John Iduh Blog

Voltaire  as a political theory  embodies the principles of reason, freedom of thought, tolerance, and resistance to oppression.  Voltaire, an eighteenth century French Enlightenment thinker, strongly opposed absolute monarchy, religious intolerance, and censorship, while advocating for civil liberties and rational debate as the foundation of just societies. His ideas highlight the necessity of free expression and accountability as tools to challenge tyranny and promote social progress.  In African politics, Voltaire’s influence can be seen in the push for multiparty democracy in countries such as Ghana, where open debate and tolerance of diverse political voices have strengthened democratic institutions.  In Nigeria, activists who resist authoritarian tendencies and demand press freedom reflect Voltaire’s defense of free expression as a safeguard against abuse of power.  In South Africa, the protection of constitutional rights and freedom of speech after a...

Wyclifism was  an idea of John Wyclif, a fourteenth century English theologian who questioned the authority of the Catholic Church and emphasized the supremacy of scripture, moral leadership, and accountability. Beyond its religious roots, Wyclifism symbolizes the broader act of challenging corrupt authority and demanding that leaders place the welfare of the people above personal gain.  In African politics, this spirit can be seen in movements and struggles for transparency and justice.  For instance, campaigns against corruption in Nigeria echo Wyclif’s insistence on truth and integrity, while debates on governance reform in South Africa after apartheid reflect the demand for leaders to act in service of citizens rather than themselves.  In Kenya, calls for people centered governance also resonate with Wyclif’s principle of holding leaders accountable.  Wyclifism therefore remains relevant as an enduring reminder of reform, truth, and accountability in leaders...

An honest argument is a reasoning process where individuals or groups engage in truth, fairness, and respect rather than manipulation or deception. It goes beyond winning at all costs and focuses instead on reaching mutual understanding or discovering the best possible conclusion based on facts and logic.  An honest argument is characterized by truthfulness, where participants rely on accurate information and avoid lies or exaggerations; clarity, by presenting points in a straightforward way without misleading language; respect, by listening to opposing views without insults; openness, by being willing to accept when the other side presents a stronger case; and evidence-based reasoning, where claims are supported by facts, logic, or credible sources.  For example, in the United Kingdom, debates between the Conservative and Labour parties in Parliament often demonstrate honest arguments when leaders acknowledge valid points from opponents, even while disagreeing on solutions....

Marketing management creates tensions that influence the timing and character of demand.  The image below shows a promotional strategy where consumers are encouraged to “buy a bucket of four bottles at the price of three” within a specific time frame (5:00 pm – 9:00 pm) on selected dates in May. This clearly illustrates how marketing management influences both the timing and character of demand. By offering discounts during limited hours and dates, the brand stimulates demand when sales may otherwise be low, creating urgency and exclusivity. The promotion not only increases volume of purchase but also strengthens brand loyalty. This reflects how strategic marketing shapes consumer behavior and purchasing decisions effectively, with tension.

In the bustling city of Onitsha, Anambra State, where markets roar louder than sermons, a professor, a custodian of knowledge and supposed guardian of integrity, became the chief priest of vote buying. With the calmness of a lecturer marking scripts, he distributed wads of naira like examination handouts, teaching the people that democracy is a market where conscience is sold at wholesale price. In a country praying for progress, this academic sage reduced elections to a classroom experiment in corruption, proving that degrees cannot disinfect greed. Perhaps next semester, his course will be outlined with title: Democracy 101: Buying and Selling Votes Made Easy. Are we building community or destroying it?

 Binge drinking—defined as consuming large amounts of alcohol in short intervals—has long been viewed as a personal vice or youthful excess. However, an innovative perspective sees it as a societal signal—a reflection of cultural norms, mental health pressures, and unaddressed collective anxieties. Historically, periods of economic uncertainty and social unrest have often coincided with spikes in substance abuse, from 19th-century gin epidemics in Britain to modern campus parties in the United States and Nigeria. What if solutions went beyond bans and punishments? Reimagining social environments—through alcohol-free communal spaces, digital wellness apps, peer-led “sober clubs,” and redesigning nightlife around creativity rather than consumption—can transform how people relate to leisure and stress. Universities and city planners could embed behavioral nudges, gamified education, and mentorship into youth culture. By shifting the lens from control to innovation, binge drinking beco...