By Ossy Ekwueme
Virtue and learning, like gold, have their intrinsic value; but if they are not polished, they certainly lose a great deal of their luster. Ideally, virtue is in every man’s power; and miserable is the man who doesn’t have it. What is most distressing is the operating beliefs that one’s way of doing things trumps another and vice versa. There is a lack of collusion to unify ideas for the greater good. Yes, changes cause friction; but it is necessary and even good. Both “progressives” and conservatives” in Uptown Etiti-Ebe need one another’s corrective attitude. The bond of love and mutual respect should keep us together. Ask yourself what you could do to foster togetherness and love… instead of cajoling or trying to bamboozle anyone.
In the light of the ongoing quest for Etiti-Ebe Autonomous Community, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State both the opponents and proponents of the idea must thread with caution. We should step back from casting aspersions…. for I am absolutely convinced that we could find discernment in this “confused” situations. Of course, nobody in Nigeria or in the Diaspora wants to be considered ignorant or lacking in the proper grasp critical issues in the community.
It seems to me that some people are seeing the problem and solving it from different perspectives. The arguments on both sides of the debate are plausible and powerful. This reminds me of the Lilliputian factions in “Gulliver’s Travels” that turned on each other’s throat because eggs were cracked from different ends. In true confrontational style, they were named the Big Endians versus the Small Endians. Such labeling has continued in political arguments, dividing rather than uniting. Yes, I am aware that some people don’t like politics and affairs of the community as others do, but the affairs of the community will still take interest in them.
Etiti-Ebe have honorable and intelligent men (more educated generation unlike before), plus men of means who deep down know what to do for the common good but the philosophy of radical selfishness sometimes urges them on, foregoing long term prosperity for all. We, in the diaspora (specifically EPA-USA Inc.), have sponsored some projects estimated at 100 million Naira in Ebe community (mostly at Downtown Ikenge-Ebe) ….and alas, most of the money came from the pockets of people from Uptown Etiti-Ebe indigene with some assists. Again, the Tiger does not shout about its tigritude.
Furthermore, I submit that we should start thinking what each of us (everyone) could do individually or through worldwide connections for the development of Etiti-Ebe while hoping for the largess from the Enugu government. Again, remember that communal goat will die of hunger because nobody will take responsibility for the fodder but will fight to share the meat.
Once again, it’s worth repeating that righteousness is the wall blocking progress toward solutions of common challenges. Certainty and casting aspersions are the trap doors in progress toward understanding one another and our condition. What discourages me and many others is not the debate. It is the debasement of the debate. Debate should not necessarily mean eviscerating your opponents and taking no prisoners. You don’t have to operate with a malicious spirit to do tremendous harm. Insensitivity and hatred are sufficient.
In life, like in fiction, nothing comes out of the blue. At the end of the day, all of us agree with the fundamental needs to facilitate development in our beloved community. Anyiko mamiri onu ogba ufufu.
Semper Fidelis🙏
High Chief, Sir, Dr. Osy Ekwueme
WI. USA.
