A Society built on Lies. (Part 1) “This nor be my real age”. (Poetry)
“Na football age”.
Teenage sensation but man in his thirties.
Under-20 footballer has spent years in Police.
Curious observers wonder and tease.
Passes off as granddad but plays youth side.
Little wonder we conquer at the Under- compete.
No NYSC service graduation age 30 and above.
“No worries, we go run am”.
Took oath in Courts to serve the Land in droves.
“How else do we get the jobs and ‘allowee’, man”?
Youths, the leaders of the future,
No qualms about deceptive mien.
In her 30’s but claims early 20’s.
Ladies don’t disclose their ages but can make it up.
More lies needed to conceal others.
A pattern of deceit and a lifetime of coverups.
A naïve lie mushrooms to mistrust and suspicions.
One smart move turn to a pyramid of deceits.
Real age 57, but 40 years on patient file.
Asked why, “Just felt like using forty”.
Doesn’t work with Government, he is a farmer.
Stand not to gain from age forgery.
Just felt comfortable in duplicité.
“Na Government age”.
Queue of public servants with laminated armoury.
Finished primary school as toddler.
Aren’t no genius, just thinly veiled chicanery.
No ghost worker, just have phantom years.
No stopping him, he got eyes on the crown.
Speaker House of Representatives.
Lied on birth certificate with audacity,
With ignoble goals to serve his Country and State.
What patriotic mendacity!
A man’s life should begin at nativity.
Rather it starts where the document states.
President but age ends with plus & minuses,
Shrouded in mysticism and mystery.
Many spirited Court cases and injunctions.
Age changes with whim and fancy.
Who cares about how old he really is?
Mind is all that matters, what idiocy!
How does society trivialize official lies,
Yet seeks to build Nation in truth and Justice?
Where the line between good and evils?
Call a spade a spade in service?
Foundation built on deceits,
How long can it thrive?
Addendum:
Nigerian National Anthem in part:
Arise, O Compatriots,
Nigeria’s call obey.
…
O God of creation,
Direct our noble cause;
Guide our Leaders right:
Help our Youth the truth to know,
In love and honesty to grow,
And living just and true,
Great lofty heights attain,
To build a nation where peace and justice reign.
The National Pledge in part:
I pledge to Nigeria, my country
To be faithful, loyal, and honest
To serve Nigeria with all my strength.