Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.
— Oscar Wilde.
This is the first post on my new blog. I’m just getting this new blog going, so stay tuned for more. Subscribe below to get notified when I post new updates.
I’m Only Human!!
. When people realize they’ve made mistake, they say ‘ I’m only human’.
. When people feel like they can’t achieve anymore, they say ‘ I’m only human’.
When people feel like they’ve lost control of themselves, they say ‘I’m only human’
Unfortunately he will never say these words, but he is only human. Have mercy on him.
Punches thrown
Gone are the days when a president would be so Messaic, untouchable, blameless. Any insult thrown would attract serious consequences. It was unimaginable to think the president would err. This was the case and is still the case in some states. For US it has never been so.
I present to you a man. A man whose style of leadership is erratic, confrontational yet so intentional. I present the 45th President of the most powerful nation in the world. His excellency Donald Trump.
Some call him arrogant, authoritarian, racist, narcissistic, others call him a liar. These are not my words.
When he announced his candidature, he got alot of criticism, it was unthinkable that this man would one day be walking on the corridors of white house. He was opposed even before the primary polls. Today Trump is the man. He is said to be tackling the longstanding grievances more consistently more than his predecessors.
His vision is to make America great again. As selfish has his remarks may sound he has the interest of America at heart. ‘America first… America alone’
Loved by many, hated by many
Call him The fast-forward President, He is the most hated man, in USA and all over the world. He has enemies all over, Russia, Iran, Syria, Mexico. Hated by some Muslims. He is also loved by a greater majority. Americans. Attacks on his administration are personal. He is only human, have mercy on him.
Trump’s viscious attacks on international regimes, international organizations and some States, has seen him attract more enemies than Friends. His approach in dealing with NATO, his attacks on Iran and so are Iranians, his attacks on WTO.
Trump is a man you don’t want to go to war with, but if you chose to do so you better go hard or else he will retaliate so strongly.
As the incumbent, within a period of only one term. Trump has faced numerous challenges. An attempt to oust him by both houses, Congress and Senate. The second president to see many Americans die from a single cause, with hands tied. Willing to do something but nothing can be done. Franklin Roosevelt was the first president to witness deaths of thousands of Americans in the second World and just like Trump his hands were tied. Covid-19 has been a real nightmare for Mr President.
He has a tendency of throwing in blame glames to every situation. To him Covid-19 is nothing but China’s faults, shaky economy is nothing but Obama’s fault, protests are the makings of Democrats, his unsuccessful impeachments are Democrats faults. Probably his reckless speech too is someone’s else fault, but who?
Tough times for Mr Man, his re-elections is still in question whether he will make it or not. He is a strong man, whatever is thrown at him always bounces back. He falls, rises, dust-off and begins the journey like nothing happened . He faces a lot but he is only human.
My Joy My Pride
Let your friends know that you are proud of them. It cheers them, it buoys their spirit and it keeps them much closer than never before. 🎄🎄🎄
Good friends and true friends are very much different. I have hundreds and hundreds of friends. Maybe even thousands. But my inner circle, it is so small. My inner circle are not just my best friends, they are my family, my people. A journey without them is not a journey. I can’t move miles without them.
True friends are always there for each other, they stick closer even if you push them away. They help us grow, they support all our endeavours genuinely, they tell us bitter and better truths, they stay forever without asking. There influence and power in our lives is immeasurable. And so today am celebrating my family, my people, my circle.
Frank and Nimo. These two are just the best of souls one can ever ask for. Their relationship is a perfect one. Goals!! And so I wish them all the happiness. Forever strong.
I wish I had met him much earlier. Maloh is definitely one of the best, but even with the two years of friendship. It feels like a century…it is a journey and we sojour on.
A sister who sticks closer than a brother. You are the best miss Oluoch. She has a big heart. Her loyalty is unquestionable. May you live to achieve your dream of owning a porsche.
A man of few words like people thinks. He is full of inspiration. His consistency in the world of writing is beyond reproach. Keep doing your things.
My two years in Lions high school would not make sense without your true friendship. Have been told I have soft spot for people with big heart. He has a big heart. I know he will give everything he has and remains without anything. The world needs people like you to make a difference.
She genuinely means well for everyone. Always happy for others. I wish I knew her like many years ago. I would probably be dinning with the nobles.
I call him SP. Fours years in campus was perfect because you existed. Loyal without doubt. You will always be a friend. Always.
If intelligence was a person.. He is wise at young age😂😂 proud of you buddy.
Continue sticking closer brother… I lack words to describe you. You are the best.
