ACTIVISM THAT WINS

Activism is more than mass actions or protests in the streets.

Martin Luther King Jr is said to be one of the most successful civil rights activists that ever lived.

In his most popular speech, Dr Martin Luther King Jr said and I quote, ‘‘...I still have a dream, it is a dream deeply rooted in the AMERICAN DREAM...that one day this nation will rise up and live out the full meaning of its CREED; we hold this truth to be self-evident that all men are created equal... ’’

Also, in his last speech before his death, he said, ‘‘...All we say to America is be true to what you said on paper...somewhere I read of the FREEDOM of Assembly, somewhere I read of the FREEDOM of speech, somewhere I read...’’

It is clear that he fought a battle neither against personalities nor governments but he fought his battle against racial discrimination by publicly reminding America of what it stood for. All he did was continually ask America to be true to its dream, ideals and creed. He point was clear and simple and indisputable... If America says ALL MEN and ALL means ‘every with the exception of none’, why are the blacks then excluded?

In Nigeria, we have never had a common national dream or vision or creed or ideal taught to every citizen. But we do have a written CONSTITUTION. This document has been overly criticised by some Nigerians but I have come to discover that many of such Nigerians have never spent time to go through it. It truly has some contradictions (which we could work on amending) but also has many great stuff... it teaches us about our rights, duties and privileges as Nigerian citizens.

HAVE YOU READ THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA?

For only then can you consistently and accurately tell every Nigerian WHAT NIGERIA SAID ON PAPER... this is the real fight for a better future, this is the kind of activism that wins.

Thank you and God bless Nigeria.

By Taulpaul