TO LIVE AND LET LIVE OR TO LIVE WITH SENTIMENT: AN ESSAY ON RELIGIOUS, BEHAVIOURAL, AND CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

We, as humans, have emotions, and feelings. We have feelings of what we see as right, and what we consider wrong. We have feelings based on what we see as natural, and what we see as quite unnatural. These feelings are deeply inbuilt, and even though they come with individuals, they are many times influenced by the society we live in. To break this down and save your time, it’s safe to say that people in the US think it is right for children to speak up to their parents when they feel they aren’t treated right. In Africa, many people don’t see that as right; your parents know what is best for you and whatever they are doing to you is actually something they are doing for you. You see? Different people hold different thoughts.
It doesn’t end there, with peoples’ differences; it also breaks into individuals and their thoughts. A generally accepted knowledge of what is wrong is that it is anything that causes unnecessary pain, and puts people into danger. Only a psychopath would disagree with this, and only a psychopath would find it OK to cause pain upon people. Have that in mind. Now, humans as individuals all have their own mindset on what they want to do to themselves, and how they want to live. Some people are OK being religious and chaste and being teetotalers, while some prefer clubbing, drinking, and ‘living life to the fullest’. You see? Different persons have different thoughts.
Now, this essay is going to dwell more on the saying “Live your own life”. Truly, man is guided by where he is and where he grew. Our ideas are usually guided by what others around us think and our pattern of thoughts are usually aligned in one direction. This is why many people find it difficult to understand things, or patterns of thoughts that aren’t theirs. Africa will be my case study, and Nigeria will be taken precisely.
Nigeria is a country with over 140 million persons. In this country, there are Christians, Muslims, Traditionalists, Pagans, Atheists, and what have you. I used religion as the #1 determinant because Nigerians are really religious people. In this heterogeneous society, many people have a big problem, and that is the problem of hate. The average Christian doesn’t like the Muslim, the Muslim feels the Traditionalist isn’t practicing the right religion, and they all hate Atheists because, well, why will you not believe in God? This hate is everywhere, in built in many of us.
What I believe in is simple, and short. Live life, and let others live theirs. When you talk of religion, it may be hard to tackle this because many of these religions preach dislike for other religions, and preach that any religion that isn’t theirs isn’t the true one. I will not talk too much about that. However, many of these beliefs should be cushioned with the fact that all religions preach love, and love includes letting people live the life they believe they enjoy and is best for them. In order words, you are allowed to think of people in a certain way (since we don’t usually control our thoughts) but what you say and do based on these thoughts can be very much controlled. In Nigeria, we have a problem of division because of what we think of our religions and ethnic groups, and how many of them manifest in how we act.
Behavioral differences also exist amongst people. Everyone has the right to decide what kind of life they want to live (so far they are not hurting anyone), and maybe this is where things like smoking, and drug use comes in. A fact remains that drugs are not good or your health- well, sugar also isn’t- but we place a form of cloth over it, and make it seem like it’s totally devoid of morals to take drugs. True, it messes with your senses, and its hazardous to your health, but then, so is the inhalation of chemicals in a lab for a lab worker, and many other things. My point is this. Many Nigerians see smokers in a bad light, but in the end, the drug use (unless it is in form of smoke affecting others) affects just the user, and others have no business calling him out or trash talking him all in the name of helping him.
This extends to sexuality which is also a delicate part of our lives which is affected by religion. Nigerians don’t feel it is OK not to be straight. It’s normal here because even the Law is against it. However, the Law here is nothing to write home about, because this same Law that makes you wonder if Law isn’t overrated. Here in Nigeria, many people would beat up two consenting adults of the same sex who have chosen to have sex with each other without being forced. It goes against human rights in all manners, and only religious reasons can be used to back this up. However, many of these religions also place punishments upon things such as sex between two unmarried people of different sexes. Why, then, is that case not treated with as much hatred as the one involving two persons of the same sex? Perhaps, it is not ‘natural’ to engage in such things, and maybe even those doing it are destroying themselves. However, it does not change the fact that it is their own life, and their decisions affect them.
Not to take things too far, I would like to conclude by reasserting the fact that Nigerians hate too much, judge too much, and bother too much over minor things that should not matter. We have a future that does not seem so bright, yet all we do is harbor hatred in our hearts. Such feeling slows down development, and distracts the entire country from what really needs to be done. Perhaps we should all learn to LIVE, AND LET OTHERS LIVE.