His dedication for the things he love, I can’t tell. Norbert is that one friend who will come to your rescue at any time. I celebrate you my good friend.
Alfred is an intellect. Soft spoken. Some say he is shy. You are a champ bro. Proud of you good work. Keep writing.
Mariah. You know you will always be the best.
Owili Emmanuel is like the best roommate one will ever ask for…we both love porridge. I pray to God, one day you get a slot at WHO. Friends for life.
Our paths are clear as the ocean shown.
You are such pleasure in my life. I hope you all see how meaningful your friendship is. Total joy to me, May your lives be filled with dazzling blessings.
Challenge Accepted
I open my WhatsApp page. And the first thing I see is something interesting, something amazing, exciting yet so deceiving. ‘You have been nominated for an award’ Am a bit confused but excited at the sight of it
Turns out my fellow bloggers decided to thrown in a game cracker. I have to admit I needed this especially after a long period of writers block. Something that would keep me going. Am not yet there but writing is a medicine.
About Mogere.
Yes Mogere is good but lazy. I call him Mogere the word master because he commands good mastery of the language, but I think he is just too lazy. So turns out of late he has been lethargic. No it’s laziness.
And so he nominated me. Challenge accepted.
Facts about me.
~should be 11 facts.
1. Am oversensitive. And closely related to it am a deep thinker. Only my inner circles knows it.
2. I have a gift. A golden one. My memory. It’s beyond reproach.
3. People think am jovial, talkative and outgoing. Am not. Reserved person would best describe me.
4. Honestly, honesty is the best policy for me. In all aspects.
5. Am attracted to beauty more than brains. Weird right?
6. I would do everything to remain positive, but if overwhelmed the stress becomes unbearable. The best thing you can do for me is to let me be.
7. My friends think am a good cook, and they think I love cooking. I love eating not cooking.
8. I know who to trust. And my instincts have never failed me.
9. I pretend not to care but deep inside am dying to show-off. Pride won’t allow me.
10. What I hate is show off, people who are pushy and condescending.
11. Laughter crowns it all. As long as you are funny…
Mogere’s Questions
A world with an edge. What will I find when I fall on it?
This is a tough one I must confess.
Fear would be that one thing. It is a world of uncertainities. So complicated than people think.
Describe yourself using coffee flavours
Of course I don’t do coffee, and so am not cognisant of the coffee flavours. But I know coffee lovers. I see them smile at the sight of a cup of coffee. If coffee was a person then I would be that person. I bring smiles to many. That’s what they keep telling me.
I once had a girlfriend who one day whispered to. ” You make me happy, you are my daily dose. My coffee.
What did you learn a little too late.
I wish someone would have pushed to the extreme. Push me to learn French a bit earlier.
And so with that, I hereby nominate the following.
Hassan Mogeni
Byron. Mogere’s friend
Kevin Jerameel
Alfred Kalamazoo
Your task is very simple. Go through the award rules. And do as instructed .
Rules for the award nominess
. Thank the blogger who nominated you. And provide the link to their blog.
. Answer the questions given to you.
. Share 11 facts about you
. Nominate 4-11 bloggers
. Ask your nominees your questions
Notify your nominees once you have uploaded your blog.
Questions for nominees
- Do fate exist? If yes explain using your personal experience.
- Is happiness elusive?
- What do you want to be remembered for?
- If you could fix the world. What one thing would you do right?
Can Africa think?
. What is China up to?
. Why Africa?
. Africa-China relations, lossers are known. What is not clear is the end game for winners. Anyone calling himself African should be bothered by these three questions.
Dancing with a giant
Let me begin with a proposition. Giants compete giants. Yes China is a giant. This is a fact that cannot be disputed. China is a giant that was in slumber for quite a long time. And as envisioned by Napoleon, China woke up from its slumber and rose to economic heights that saw China become the world’s fastest growing economy, the second economy in the world and an emerging power whose threats are real, unavoidable and inevitable. Ideally one would assume that with such economic and political strengths then your game should be maintained over and above. Not stooping low to the ranks of Africa. Africa is one of the poorest continents in the world yet China sees Africa as a potential ally not only for economic gain but also for sustained prosperity. What makes an economic giant wander around economic losers is a question that should disturb if not all but many. With such a profile then China’s greatest allies and partners should be Europe, US, among other great allies. But Africa? ??? No there is more than meets the eyes.
