A few days ago, I wondered what was stopping the Nigerian Police from embarking on a shooting spree in Nigeria; maiming and killing as they go.
It is surely not because of systemic law and order.
It is not the availability of surveillance or forensic technology that can trace their actions.
It is not terrified eyewitnesses.
It is not an overwhelming presence of good people in the corridors of power.
It is not the multitude of social media groups that decry oppression.
It is not this article buried among millions of others.
It is not prayers to God.
I reasoned that our Policemen have not massively broken ranks, even when they can clearly get away with it, because of whatever shred of decency they have left. We are entirely dependent on their goodwill and the remaining fear of God they have left. Not systems. Not structures. Not justice.
For those who routinely pass by Law School, Lagos at night, it is not an uncommon sight to see Policemen bundling prostitutes into their vans, as group sex is exchanged for the right to ply a trade. Ironic isn’t it? Law and evil existing side-by-side. Is it any wonder then, that men who are used to demanding for sex from the disadvantaged would then bundle a group of innocent female friends en route to a nightclub?
As good consistently becomes eroded by a culture of iniquity, is it any wonder that this generation has fewer role models and persistently lives in fear? Are we not on the brink of anarchy already?
How do you convince a young man in Nigeria that if he studies, works hard, lives right and is diligent, he’ll be rewarded? After all, he’s persistently surrounded by the contrary. We celebrate the 419 kingpin when he comes home for the holidays and accord him multiple chieftaincy titles. His only fear is being kidnapped. Practically anyone can be kidnapped nowadays, you see.
If you haven’t noticed, women are being raped and assaulted in previously safe spaces – homes and churches. Even traditional clothing is deemed too sexual!
Nigeria is creaking under the weight of tax collectors. Every check point is an exchange point for bribes and forced pleasantries. It has become a way of life; the cost of doing business. It appears that the progress of the State must come at the price of totalitarianism, brute force, extortion and impunity.
The goings on have made me terribly angry. I am incensed because the solutions will only come from the people, but so much damage has been wreaked on their minds. Their arms have become weak; the daily burdens they bear, so unnaturally heavy. And amid it all, Nigeria’s problems cry for solutions. The nation demands action not excuses.
In Nigeria, we have a crisis of leadership at all levels. Sacrificial “it-must-be-done-or-I-die” type of leadership! Not just political but individual. Our generation must stop leaving leadership to louts, touts, layabouts and self-seeking sycophants. Our intellectual and moral inferiors are dictating our collective fate, simply because they have the time to attend political meetings and to run for office. Although we can’t all engage directly, but we can sponsor and empower those who can. We can all become political godfathers and godmothers in one way or another. We can all do the right thing at work, home and on the streets, because that’s the way things ought to be. The alternative is an evil unthinkable future.
Nigeria is on the brink of anarchy, but a network of good people can make a difference.
Good people can change the world. They can defeat evil. They can rise to lead.
Something has got to give. Something is rumbling beneath the surface. May we survive it.
Something has got to give in Nigeria. We are on the brink of anarchy and something is rumbling beneath the surface. May we survive it. Click To Tweet As good consistently becomes eroded by a culture of iniquity, is it any wonder that this generation has fewer role models and persistently lives in fear? Click To Tweet