Mr. London President.

President Buhari with APC chieftains

              There is the KKK, Neo Nazis, White supremacists and all what not in the US. There is the terrorist situation that involves the vehicle that rammed into a crowd, killing up to thirteen persons, in Barcelona. There is the deadly situation of mudslides in Sierra-Leone. There is even a chance of a nuclear war between the US and North Korea. Let’s be honest, the world is full of problems. It always has been full of problems. Obviously, you can’t expect complete world peace. There must be tragedies, or drama, or just anything to keep the world busy. Welcome to Nigeria… Oh, wait. You’ve most likely already lived here your whole life. Here, it’s not that bad things happen by chance, or that they happen because ‘something has to happen’ to us here. Many things happen because in Nigeria, some people are in charge, and the rest are not. These ‘some people’ will do everything and anything to please themselves, and if it messes up the rest of the country, then let it. I’ll break it down for you. These ‘people’ are the leaders. You know it. I know it. Everyone knows it. Even the leaders know it. They know that things happen in this country because of their decisions

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             2015 was a hot year in Nigeria, especially for the All Progressive Congress which ran against the then incumbent party Peoples Democratic Party. Well, Goodluck Johnathan wasn’t any good, and Nigerians had to pick a lesser evil. There came Buhari. Former military dictator. Already ran twice unsuccessfully. Was 73 years old of age. He became a sort of a pragmatic leader that would come and deliver Nigerians from the ‘evil’ PDP. Trust Nigerians. They wouldn’t have more of Johnathan. Nobody cared that the APC had controversial bigwigs such as Tinubu, Rotimi Amaechi, Rochas Okorocha and the rest under it. All they wanted was a #CHANGE from what the PDP gave them for 16 years. In came Buhari. Yay!!! No more Johnathan. No more PDP. No more ‘kwarruption’. #CHANGE #CHANGE #CHANGE in the expectations of all.

           It started with the ear infection. Baba flew to London. Pause there. WHAT?! An ear infection?! Let’s just take a cup of water on that. Our president flew 7 hours to the UK to fix a non-deadly ear issue. If you’re a student in the medical field, or you are there already, the presidency believes you aren’t good enough and that you can never be. Keep it in mind. He went to a UK hospital on taxpayers’ money to fix his ear. Well, the problem was probably not corrected because amidst Nigerians’ complaints, Buhari didn’t hear them, and flew once again to London on a ‘medical vacation’. How do they even have the face to say that the president of a country is going on a medical vacation? This is where the secrecy came in. This is where and when Nigerians should have known that the president and his cabinet believed the president had nobody to question him on his health or any other thing. Baba began to fly up and down. Baba became part time British resident.

          Right now, Its been more than 100 days since Buhari set foot last on Nigerian soil (Unless his cabinet members take soil to London for him). I won’t start telling you that over 30,000,00 USD. (About 10,875,000,000 Naira) has been paid into the UK hospitals for Buhari (Or at least that is how much the Presidency has taken from the National treasury) or the fact that out Presidential Jet is still parked somewhere in the UK (Trust me, millions of Naira go down everyday too on that one). What I will talk about is the fact that some Nigerians eventually came out to speak against this London President of ours, and, well, it didn’t turn out so well for them.

