By Prisca Sam-Duru
THE Learned, a 340 paged book is authored by Italy based Nigerian Dr Ikenna Kaius Ikejezie, who has proved himself, through this publication an intellectual, who though resides in far away Italy, is versatile with historical facts about Nigeria as well as possessing sound knowledge of how religion should be applied in critical times.

The book is presented in ten chapters which has a title each and, divided in almost two invisible parts which the author terms narrative and non-narrative. The two parts are described above as almost invisible because the author cleverly weaves the story in such a manner that the reader hardly recognizes when he transits from one part to the other.

The title “The Learned” according to the author, is an appellation people in the Law profession has monopolised in addressing each other, but at the same time  very suggestive as high points of the book occur in the court room.

The book is indeed, a dramatic narrative that is quite entertaining and at the same possesses the capability of spurring the reader into pondering on more sensitive issues regarding life and death, conflict between religion and law, human limitations as regards Will and Freedom and most importantly, the inevitability of providence.

In the narrative part of the

book, readers are entertained with the story of Mrs Jidesonvich, former  Miss Watara, who goes to court as a born again Christian to obtain permission to abort an ectopic pregnancy. She finds herself, torn between religion and the law and eventually, pays for her ‘fanaticism’ or ‘foolishness’, with her life.

The book also in this part, tells the curious story of Rasaduajua( (Ajua for short) whose father Mr Jidesonvich knows as his nephew since at this juncture, he is oblivious of his fatherhood while his wife Mrs Jidesonvich is unaware of the fact that her husband is the father of Ajua, her sister’s son. Readers will find the drama that unfolds, very thrilling.

The non-narrative part of the book is written as a change mechanism in the society with the embracing of a new political system known as Servicracy. In this part, Ikenna vividly paints a picture of the nature of this system of government which uses Servicratic test as means of installing the chief servant (president).

Conscious mechanism

It is therefore, a conscious mechanism aimed at revolutionising the society in which respected intellectuals are chosen as chief servants who have to be within a stipulated age bracket at the time of assuming office to enable them steer the ship of the state without difficulty. It is in sharp contrast with the present democracy practiced in the country.

The Ihiala born writer could best be described as a constructive and creative humourist, qualities which are evident even in the character he paints and their names. Examples are Nnamdisson, Jidesonvich, etc supposedly coined from Igbo and Yoruba names respectively.

In chapter nine titled, The

Verdict, Ikenna flaunts his vast of knowledge while narrating the events taking place on the 11th of the month as he added to his narrative, in pages 270 and 271 some mathematical or rather, puzzle about the significance of the number 11 in relation with the name and natal chart of the Christian Messiah Jesus Christ, conception and birth of Prophet Mohammed as well as God in Islam- Allah. He connected in the puzzle, the significance of the day to the verdict which Mrs Jidesonvich awaited with anxiety before the court sitting.

His illustrations all play out with an expose of the height at which people’s sense of reasoning could be overwhelmed by superstitious beliefs. The Jidesonviches are the culprits here. They see the symbolism of the number 11 in connection with Jesus, Mohammed and Allah as an auspicious sign of victory even as she wishes the verdict will not put her in conflict with her husband and her faith.

Through the invocation of imageries, well coordinated and self revealing dialogues and, with wonderful cast of characters drawn from different parts of the world, the author’s sense of history, tradition and religion draw a feeling of admiration thereby, keeping the reader glued to the book which can best be described as un-put-down-able.

The Learned in all ramifications, reflects on the reverse extremity of faith, showing how most often in this present age, people’s righteous drive leads to application of faith without knowledge.

In other words, the book harps on the essence of knowledge both in dealing with religious issues and in presiding over the affairs of a nation.