Chick Chat with Connie Girl: Forgiveness The Ibinabo Fibresima Case Study

 

Hello Guys! It’s #TalkTuesday A.K.A #ChickChat. It’s been a while but we are back and oozing positivity. I’ve been entirely too reflective about forgiveness lately and may pride not steer us in the wrong direction. As religious as we are as a nation, I we are NOT a forgiving society. Nigerians are so scornful towards each other it’s unreal. #Read #Comment #Enjoy

I’ve been thinking about Ibinabo Fiberisima and her unfortunate 5 year jail sentence after her hit and run which killed a doctor nearly 10years ago. As remorseful as she may have been, the law is the law and it must be enforced. I feel for her and the rest of her life most especially being cut off from your children.

I am not so much worried about her life in jail as much as I’m worried about her life after. Already she has been stripped off her AGN title as President and has been the recipient of an overwhelming cyber attack after the court ruled judgment against her. Her actions were poor and Irresponsible but why won’t we as a nation learn to forgive.

When I think about America and the social culture, I wonder if Nigerians can adopt this same societal culture. The jail stigma in this part of the world is not something we embrace. Even in a mild argument, Nigerians can call you “elewon” (jailbird) as a form of abuse.

I thought about what will happen when she gets out of jail? I’m sure there will be some “eyahhh” “she tried” “she has paid her dues” kind of comments and news paper headlines the first week or so but how much support will she actually receive? Will she be ostracised?

Recently in the news after a break up, a Nollywood producer tried to blackball his ex from the industry and threatened fire and brimstone on anyone who attempts to work with her. This was just a break up! Imagine the judgement she would have received if she had been to jail in the past.

We are aggressive and malicious towards our own and we must try and practice more kindness. When some actors or celebrities go to jail in America, they become national heroes/idolised once they serve their time. Money is offered for exclusive interviews, talk shows, movie roles and God bless if you are a rapper, your next album is highly anticipated a year before your release date. Take a look at Martha Stewart, Jah Rule, Da Brat, Remy Ma.. They all seem to have rebuilt some part of their career on their own with endorsements, TV shows and thousands of dollars to prove it.

The truth about it is that Ibinabo could have been anyone of us and one can only pray for mercy in such a situation. I’m so guilty of striking a guy off the “potential” list if he has a dodgy past but this situation has put things in perspective. Many of us have made the silly decision to drive home after one too many drinks thinking we were ok! #ItCouldHaveBeenYou #Life #PracticeKindness #Judgement #Condemnation