s post, Killing the Mumu In Us, revisits my mockery of the bogus Ethical Revolution mounted by the ousted Shehu Shagari administration against the backdrop of the then newly established War Against Indiscipline (WAI) headed by Group captain Emeka Omerua under the Buhari regime.

Unlike the WAI campaign whose effects still linger in the consciousness of Nigerians, it is doubtful whether any Nigeria still remembers what the Ethical Revolution stood for.

As the various candidates speak from both sides of their mouth, screaming phony promises on the soap box, we must weigh each of them on the scale of equity. Let us weigh their promises against their past records.

We must agree to make our votes count.

CARTOON CORNER

In today’s cartoon, Libya is caricatured as a Polar Bear on territorial conquest. The cartoon was commissioned by Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, then Editor of Times International Magazine who later became Governor of Anambra State, for the magazine’s cover story on Muamar Gadaffi.

Again, the misfortune of Libyans in the cruel hands of Muamar Gadaffi should put us in check as we head for the polls.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: THE PRIZE OF MORAL WEAKNESS (IV)

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: THE PRIZE OF MORAL WEAKNESS (IV): "In the conclusion to the four-part series (The Prize of Fanaticism), I made a projection into 1983, likening it to a Pandora’s Box, partic..."

THE PRIZE OF MORAL WEAKNESS (IV)

In the conclusion to the four-part series (The Prize of Fanaticism), I made a projection into 1983, likening it to a Pandora’s Box, particularly for journalists whose pens had been badly stained with the vile contents of the brown envelope.

The story is scarcely different today. Lest than 25 days to the General Elections, the media is rife with genuine and cooked up reports of political activities nationwide jostling for space. This is even as political leaders are busy hindering opposition from campaigning within the homesteads of incumbents.

Zealots are hauling explosives into campaign grounds maiming and killing the innocent.

Once again, it is important to plead that we stop, ponder and act wisely. Fanaticism in whatever hue or colour will do us no good. Let us make our votes count.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE.

CARTOON CORNER

Leopold Senghor of Senegal was one of Africa’s most intelligent leaders of his time. On December 31, 1980, he made a mark by voluntarily retiring to give way to Abdou Diouf. The cartoon posted today was published in the Daily Times soon after he announced his retirement at peace time. Does someone know Gadaffi? Please tell him to take heed.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: THE PRIZE OF F...

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: THE PRIZE OF F...: "CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: THE PRIZE OF FANATICISM (II): 'In the last post, I brought to you the first in the four-part series; The..."

THE PRIZE OF FANATICISM (III)

“Like Gadaffi of Libya, he was always accompanied by a retinue of fierce-looking security men, armed to the teeth. Jones was an enigma”

The above was part of my declaration in the third installment of The Prize of Fanaticism published in the March 7, 1982 edition of Sunday Concord which I serve you today. Jones committed suicide after compelling virtually all his followers, save for the few that managed to escape, to die through the forcible administration of potassium cyanide.

About a decade after that horrendous affair, Gadaffi is on the throes of political suicide, pursued like a mad man by his own people. But unlike Jim Jones, Gadaffi is miffed by his inability to command suicide, at this hour, over the masses he bestrode for over 40 tempestuous years.

As Nigerians head for the polls in April, the onus is on the electorate not to negotiate a Gadaffi with their precious ballots. Now is the time to screen all the candidates with a readiness to dump the opportunists at the polls. Let your vote count.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CARTOON CORNER

Today’s cartoon, published in the Daily Times in the early 1980s, is a mockery of the Federal Character syndrome.

Enjoy your day.

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: THE PRIZE OF FANATICISM (II)

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: THE PRIZE OF FANATICISM (II): "In the last post, I brought to you the first in the four-part series; The Prize of Fanaticism, mirroring the dogmatic spirit with which so..."

THE PRIZE OF FANATICISM (II)

In the last post, I brought to you the first in the four-part series; The Prize of Fanaticism, mirroring the dogmatic spirit with which some Nigerians pursue life. Today, I bring to you the second installment with the case study of Jim Jones of Guyan who orchestrated the Guyana Tragedy in which a total of 909 inmates of The People’s Temple committed suicide on the orders of their leader.

CARTOON CORNER

Nigeria, the acclaimed Giant of Africa has contended with several oppositions in the past. Today, the hostility, even within Africa, has not abated. Instead, it is on the increase. Today’s cartoon was published in the Daily Times about 30 years ago.

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: FANATICISM

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: FANATICISM: "“In our country are evangelists and zealots of many different political, economic and religious persuasions whose fanatical conviction ..."

FANATICISM

“In our country are evangelists and zealots of many different political, economic and religious persuasions whose fanatical conviction is that all thought is divinely classified into two kinds -that which is their own and that which is false and dangerous.”