                                                                     Femi Adesina

                                                               Lauretta Onochie

Charles ‘Charly Boy’ Oputa is a legendary Nigerian musician and activist who has never ignored national issues that affect the masses. He saw the state of the nation and decided that there was need for a movement. Therefore, he mobilized an online movement called Our Mumu Don Do which was aimed at awakening Nigerians to protest Buhari’s absence and the government’s misbehavior in general. He also gathered a group of well-meaning Nigerians who started the Resume or Resign sit outs in Abuja urging our London Baba to either return to Nigeria and resume his duty, or resign. Well, history repeated itself a few days ago when the peaceful protest was met with violence from pro-government thugs. I hear about 400 million naira was used to pay the pro-government protesters. Wow, isn’t it? You can’t even talk again. You see evil, you talk, you get beaten up. This is the same government that said they were fighting corruption. This is the same government that had the mouth to criticize Johnathan’s government.

                                                                 Charly Boy Oputa

The APC aren’t helping issues either. Funny thing is, Baba surrounded himself with people who like to lie, people who don’t know many things. One said he doesn’t know who pays the medical bills (SpeciaL Adviser Media and Publicity Femi Adesina) and the other said Baba London is hale ad hearty (Minister of Information Lai Mohammed). One even said it is disrespectful to ask of the president’s health, calling him a private citizen (Lauretta Onochie. I don’t even want to know how she got a seat on the executive)

Our country has a huge problem. And to be honest, I don’t know where we should start.

We'll commence writing in a few days!!!

Criticise Everything fans can get excited now. This is because your favourite write up blog which criticises on going events and world matters is about to bounce back. We promise that this time, we will bring you media news alongside what we think about such news. We apologise for the very long break which kept you waiting. We just need a few days to set up our resources to start bringing to your the write ups. Ensure to share

Victor Nnebe.

                                          Chief Writer.

Bobrisky is Trending.

Idris Okuneye (AKA Bobrisky) is one of Nigeria's questionable celebrity wannabes. He is known for his magical transformation from a black man to something even Michael Jackson couldnt reach

See what i mean?

 And for those that follow Bobrisky on Snapchat, or any social platflorm at that, you must have seen him posting snaps about "bae". Bobrisky is openly gay so nobody is surprised that bae is a man, but recently, bobrisky has shown his IG followers and snap followers that bae is not just for mouth in his own case. He has posted new snaps, telling us that bae sent him 7 million naira.... Oya close your mouth now. This is no joke at all. Well, i dont know if Bobrisky is joking with us to get internet popularity but then this is not the first time bobrisky is yelling bae to everybody. Well, if you do not know, he also says his bae is Africa's fourth richest man. I wont say it with my own mouth. You have Google. He also posted pictures of his journey to the bank to get the 7 million naira.

And twitter went berserk with madness, and the tweets were maddening. All in all, Bobrisky has gotten that attention he has always wanted. Now he is trending.

And the people began to investigate. And this came out.

Observe this. He is firat parked in a Diamond bank . Then, the guy in the counter is putting on an ecobank... and when the money is seen in the Ghana has gone bag, the wraps of money are covered with GT bank... good. I honestly do not know what to say.

Dear Average Nigerian.

Dear Average Nigerian,

 I know words are not what you need, afterall, words are only applicable to those who have enough food in their stomach because an empty stomach does not listen to words. Notwithstanding, I have just a few things to say. As an average Nigerian, and as one who is reading this, you are most likely literate. Not that you have your masters degree yet or you are a professor, but maybe a secondary school certificate holder, an undergraduate or someone that falls into that category. (No, you are not a secondary school student because the reading culture is not in those ones). That is clear.
As an average Nigerian, there are a few things you are "never" satisfied with.

The Government, The Terrorism ,The Poverty... You name them.

