It is safe to state that our democracy is stunted in light of the most recent elections that took place in Nigeria. Why so? It clearly benefits from lack, religion, ethnicity, and inordinate ambition. I should warn that; I am just a regular Nigerian. I hope the word “regular” conveys that I am a member of a broader group that has been forced to adopt the “suffering and smiling” sickness described by the late Fela Kuti. Ireti, the neighbor next door, once called me a “poor hungry lad.” Weeks later, I believed that I had successfully ignored her blatant remark or so I thought. Maybe to be regular is to be poor and hungry. I surely would ask other regular Nigerians.
Shall we pretend that our democracy is a beautiful one such that in the eve of elections, routes are dug so as to wade off or sink perceived violators. I laugh, a war between Philistines and Israelites. There are small men and big men. Our democracy is said to cater for all classes of men. That is why the ruling house through her former party leader once said to all ” go to court if you cannot withstand the consequences of rigging”. Yes! Go meet my employee…
Shall we pretend that the cashless policy was and is indeed geared towards reviving an injured economy? I have heard debates for and against the cashless policy. However, I have never heard or read that citizens of a given country are suppose to purchase their own currency. In other words, cedis is not exchanged for cedis. Exchange of currency is a thing for international transactions. Let pretend that we are for the cashless policy, are we also for the purchase of our own currency?
Shall we pretend that students were never forcefully kept at home and on the streets to wallow away due to ASUU’s demand? Ah! Iya Chinedu, I hope you understand that you, whether you are an Igbo, Hausa or Yoruba, tribal inclination doesn’t put a stop to incessant strikes or inflation. Shall we pretend that choosing a kinsman satisfies and certify good leadership. We cry foul and raise our divisive voices against other races for belittling Africans. But we do worse things to selves.
Shall we pretend that we are all fine and that someday our democracy would work out itself. It was the former Governor of Ekiti state, Mr Fayose who stated on air that there’s a need for leadership and followership overhauling. He is indeed right even though he is of the irregular Nigerians. The many problems of Nigeria is a product of leadership and followership. Hold on! I am talking about elite followers such as Professors, Youth Corps members, security personnel, religious houses… After all, a faulty foundation has never been known to stand the test of time and place.
– Olayinka Kayode writes from Kuto, Abeokuta.
