by Oliver
Goldsmith, published in 1770, condemns rural depopulation and the pursuit of excessive wealth. In Nigeria, we are all victims of displacement of agrarian villagers, the greed of landlords, and economic and political change.
People have emigrated from Nigeria (Japa) and the remaining citizens are suffering, crying and dying. In June 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu convinced Nigerians that he is taking baby steps of pain to fix Nigeria. Not just that, his son Seyi Tinubu and other supporters urged Nigerians to endure pain; expect changes and transformation in no distant time.
This remark is not the first of its kind because within 8months into the administration of President Tinubu, Nigeria has become a dreaded land with the citizens in excruciating pain and disappointments. It may or may be expedient to address millions of Nigerians languishing, perishing, seeking for solace from all angles.
Truth be told; most utterances of Mr. President has left Nigerians in shock, pain and frustration instead of the intended “hope” for the people.Certainly, baby steps of pain which should have been slow, gradual or progressive had become overwhelmingly unbearable for the Nigerian masses. Yes, certain conditions in life are not to be hurried or avoided because they require patience, grace and endurance to overcome them. Nigerians had believed, endured and hoped for the best from APC when they took over power in 2015 with the ‘change’ mantra.
Then, instead of situations to change; improved condition of life, things got bad, beyond repair, control and management.Bemusedly, Nigerians were not expecting magic, miracles and wonders from the new government which came in with ‘Renewed Hope’ mantra but the cost of living, survival have become extremely above the reach of ordinary citizens. It is alleged to be caused by the removal of subsidies which the government initiated at the point of inauguration.
Without any bias, unfair criticism; the present federal government in Nigeria has been retrogressive and oppressive to the masses generating strike action and protests throughout the country.Incidentally, Nigeria is 64years old as a nation and an independent country.
The patience needed from the masses at this point in the history of the nation is not just chocking but suspicious. Nigerians are willing to wait if our political leaders has been sincere but the signs, sounds from governance is deafening, vindictive. Sincerely, it is hard to trust people today even our leaders.
So many people have been frustrated by the attitude of a wife who was unfaithful, a friend who betrayed them, a salesman who was dishonest, a doctor who misdiagnosed an illness, a child who was wayward and disobedient, a boss who is too demanding, a mentor who was greedy and so on.Again, how would the ruling party and Mr. President rebuild friendship with the people of Nigeria? Nigerians would surely agree with Mr. President if there are consistent, transparent and trustworthy steps taken over time to redeem and restore the suffering citizens of Nigeria. Ideally, everything that Nigerians need has been blocked, confiscated, hiked or denied them by the government.
Is it possible for Nigerians to trust Mr. President?The government of President Tinubu must understand that there is a pile up of loads in the heart of the general public in Nigeria. There are load after load of regret, anger, pessimism, bitterness, anxiety and hopelessness. But Nigerians love their president and political leaders. The social class status in the society has further widened the grievances in the heart of common Nigerians.
The differences do not just evoke envy but disdain amongst the citizenry. This is because the government has removed subsidies or plans to remove subsidies in petroleum, electricity, transportation, energy, power, import duties etc. which favours only the privileged few, upper class/politicians in the society.
Obviously, Nigerians do not feel the impact of government in their well-being. The government is imperialistic and over-taxes her citizens. Nigerians would want Mr. President to be sensitive to the needs of the masses, show compassion, harmony and demonstrate sacrificial love.
The currency of love on the part of our political leaders should be sacrifice. It doesn’t seem that Nigerians want an easy life, ill-gotten wealth or problem-free lives rather hardship has pushed millions of Nigerians to the wall.Finally, every good thing, successful endeavours take time, effort, energy, hardship, sweat and tears.
Nigerians are advised to avoid the temptation of name calling, blame-game and complaints. We should trust the government that has promised to take us out of pain and suffering gradually. Even though our physical and mental health are in turmoil due to hardship, we can still take joy and comfort from the assurances of Mr. President and his son.Obiotika Wilfred ToochukwuSt. Anthony Catholic Comprehensive InstituteAgulu – Anambra State
