Otivism: Igbuzor launches book on ‘radical sermon and liberation theology’ @63

Hooligans, gangsters may take over govts, varsity Dons rally Nigerians for politics

Two prominent University senior lecturers; Dr. Iroro Stephen Izu of the Department of Political Science and International Relations and the Vice-Chancellor of Baze University Abuja, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, have called on Nigerians to ensure they fully participate in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

Specifically, Dr. Izu warned that touts, clowns, hooligans, gangsters, drug warlords, criminals, and thugs may continue to lead the rest of Nigerians if the good ones refuse to participate in politics in 2027.

Speaking Sunday in Abuja at the 3rd annual Otivism lecture and public presentation of a book titled “Radical Sermon and Liberation Theology”, written by a development expert, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, the varsity dons and other Civil Society leaders called on Nigerians to come out enmass and exercise their civil right during the 2027 general election.

The public lecture brought together prominent CSO leaders, development experts, government officials, political icons and religious leaders, among others who gathered to celebrate the founding executive director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD).

…Why Nigerians should participate in politics

In his public lecture titled “Otivism, the state and development of Nigeria”, Dr. Izu said: “We must rise to the challenge of leadership as the 2027 election season commences, we must leave our cocooned comfort zones and weather the storms of leadership contestations and capture of power at all levels.

“If we do not rise up to this challenge, touts, clowns, hooligans, gangsters, drug warlords, criminals, and thugs may continue to lead the rest of us – prayer is key, crusade is important but participation and contestation are at the heart of achieving a state that can truly engender meaningful development.”

The senior lecturer emphasized the need to destroy the very basis of all corruptions, frauds and embezzlements in the public circle, adding that” this cannot happen if good men and women stay away from politics and the pursuit of power. Edmund Burke said that evil prevails when good men do nothing and Joseph de Maistre said a people gets the government they deserve.”

… Prof Abiodun’s caution on 2027 election

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the event, Vice-Chancellor of Baze University, Prof Abiodun said though participation in electoral process is not compulsory but those who refuse to participate are not expected to complain when the person voted in by others is leading them the way he or she wants.

According to him, it’s a civic responsibility that all citizens concerned about development should be responsive too.

He said: “In 2027 I expect that we would have grown as a people who are ready to vote in appropriate leaders. If those ones serving now have done well they could get re-elected and if they are not new ones will also be elected.

“What Otivism is actually talking about is transparency, engendering credibility and ofcause improving our electoral process with integrity.

“We also know we can not have development without real democracy and one ingredient of democracy is accountability and transparency. Essentially, the next election should be a better election, far more than the previous ones we have witnessed since dawn of democracy in 1999.”

On the turn out of voters in the previous elections, the VC said: “Turn out is neither here nor there, we have a system that does not make voting compulsory, it’s only a civic responsibility, and because it’s not compulsory, of course people cannot be forced to go and exercise their franchise, but the main thing that citizens should realize is that if you don’t vote in the right person, the person that you want, then you are not expected to complain when the person voted in by others is leading you the way he or she wants, and of course when you are displeased in that circumstance.”

… Why the annual lecture – Igbuzor

In his response, Dr. Igbuzor, who was also marking his 63rd birthday, said the annual lecture has become a platform for reflecting on ideas around social justice, ethical leadership, democratic governance, citizen empowerment and sustainable development.

The development expert added that the idea of Otivism was first mooted by Dr. Jummai Umar Ajijola during the celebration of his 59th birthday.

“I therefore began to think deliberately about three dimensions of legacy: the legacy of ideas (Otivism), the legacy of institutions (Ejiro & Otive Igbuzor Foundation, Centre LSD and PPA) and the legacy of children—biological, political, professional  and spiritual.

“I know that I have some unique ideas and perspectives to share with humanity arising from the intersections of my identity and experience as an Urhobo man, a Marxist and a Christian.”

The celebrant noted that by sharing his thoughts, experiences, struggles and practices openly, some people will find clarity, courage and inspiration to act.

“If that happens, Otivism would have served a useful purpose. More importantly, these ideas can outlive me and become part of the legacy that I leave for future generations.

“At 63, therefore, my commitment remains simple: to serve God and humanity, to develop and share ideas, to build institutions, to raise people and to leave a legacy that contributes to a more just and humane society.”

…. Commendations

Various speakers at the occasion described Dr. Otive Igbuzor as a mentor, teacher, true man of God and a patriot.

For the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Ezenwa Nwagwu described Igbuzor as a Marxist and a reputable Pastor at the same time.

He said: “In this generation we have Dr. Otive as our prophet speaking truths to power in love and courage, without malice.”

In her own remarks, the co-chair of the occasion Mrs Patience Ekeoba, described Otive Igbuzor as an audacious and courageous leader.