Of course, renowned US attorney, Robert H. Jackson was referring to his country at a time. But nothing suits my own country, Nigeria, today better than this expression. We have been taken over by all manner of dangerous zealotry in religion, politics, power and just anything that catches the fancy.

Only yesterday, yet another band of fanatics disrupted the peace of Niger State by eliminating the lives of innocent Nigerians who had gathered for the PDP rally.

This is even as the phantom called Boko Haram refuses to succumb to the Law. This was the situation in 1982 with the likes of Maitatsine unleashing hell on Nigerians. That situation prompted a series (The Prize of Fanaticism) in my Concord Laff column. The first in that series is served here today.

CARTOON CORNER

With the political unrest in Libya heightening every minute, I present to you an old cartoon on the stupendous wealth of Mobutu Sese Sekou who was once reported to be richer than the Queen of England at a time when his citizens were living from hand to mouth.

As we get set to select our leaders in April, please let your vote count. Africa must be redeemed. And the place to start is Nigeria.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: NIGERIAN: A WASTEFUL SPOILT MOTHER

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: NIGERIAN: A WASTEFUL SPOILT MOTHER: "One of the clear evidences of Nigeria’s penchant for inexplicable wastefulness is our self-destruct disposition. The recurrent burning of ..."

NIGERIAN: A WASTEFUL SPOILT MOTHER

One of the clear evidences of Nigeria’s penchant for inexplicable wastefulness is our self-destruct disposition. The recurrent burning of our public structures is an example.

In 1983 alone, the nation lost the Republic Building, and the Defence House among many others. These two buildings were located within viewing distances and housing the very substances that made up the national essence. Worse still, each fire disaster was the handiwork of arsonists trying to cover up their evil machinations.

In the midst of the self-induced disasters, I put up a lamentation in my Concord Laff column on April 11, 1982, comparing the London disasters within the first half of 1600s AD with that of Nigeria at the time in question.

But if you thought the arsonists were done with their plots in 1982, the burning of the high-rise NECOM House the following year was enough to disquiet the positive mind.

THE CARTOON CORNER

Today’s cartoon also examines the deception in high places. Our media houses are saturated with citizenship awareness commercials, yet, they are hardly ever backed up with positive action.

Please examine these posts and take time out and think of how to pull Nigeria out of the doldrums.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: MAN OF THE YEAR, 1980: AYATOLLA RUHOLLA KHOMEINI

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: MAN OF THE YEAR, 1980: AYATOLLA RUHOLLA KHOMEINI: "One of the most significant phenomena in world history was the reign of the Ayatolla Ruholla Khomeini of Iran. The Ayatollah was so driven ..."

MAN OF THE YEAR, 1980: AYATOLLA RUHOLLA KHOMEINI

One of the most significant phenomena in world history was the reign of the Ayatolla Ruholla Khomeini of Iran. The Ayatollah was so driven by his religious dogma that he banned television in Iran for a period of 10 years.

It was this same Ayatollah that unseated President Jimmy Carter with the raucous hostage crisis. At the end of that crisis, Time Magazine crowned the Ayatollah Man of the Year in the December 31, 1980 edition.

Today, I bring you my review of the man in the April 8, 1981 edition of the Daily Times.

For today’s cartoon, let us make do with that which accompanied the article.

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: RONALD REAGAN AND THE BEIRUT HOSTAGE CRISIS

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: RONALD REAGAN AND THE BEIRUT HOSTAGE CRISIS: "About five years after Ronald Reagan got Americans to disgrace Jimmy Carter out of the white House on account of his perceived poor handli..."

RONALD REAGAN AND THE BEIRUT HOSTAGE CRISIS

About five years after Ronald Reagan got Americans to disgrace Jimmy Carter out of the White House on account of his perceived poor handling of the Iran hostage scandal, a similar nasty incident began to play up in Beirut, Lebanon as 40 Americans were kidnapped. As at the time I got today’s article published in my Concord Laff column on July 7, 1985, the hostages had spent over two weeks in Lebanese custody with Reagan scarcely broker any meaningful initiative towards their release. History sure has an uncanny way of repeating itself.

As various candidates speak to us now from both ends of their mouths, it is needful for us to be guided by history.

In today’s cartoon, I present to you another mockery of Senator Edward Kennedy, especially aginst the backdrop of the breaking news over the past 24 hours. The FBI just uncovered another scandal involving Senator Kennedy.

Please click on this link for the news on Newsmax.com

http://www.newsmax.com/InsideCover/KennedyBrothel/2011/02/28/id/387765?s=al&promo_code=BC50-1