My 14-year-old daughter told me how she and her classmates concoct secret nicknames for their classroom teachers using names of cartoon characters they watch on television. Their Mathematics teacher who they perceived as a “tormentor” was nicknamed Shrek, an unpredictable ogre known for acting abnormally in the popular cartoon of the same name. They nicknamed their Science teacher Jafar, the cunning snake wizard in Aladdin. The school Principal was nicknamed Mufasa, the huge fearsome lion in Lion King.
These children also give themselves nicknames. I have heard one of my daughter’s classmates being called her “SpongeBob Square Pants”, which, I was made to understand, refers to a box-like cartoon character that lives inside a pineapple in the city of Bikini Bottom on the floor of the Pacific Ocean. SpongeBob had a knack for attracting trouble.
The children loved and acknowledged these teachers as their favourites; yet they gave them those condescending cartoon nicknames. Why would young school children give nicknames to their favourite teachers that love them so dearly?
The point here is that those whom we love the most often trouble us the most. That was the kind of predicament and extreme torture that Jesus Christ was subjected to by the world he laid down his life for, and for which reason Easter is celebrated throughout Christendom every year. This year’s Easter is upon us again, 31st March 2024, even in the wake of Muslim Ramadan Fast and the Christian Lent.
About 2000 years ago, at age 33, Jesus Christ was crucified, and after three days he rose from the dead. His crime, according to the Roman authorities of the time, was that he was alleged to have declared himself the King of the Jews and saviour of mankind, an allegation the Romans perceived as a rebellion against the Roman Empire.
The season is characterized by a general sense of camaraderie, conviviality and mutual affection, all of which underscore the imperative of love and self-sacrifice required of mankind in a cruel world ruled by principalities and powers.
Easter therefore throws up a number of thought-provoking questions. How far are we willing to go to make sacrifices for our families, friends, neighbours, our country Nigeria? Had Christ whose death and resurrection we celebrate every year not offered up himself to be crucified, from where else could mankind have sought redemption from sin and death?
The years leading up to 1960 ushered in men and women who sacrificed time and resources in the struggle for Nigeria’s independence from the then colonial British Empire. Notable among these heroes and heroines were Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, all of blessed memory.
Many among these men and women died for our country. How many among us today can make such sacrifice?
Judging by all the trouble human beings caused, and are still causing for God, it is a miracle that He still went ahead to send His only begotten son to die for them. Of course, that is the nature of God’s love which ideally should reflect in the conduct of men created in God’s own image. Unfortunately, the reverse is the case. Typically, our country’s narrative in recent years has been one of woes, failure, mistrust, injustice, poverty, and general disregard for the rule of law and democratic tenets. It is one thing for citizens to profess love for their fellow citizens and for their country; but to demonstrate that love is a different kettle of fish altogether. Everywhere you turn you find that love is in short supply in the land. The milk of human kindness has been sacrificed on the evil altar of hate, acrimony, and all sorts of primordial proclivities. A beautiful tree feeding its branches with filthy lucre usurped from its own patrimony? Who will ascribe such a sadistic paradox to the character of his own country?
For obvious reasons, not many households would be able to afford rice and chicken this Easter unlike in the past when families exchanged visits, food and greetings with one another. At a time like this when innocent men, women and children are mowed down like grass in their own homes by unknown gunmen and terrorists; at a time like this when human beings are burnt to ashes on the street, when worshippers are attacked, kidnapped and slaughtered because of their faith; at a time when hundreds of school children are abducted and held captive in the forest for months without any hope of rescue; at such perilous times, Easter provides all Nigerians an opportunity for sober reflection and deep introspection. This is the time to tell ourselves the truth, no matter how bitter it may be. The country is not working, and the problems did not fall from the sky; they are mostly self-inflicted because of bigotry, selfishness, misrule, and lack of that kind of sacrifice, love, fellow-feeling and compassion demonstrated by Jesus Christ in his dealings with mankind and on the cross of Calvary. As individuals and as a nation, this is the time for every citizen of this country to replace our cloak of selfishness and wickedness with one of selflessness, godliness, forgiveness, and love for one another in the spirit of the season. Have a fruitful and love-filled Easter celebration!
*Anthony-Spinks writes from Asaba, Delta State.