Winners and lossers
Take it or leave it. This is usually a phrase thrown to someone who is so desperate. Someone without an alternative means out of a situation. Let’s say Africa is in economic desperation. Always willing and ready to take anything and everything thrown to them, they don’t stop for a second to see what’s in the deal and if anything good can come out of it. For them trade deficit is not an insult but an excellent opportunity.
In a deal between parties, both partners should leave the table slightly disappointed or better still everyone walks away happy. That’s a good negotiation. China is always walking away smiling while Africa is weeping. Diplomatic triumph for China big loss for Africa.
The pupported infrastructure boom for Africa cannot be compared with the massive gains China accumulates in Africa.
South-south relations should should be a beneficial one for both actors. Mutual gains. For China it is geo-economic interests at play. They have mastered the art of enticing Africa with their sweeteners. Foreign aid, foreign investment, scholarships, among other goodies. Foreign aid then becomes a good bargaining chip for more and more. Foreign aid comes in handy with conditionalities all seeing China winning more and more while Africa losses more and more and more… Debt trap for Africa in the name assistance. And so who wins and who loses?
Africa is the destination for Chinese cheapest commodities, Africa markets are flooded with Chinese products, local industries closing down. Another loss for Africa. Presence of thousands of Chinese companies a win for China. With high population in China, Africa is the place for easing the population pressure…
Once bitten not shy! !
Am sure you must have read a book by Walter Rodney. ‘How Europe underdeveloped Africa’ if you have not read it then you will be reading two books . Two books closely related, let’s say even similar in a way. The second book should be out soon. ‘How China underdeveloped Africa’ who knows I might be your dear author.
In Rodney’s case, Africa can be said to have been coerced into the economic struggle witnessed. In the present case scenario with China, Africa is simply a fool. Headed the same road twice and simply not concern??
According to the latest reports Africa has eclipsed countries like US making Africa China’s largest trading partner.
Maybe China loves Africa or Africa loves China. What do you think?
Targeted Killings
The legality of targeted killings.
Iran mourns the death of their own, an army General of Qud’s forces, Soleimani Qassem, killed alongside six others, in what is said to be an assassination by the ‘Master’ himself , USA, as Iran is still mourning the death of the General, tension has rocked the international community as different groups appear to be in division as to whether his death was justified or not, states and different groups have also come out strongly to oppose this act of atrocity terming it as an attempt to start another world war, Prime Minister of Israel Netanyahu Benjamin has backed US on this, claiming it was a swift and a necessary move, this is not new as an attempt to assassinate the general back then by Israeli government and Arab agencies was anticipated by Iran government before it was executed, countries such UK, Russia, Turkey, Iraq and Syria have strongly condemned this move, Syria has accused US of trying to fuel conflict in Middle East and has said US should keep respect sovereignty of individual states, Trump’s administration on the other hand has justified this move on the grounds that the general was a master terrorist who was not only a threat to Americans in Baghdad but a threat to the world as whole, Mike Pompeo secretary to the state said Trump’s order to execute the general were very much in order.
A number of issues have come up and have sparked an ongoing debate on the matter of extra judicial execution or targeted killings in terror terms, issues on legality and morality of killings, and what international law as to say, delving on this matter, I first begin by reminding us that life is sacred and no human being should think of executing life of another person on whichever grounds and principles of religion will concur on this, international law of Geneva convention on humanitarian law will supposedly argue the same, human right activist will also remind you of the very thing, but don’t forget that the same international law also understands the implications of having a threat within an international community and how to address the same.
What is the necessary step to take when lives of millions are at stake, lives are threatened by a single individual, what is the best way to deal with the threat? Execute or arrest, USA will go for the option of eliminating first and fast, but what moral audacity does USA have to do all these? anyone who doesn’t understand the workings of international system and politics will be bothered by the very questions.
This is not the first time US is executing individuals suspected to be a threat to international community they have done it before, they have done it now and will definitely do it in the future, Osma Bin Laden, Sadam Hussein, Yemen terrorists killed in 2012, and many others, it is in their(USA)) security interest to protect their citizens and the world as whole.
According to the international humanitarian law, the controversy and the conflict on morality and legality of this issue is quite evident it doesn’t come out explicitly whether such killings are allowed or not, whether killings are justified. International law argues that such killings can only be lawful if a suspected terrorist is plotting an imminent attack, was Soleimani a terrorist? Yes he was, not just a terrorist but a master terrorist, that’s according to Trump’s administration,and therefore his death is a sigh of relief to the international community. Some human right experts have conceded with this argument claiming that it is only in some few instances that targeted killings can treated on moral and legal grounds, to me this is circular reasoning since their argument doesn’t hold much water, they should actually point out when and why this should not be the case.
