The words on the lips of most Nigerians at the moment are “How did we get here?” or “We thought he had something to offer.” Who wouldn’t trust a predecessor who was portrayed as a man without stain and a successor who built a burgeoning state reckoned to be on par with New York or New Yoke?
A decade ago, members of the current administration fought bitterly against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which was then headed by Former President Goodluck Jonathan. The sins of the Jonathan administration included: Growing insecurity, Misappropriation of funds, Unfortunate lies told by opposing political voices and mainstream media (Missing billions of naira as stated by the former CBN president).
The opposition did a fine job of making sure to put up a negative picture of the Jonathan’s administration. They ably maneuvered the populace into aligning with their camp, and with that, they took over the reins of leadership from the PDP. Today, many Nigerians look back and wish for the country to be reverted to the days of PDP or perhaps to the years prior to 1986—for it was a time when Nigerians had no need for a visa to get into the UK, and our currency possessed a reckoning value.
Howbeit, I do not dwell in the past. Even so, I cannot but wonder if there’s a future to look up to as a nation with the many abominable policies of the current administration. About abominations? I read about a known figure stating in clear terms that if he doesn’t get his say, he has promised to set fire in some states. key economic indicators such as GDP, interest rate, life expectancy, per-capita income, and many more do not reflect the actual sorry state of the masses.
As the day goes by, ours remains an unchanging story of waking up as prey to the ever-powerful, lion-like political figures who glory in the misery of her people. The shades of gruesome policies of the political leadership bestowed upon us remind me of the famous Hollywood movie titled “I Can Do Bad All By Myself.”
Today is not the time to live under the shadow of tribalism or layers of partisanship. After all, prior to the arrival of the British, we sold each other into slavery and carried out, to a large degree, crass displays of inhumanity.
Sadly, the perpetrators of evil from yesterday have risen into power. This time around, they no longer kill twins as in the days of old. They only need to shout “nay” or “aye,” and they have everyone held by the jugular.
How did we get here? Our mindset got us here. In truth, the Nigerian leadership as well as followership is in dire need of a mental overhaul. I am glad the current administration decided to teach us a tough lesson, which simply says “religion or tribe are not yardsticks for good leadership.”
– Olayinka Kayode writes from Jibowu, Ogun State.
