USA Africa Dialogue Series - Of evil and wickedness

I have rejected postings commenting on the death of Tinubu's son in a negative manner.

 

I thought that all religions and cultures preach that one must never rejoice at this kind of misfortune. I was also taken aback when some people wished Buhari dead when he was sick.

 

Am I naïve? Or do I come from a different era?

 

I don't engage in politics; I have only voted once in my entire life and that was for Obama, first term. I don't associate with politicians. When my friends collect political appointments, I suspend the relationship. I don't do Obi's Zik or Kadiri's Awo! My heroes are Hogan Bassey, Dick Tiger, Fela, those who bring people from below together. I don't do ethnicity—I don't know the difference between an Hausa man or an Igbo man if both are poor.

 

That one disagrees with someone does not mean you want them to die or you want their sons to die. I don't know of any human being that can offend me to a level that I wont greet him or share a drink if invited. Serious disagreements are part of life, but rejoicing at the calamity of another is evil. It has no other name.

 

This new climate in Africa—of evil thinking—is going to set us further back. The development we seek cannot be outside of genuine love and compassion for other human beings. I don't like Trump as a politician, but I will never pray for him to lose his son. Indeed, I will cry were this kind of thing to happen.

 

TF