"So, then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but, of God that sheweth mercy*"_Romans 9v16 KJV.
Many years ago, while still in secondary school at Sacred Heart College Eziukwu, Aba, in current Abia State, one of the authors, l like to read their books was Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike. And even, presently, l still enjoy reading his books, especially The Chicken Chasers. Implicitly, the import of the foregoing title formed the essence of this piece. Imagine, one elated to chase a chicken, paradoxically, rather than catch the chicken, the chicken chaser fell to the ground while the chicken ran away, safe and unscathed. This further equally captures the opening bible quotation for this piece; while some individuals could wilfully plot and strategize and clinically executes without success, yet another set of individuals unambitious and with less struggle or zest, receives unimaginable laurels.
Reminiscently, I vividly remember two groups among my schoolmates. One group will utilise every opportunity to vociferously speak of their plans to emigrate to the United States of America, where they will complete post tertiary education and proceed with life. The other group usually expressed their willingness to simply complete their studies in any Nigerian university. Paradoxicaly, as at the time of writing this, almost all the individuals that never expressed any seriousness nor loquaciously perturbed us with stories of relocation abroad have all travelled. In fact, one recently retired as a major from the US Marines while another one is currently serving as a Commander in US Navy. On the other hand, the two major chief provocateur never relocated, in as much as they have relations who have been American citizens since the 80s. In fact, one died here in Nigeria without his feet touching the America soil, while the other one works somewhere in Akwa Ibom. What an inexplicable paradox!
Also, imagine a scenario in a neighbourhood where Sarah, a very vivacious, beautiful young lady, resides. She falls in love with Jack, a very hard-working young man in the same neighbourhood. But Jack, though aware, seems oblivious and unperturbed. While he, in turn, is in love with another lady Beatrice in another neighbourhood. Beatrice, in turn, rebuffs his love overtures as she too is love with yet another person. What a circle of paradox, a condition aptly captured in the Igbo saying, "ihe onye na acho, achoghi ya. Ma nke onye chotara na acho ihe ozo". Implicitly, what one seeks does want him, while what one finds doesn't want him. What an irony of life?
On the political truf, evidently, our democratic journey in Nigeria post President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration presents us with another paradox of human existence. At the twilight of his presidency, many aspirants emerged. Most of them had their warchest filled with requisite arsenal; money, political goodwill, contacts, manoeuvring, and strategic expertise. Some were even rumoured to be the anointed aspirants of the president. Alas! Imagine those chosen as president and vice presidents? Yar'dua and Jonathan, two men who had no presidential ambition and never contemplated contesting for such positions. While all those that contested for the presidential position, including the pretenders that merely eyed the vice president's position, were never considered. A clear testament to yet another paradox: seeking but not finding and finding without seeking.
The foregoing stories, especially that of Sarah, Jack, and Beatrice, exemplify the paradox of human existence; seeking but not finding, finding, but not receiving. They, like many globally, have experienced the disconnect between desires, wishes, aspirations, and the existential reality of life. Consequently, as mortals, men should embrace the reality of uncertainty and recognize that life's meaning is subjective and context-dependent. Hence, people should cultivate the attitude of gratitude by appreciating what they have, rather than focusing on what is not or lacking. At the same time, redefine success and practice mindfulness by leaving in the present by letting go of attachments to specific expectations and outcomes.
Above all, appreciate the truism in the paradox of seeking but not finding, finding, but not receiving as an inherent aspect of human existence. By acknowledging and embracing this paradox, we can discover meaning in the journey rather than solely focusing on the destination. A condition lgbo sages and philosophers succinctly captured with the saying, "ome were ma Chi ekweghi, onye uta atala ya". Ultimately, it is in the midst of this paradox that we find the essence of human existence – a complex, dynamic, and ever-evolving tapestry of seeking, but not finding, and finding but, not receiving while growing and living happily while finding fulfilment in other areas of life.
Hon. IBEKWE, Nnamdi Chimdi, is the lawmaker representing Bende North Constituency Abia State
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