And if you are satisfied with any of these aforementioned things, you are not an average Nigerian, or perhaps you are a terrible citizen, or just a blind Buharist. (Buharist: /noun/ One who follows the biddings of the current government out of pure sentiment/ personal gain instead of rationally thinking or criticizing it. Japhet Omojuwa is a Buharist). The terrorism, the poverty, the economy!!! Wow, Average Nigerian, as you would say... "Na wah ooo". Whose fault is it? I have no idea at all! Actually, maybe I do. Maybe we all do. Maybe an average Nigerian's problem is caused by him. Or maybe not! Because we do not know and you do not seek to know.
Come on!, you are educated yet ignorant and higjly selfish. You blame the government of corruption and insurbodination but you would do worse if given the mantle. That is an Average Nigerian.
Maybe you should start with the socialization of newborn. Maybe that is how we will change this country and make it a better place. This will have to involve the schooling system right? Great. Which government will fund that? This one? Or the next few to gain power?
Wait, Average Nigerian, Have you forgotten how power in Africa works? You havent! You know its a case of sit still or transfer power to a political son. Perhaps Buhari will be in power even after he passes away. 
I just have to tell you, Average Nigerian, play your part... Do the right thing. Do not bother others or bother about others. It begins with you.
My words may not havr fed you, it it has probably led you.

Cross Your Fingers For Me Guys!!!

Criticise Everything readers, cross your fingers for me please. I just wrote an email to Ynaija.com, the biggest Youth platform in the country (if not the continent) concerning my desire to write a column for them. This has been my dream and I pray you guys will pray for me. Thank You.

War Against Indiscipline: A Blast From The Past.

One may understand that the current president of tbe Federal Republic of Nigeria,  Muhammadu buhari has a lot of flaws, and to some extent, has a terrible history with Nigeria dating from his Military Regime from 1983 to 1985. He has been known to pay deaf ears to Nigerian demands of him as a leader, but rather, he believes he is still a Military Head of State who has the country in his palm and can squeeze it like a play dough. Not only is the Nigerian economy in shambles, the government is in turmoil and confusion. In addition to that, the government lacks brains to back up the incredible promises used by the APC to lure innocent Nigerians into voting them,  therefore the government lacks a thought for priority. One would assume the government of cluelessness could not get any worse.

But Buhari's government will try their best to proove you wrong...

Right now, the President has ( Without the knowledge of the Masses) inaugurated an agency called War Against Indiscipline (WAI), A rebirth of Muhammadu Buhari's 1983 doom-bringer. Nobody liked WAI back in the day. Actually, the WAI was the more like dictatorial government back then which made nonsense of human rights in the name of maintaining discipline in Nigeria. The WAI was made up of military men, some of which stood in the streets looking for who to dish out some strokes of the koboko to and doing so ruthlessly whenever the opportunity came. This military men were more like Ambassadors of Buhari, standing around and terrorizing the country, and this was the #1 reason Buhari's government from 1983-1985 was highly criticized and infamous.

Now the Big Cats are back, and will roar soon...

Buhari has brought them back, and this time, nobody should expect different from what we had back then, and nobody should bring up the case of Democracy and fundamental human rights because that is not what anyone in this government cares about. The government is full of people with 0% ideas, 0% enthiusiasm to move the country ahead, 0% rational thinking, 0% thoughts towards priority and 100% emptiness of brains and fullness of bank accounts. Right now, twitter is on fire on this topic and its not even those on twitter that will be affected by this, (afterall, twittizens are mostly middle class Nigerian youths) but the poor woman on the street who has no gainful means of a living, the elderly retired civil servant whose pension has become history, the young schoolboy who barely knows discipline because of the poor education and the helpless illiterates who didnt get education at all. They are the ones that will be whipped and sent to carry heavy blocks atop their heads, not because of indiscipline, but because they will not have enough money to settle the WAI officers. How does Buhari waste money creating unnecesary agencies when Nigeria is not in order due to his other misconducts? How does he even expect discipline in a country where people are hungry? I cant answer that, but i do have to tell Nigerians who put Buhari where he is now...

You Loved Buhari.
You Voted Buhari.
Enjoy Buhari.