State on the other hand argue that such moves are justified in an effort to deal with the war on terror, and to US that was a necessary move, human activitist again opposes this view terming it as misplaced, to them the existing international norms are not adequate enough to deal with issue of terror, discussions on these weighty matters are still ongoing.
It should be remembered that a similar scenario once occurred when Bill Clinton did the same thing when he was about to be impeached, international commentators have termed Trump’s move as diversionary tactic to stop his impeachment bid amidst ongoing process to oust him by the senate, this follows few weeks after a successful impeachment by the congress, Nancy Pelosi speaker of the congress came out to strongly oppose the killing claiming Congress members were not consulted before moving ahead with assassination.
Our Numbers
Enough is enough, do it right or walk away.
The fallacy out there is that power belongs to the political class, the ultimate truth is that power is with the people, power to install and to oust.
” The power of the people is much stronger than people in power” ~ Wael Ghonim.
In the wake of political unrest all over the world the people have decided that it’s no longer business as usual, you either work or walk away, and if this is a trend to go by, then oppressive governments all over the world should be worried, citizens are not fools, if they are quite then their silence should not be taken for granted, ‘silence is a thing that should worry even the devil himself’. Revolutions occur when the people begin to have a sense of deprivation, when they develop feelings of discontent, and when they get frustrated, what follows is mass protest movements like yellow vest protest in France, Hong Kong, Bolivia,and the rest. What has been happening all over the world especially Latin America is a clear indication that the people can rise to occasion and show the world that they know what they want and they have the powers to forge their own destiny. Dynasties and personal regimes crumble when people take their anger to the streets, if you are a victim of the people’s wrath then you only have two options, either to run or hide, Eva Morales of Bolivia choose to run, he is now a fugitive in his own country,Batista of Cuba did the same.
The cry of a citizen that is frustrated and discontented, is a cry for political change, and as Robinson and Daron would rightly put it in their book, ‘Why Nations Fail’, all the root cause to problems faced by the people lies deeply on the political wheels, the people are crying of corruption, repression, absence of political rights, unhealthy political environments, economic marginalization, ineffective public service delivery and all these cut across in almost all failed states.
The recent happenings in Sudan, Egypt, Algeria, and other places is a clear indication that numbers actually scares and tears. Torn apart after three decades of prestige and fame is none other than Omar al-Bashir, rendered powerless because the people decided that it’s either their way or no other way. If this is not power then I don’t know what to call it.
Hong Kong, Chile, Lebanon, France Iran, Algeria, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Iraq, Sudan, Egypt, among others have set precedent for the rest to follow, the only remedy for ailing states especially those on the south, is going to the streets and fight till the end, mass mobilization is the only sure way, and let any leader be reminded never to underestimate what the people are capable of doing, and with all these happenings across and all over the world, tyrants, dictators, unresponsive governments should work ways of putting their houses in order, lest they fall victims and join their counterparts who are on the run.
Introduce Yourself (Example Post)
This is an example post, originally published as part of Blogging University. Enroll in one of our ten programs, and start your blog right.
You’re going to publish a post today. Don’t worry about how your blog looks. Don’t worry if you haven’t given it a name yet, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just click the “New Post” button, and tell us why you’re here.
Why do this?
- Because it gives new readers context. What are you about? Why should they read your blog?
- Because it will help you focus you own ideas about your blog and what you’d like to do with it.
The post can be short or long, a personal intro to your life or a bloggy mission statement, a manifesto for the future or a simple outline of your the types of things you hope to publish.
To help you get started, here are a few questions:
- Why are you blogging publicly, rather than keeping a personal journal?
- What topics do you think you’ll write about?
- Who would you love to connect with via your blog?
- If you blog successfully throughout the next year, what would you hope to have accomplished?
You’re not locked into any of this; one of the wonderful things about blogs is how they constantly evolve as we learn, grow, and interact with one another — but it’s good to know where and why you started, and articulating your goals may just give you a few other post ideas.
Can’t think how to get started? Just write the first thing that pops into your head. Anne Lamott, author of a book on writing we love, says that you need to give yourself permission to write a “crappy first draft”. Anne makes a great point — just start writing, and worry about editing it later.
When you’re ready to publish, give your post three to five tags that describe your blog’s focus — writing, photography, fiction, parenting, food, cars, movies, sports, whatever. These tags will help others who care about your topics find you in the Reader. Make sure one of the tags is “zerotohero,” so other new bloggers can find you, too.
Vincent's blog 