It was a sunny morning when I heard from afar what seems to me, noise from a grumbling crowd. I finally retired to my chair after minutes of fruitless effort of attempting to ascertain what the grumble was all about.
Few minutes later, the grumbling crowd drew closer to my house. I took a quick glance through the window to catch more view of the people as they all wore angry faces. Lo and behold, it was the industrious Yagba West civil servants, peacefully protesting with a 4+4=4 banner of his excellency attached to a brand new coffin.
At first, it seems to me a rude shock. I thought within myself, “has the white lion fell?” Afterwards, I stepped out of the house to catch a full view of the procession, to listen clearly to the chants and quickly read the pla cards being displayed.
“Kogi koya; Kogi ko Bello,” which translates, “Kogi rejects suffering; Kogi rejects Bello,” ” Ijoba elebi, a ko fee,” literally means, “we want not government of hunger,” and the “Bello must go” chants rented the air while the supporting crowd chorused after. “Kogi for good governance”, “Otoge”, “Pay our salaries” placards were visible in the clouds.
Then I realised it was a mere protest of which the coffin represent the controversial emergence, scandalous four year political career and failed administration of his excellency, Alh. Yahaya Bello which have been rejected, murdered by self arrogance of the governor and buried by the people.
I was once again deep in thought, questioning my innocent self over his excellency’s decision to deprive workers of their salaries which has so far subjected many to abject poverty, hunger and death despite the monthly statutory allocations, bailout funds from the federal government and the internally generated revenue from poor citizens without dividends whatsoever. Haba! Oga Bello? These are people who have laboured industriously and served meritoriously to ensure the stability, development and continuity of the state. Must they protest or go through the hot gates of hell to receive the pay they deserve by the virtue of their labour? – No, I solemnly protest, “E ye kii ri’be,” it need not be like that.
Once again, I commend the bravery of civil servants and people who took part in the peaceful demonstration of our collective grievances and displeasure over non payment of workers and pensioners entitlement across the state, not minding the consequences and intimidation that may accompany it. You shall not labour in vain.
Finally, I leave you with the words of Moses to the Isrealites in the book of Exodus 14: 13b, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.”
– Adeyemi Babarinde Sunday, a concerned Kogite, writes from Odo-Ere.
