Power 'Paridarida' : The Nigeria Poliics Power Play
Nigerians have voiced their opinions as elections get closer and the competition for the country's highest political office heats up. Who is not surprised by these political "parasites" seeking support? For power, they dance into thin air after getting it. Isn't everyone tired of hearing the same old story? Or is it only a few that are in distress? How these ostensible so-called saviors (politicians) exploited citizens' poverty with grains of rice, Irish pepper, and cash that couldn't feed a puppy, turning their hopes into disappointment, is what bewilders my imagination. I wonder what this makes us.
Concerns for the people are minimal in the minds of these political vagabonds. Nothing drains their sensitivity more than speaking truth to power. How would they do it? When the same power undermines people's intelligence, it shows how Nigerian political thuggery has evolved from oppression. Every four years, when soliciting support to get into office, this is the display. They know that when it comes time to vote them into power, they will use the people's rights to dupe them.
The other day, the minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, said, "We keep stealing because no one questions us," at the announcement of his presidential candidacy. They are aware of how enamored with power they were because, to them, the suffering of the common person is self-inflicted. And it's easy for a hungry person to compromise. Rather than make excuses, the public needs intensive advocacy and education about the importance of treating and preparing for the future today.
Concern
"What's my concern?“ But it's high time we stopped giving ourselves the same nonchalant pep talk. Though no one should blame the other for anything but let's Connect the dots: there are frustrations with moving in the same direction. The disparity so far negates everything we stood for. “Leadership risen from hypocrisy downplays its citizenry.” Hypocrisy can cost the lives of the country, inciting chaos, thuggery, secession, and usurpation. Could Nigerians trust their leadership again to vote?
Nigeria was built on integrity, as every sane person admits. Trust in a place where the heart knows peace and fountains its resources ahead of any despicable propaganda. The worst-case scenario is when a nation retreats into scandals. And patriotism is the truce to balance in decrial. One of the reasons these political harlots desecrate the Nigerian people by buying their conscience every four years is the guilt of their predicament. How did a nation with so much valor capsize its mental boat? A loud weep from Valhalla.
There are too many problems to solve. And the political mockery displayed by these Maradonas in this 2023 election race does not bode well for the importance of this office. Do they have any integrity at all? Nigerians are not looking for people who will smuggle themselves into high praise. This whole series of denials, lies, and deceptions proves what sort of leadership is moving us.
“Our eyes don clear”.
Does any of this upholding of leadership standards merit a critique of the state of the nation? What struck my understanding in today's Nigeria is the same slumber that intoxicates us for no reason. I don’t want to dig the same grave as my folly years before, though the guilt is not all our faults. Having a different spin on legacy shouldn’t be confiscated, would you agree? Even if our differences are met and made clear,
An adage says security and nutrition are the gateways to humans' success: “Oni kun lomo yo,” meaning you are productive when there is adequate security and feeding. Can we say the same about the rise of insecurity in Nigeria, where there is no guarantee of a safe place?
I was worried for my then-girlfriend; she might not be the same coming back home after experiencing the attack on the Nigerian Defense Academy, Kaduna, in August 2021. It was that bad. This is the situation when you live in a country where politicians, syphons, and the national security forces lack the proficiency and resources to end this insurgency.
A nation that loses its security begets instability in other sectors; security improves investments. An economy cannot grow when its security is in turmoil. Do we get it at all? How does the citizenry take leadership seriously when there is an underplaying of duties? This, over time, builds up mistrust between the leadership governing the system and the followership surviving it. It’s a war that has been in the picture for so long—I doubt it could ever end. The Nigerian state does not require the promise of repair; rather, the government must repair while involving citizens in the process. The government should not be macho about everything; we all have a responsibility to this country. If we are serious about building a functional system, no office should trump another.
There’s malnutrition in the country. Statistics prove an average Nigerian feed on $1 per day which otherwise shows how hard it is to feed the mouth. If one person cannot feed on $1 per day, how does this person feed a family of three? For many Nigerians, this means not even a proper meal; "make mouth sha don chow something" is the reality. People argue that it happens everywhere, but we must reflect on what affects us the most.
Education, they say, is the gateway to a fulfilled life. Ignorance had increased the country's crime rate, and would you blame the young for wanting the best of life and finding that the only way to get it is through crime because adults are wrinkled from the adaptation of "every day will be better one day"? They are tired and have lost their voice; they could have expressed their anguish if they knew any better.
In recent years, every aspect of our educational system—from the curriculum to the students, teachers, and environment—has gotten worse. Conducive is not only about cleanliness; there’s no integrity or morals in school wisdom anymore. It is now a scandalous venue for assaults, cultism, thuggery, inappropriate sex, gender bias, and academic dishonesty. Students are no longer enthusiastic about education; they only attend school to obtain a certificate, and who knows when some will obtain the certificate? We have lost our best to other countries and crime. Nobody wants to learn vocational skills because crime is more promising than the integrity of hard work to build wealth. My outrage stems from the fact that the ones we call the leaders of tomorrow are complicit in these inhumane acts and crimes. The system did fail in large numbers.
The health sector is nothing to be proud of. Nigeria once had the best healthcare services and medical practitioners, but we lost them because we did not value their expertise enough to pay them as qualified and on time. The saying goes, "You don’t know what you have till you lose them." We have Nigerians in the diaspora excelling in these fields; why are we not ashamed to bury our egos and do the needful?
We know how to make the system work, but our egos would not allow it. Superiority over a country's needs is more important to us, yet we obey the procedures of other nations. Are we out of mind or out of sight?
Religion is another part that affects us as a nation. These are the institutions that still influence people, despite recent compromises. The state of mind of a Nigerian is different from that of people of other nationalities. The average Nigerian express emotions through anger and pride. Whatever we preach bolsters anger and makes them vent with pride. Bishops, sheiks, Ustaz, priests, clerics, pastors, and traditionalists should give examples of great deeds rather than stir up commotion or support criminal activity.
So far, the banter between these candidates has been pitiful and has failed to address the ongoing issues. Who has the solution?
Who’s going to be Nigerians president in 2023?
The majority are talking about zoning to the southeast, while others argue. But it is only wise for a country such as Nigeria to establish equity and peace.
Far from zoning, whoever becomes president in 2023 must-have direction and vision, perform well in development, and speak truth to power. Another contemptible government that enriches itself at the expense of the anguish of its people is not what we need.
As Nigerians, being followers does not imply agreeing with gullible ideals but rather contributing to progress. Patriotism is voting, protesting with dialogue, and knowing and exhibiting constitutional rights. Have personal development to do for your country what is best and appropriate. With this, we can start to nullify the decoy of lies and take on the passion for truth.
What is the truth to a typical Nigerian? It’s a cleansing for all.
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