Chinua Achebe, in his classic analysis of Nigerian socio-politics, The Trouble With Nigeria, describes the Nigerians of the 1970s as having cargo cult mentality. This mentality, Achebe explains, is “a belief by backward people that someday, without any exertion whatsoever on their own part, a fairy ship will dock in their harbour laden with every … Continue reading
Category Archives: The Pontifical Papers
WAGING A NEW WAR AGAINST INDISCIPLINE | by Ayo Sogunro
Nigeria is not a democratic country. Although generally described as a democracy, Nigeria is, in reality, an anocracy. An anocracy is a system of government that is half democratic, half autocratic. In true democracies, authority progresses upwards from the people to a dependent centre. In true autocracies, authority flows downwards from an independent centre to … Continue reading
THE STATE OF THE NATION | by Ayo Sogunro
Last week, the Central Bank of Nigeria confirmed what has been obvious to millions of us: that these are difficult times in Nigeria. To be clear, it is hard to say there was ever an easy time for Nigerians. Yes, there were times—particularly between the late 60s and early 80s—when an educated minority had it … Continue reading