If you are persuaded about the prices of petrol, rice, etc, and exchange rate under President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 compared to what is obtainable under President Muhamadu Buhari in 2020, then you fail to realise that if the former was still in power today, the situation may not be significantly different. The difference would be that Nigerians will find the situation so hard to bear that a real revolution would have commenced in Nigeria. Interestingly, such revolution may have even been financed by some of those in power now (also part of those in what has become Nigeria’s power recycling game).
President Muhammadu Buhari came in 2015 when Nigerians were desperately in need of change and fought hard for it. He is still here and many of the problems are still here with us—insecurity, poverty, poor electricity supply, bad roads, poor healthcare, unemployment, etc., and corruption being at the helm of all these. The problems of Nigeria are so huge. Perhaps PMB sincerely believed he could bring the much-desired change. But no. Fairly, we reckon with some of his efforts but because these do not touch on the perennial problems of the country as highlighted above, they do not ring loud bells—and no bells at all for others.
Before PMB became President, he was one of those who led the crusade of belief that all Nigeria’s problems could be solved from the centre at Aso Rock. Oftentimes, this belief tends to shield governors who may be corrupt and incompetent and are happy to conveniently hide under the overshadowing figure of Aso Rock, thus continue to fail to help the Federal Government to bring dividends of democracy to the States and grassroots.
No sooner than later President Buhari arrived, we saw that, just like in the times of the Israelites, the messiah is yet to be born and that we remain where we were. This discovery has weakened and disenchanted many, shutting their mouths and shrinking their weight to occupy Nigeria now. Unlike President Jonathan’s era when all manner of criticisms were largely tolerated, this current dispensation, by a number of the actions by its actors, has shown low tolerance for criticisms, whether objective or otherwise. Any (unguarded) utterance against the actions and policies of the current administration might earn you the unsolicited visit by what some Nigerians have described as “the Black Ninjas”—the triple or double “S” squad. (SSS or DSS). Lagos which served as the headquarters and controlling unit of the Occupy Nigeria Movement now has the same party as the state ruling at the Centre. Many of the voices springing from its Islands are now perhaps already occupied, reaping the fruits of their earlier crusade. Others have drowned in the lagoon of fear, while a few others have their voices swallowed by faintness. And there are many others who keep breathing deep with foreboding.
What I foresee
It will take time before the weight to occupy Nigeria would be regained. I foresee that when that weight is here, Nigeria will be so occupied that it would be difficult to disperse. True compatriots shall arise and the call for salvation will be compelling. They will move to save our Fatherland. And they may not even have to be in power themselves, but allow Nigerians who will serve the Nigerian people with love, strength, and faith, do so democratically. To understand this, recall that we profess daily that the labour of our past heroes shall not be in vain. This creed will be a propelling force.
The God of all creation will be with them to direct their noble cause and to lead them aright. The truth will be revealed to our youths in a practical manner they will comprehend it. Peace and justice will be restored, and prosperity will colour our flag.
Stephenlegal
