Be (Com) ing Nigerian A Guide – Elnathan John.

‘In the beginning, the British created the Northern and Southern protectorates. Now, the Nation was formless and empty, and darkness covered our collective identity. The British said “Let there be Nigeria,” and there was Nigeria.’

BE (COM) ING NIGERIAN A GUIDE: Elnathan John.

****  

The first time I read a book and laughed my heart out as I turned through the pages and the chapters was when I was reading Trevor Noah’s, rather sad but humorous narration of how he was Born a crime. I did not know that authors could actually make their readers laugh through their words. Of course, I’d read books where the author throws in a joke or two, but Trevor just had a way with his words that you couldn’t help but laugh as you read his somewhat sad story.

This is the second book I have read, that despite feeling attacked, I couldn’t help myself but laugh throughout the pages.       

It is a satirical piece about the state of affairs in Nigeria, but pretty much, Elnathan’s writing depicts the state of affairs in a number, if not all African countries.    

John dedicates this book to ‘all who feel personally attacked or offended by something in this book’. And he warns us to never, ever explain satire.

I’m slowly learning how to review books so that I don’t spill all the spoilers that won’t intrigue you to find and read the book by yourself but if you’re interested in the general state of affairs of your country and to understand how much of a joke our politicians have made of the system and of their followers, then this book is for you!

Using a lot of pun, John relays the sad situation of the law and enforcement sector, the politicking that happens, the working class, the spiritual and international relations to mention but a few. The mockery we make of the God we serve by dedicating all the bad and good actions to His name and the complacency in lying to the masses, is one of the masteries that our politicians have.

‘The Nigeria god loves elections and politics. After you have bribed people to get the party nomination, used thugs to steal and stuff ballot boxes, intimidated people into either sitting at home or voting for you, it is important to declare that your success is the will of the almighty god.’

John’s writing on the aspect of politicking, hypocrisy and the poor state of affairs with regard to the aspect of democracy and the games that politicians play on us was an utter depiction of the state of affairs in Uganda concerning the election violence and the utter desecration of whatever truth, beliefs and faith we had in the democratic system and the law at large.

In short, I know you will love this book.

It brings out the weaknesses in the human nature and the pretense we have to go through every day. Please read it and let’s talk.   

PS: SO to Mable Amuron who blogs at amuron.com for recommending and sharing the book. The review has been a long time coming.   

Cheers.