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Opinion
Nigeria
Perspective, argument, civic debate and public reasoning
We have made them extremely richer than us. Many times, you see these public officials well dressed in their ‘Babaringas’, a type of popular African attire, speaking and debating on behalf of us.
“Some see a show of affluent. I see the mockery of the poor masses”. – Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
They talk like they are for us but in reality, they are against us. It is obvious that they construe as happy and willing slaves.
A couple of months ago, it was in the news that some of the Members of the current 9th House of Assembly rejected the Nigerian-made vehicles.
However, it will surprise you that some of them embarked on poverty alleviation programmes, and bought made in Nigeria automobiles for distribution to some of their followers.
They are giving out what they would not use because they see us as their willing and happy slaves.
What an irony? It goes to show that they do no appreciate basic egalitarianism.
Several content revelations rented the airways of social media on the good and the bad exploits of our political representatives.
Implying that some of us cannot even hide or lies about its reality.
We were all entertained with some COVID-19 videos of how government agencies’ officials shared the palliatives like they are meant for the refugees, even though they got millions of naira to do this.
They were able to casually and successfully do this because we have shown to them that we are their willing and happy slaves.
I have argued with a lot of people online over their attack on the State Government COVID-19
Palliative Care ‘Food Bags’ giving to some selected people. I always wanted to defend the APC Party and its able representatives but I get tongue-lashed by a lot of concerned and emotional Nigerians, in the last couple of months.
Behold, shameful videos of mismanagements started surfacing from the APC-held States such as Ogun and Kwara States. It’s nothing to write home about.
Some of those who complained were compelled to make some make-shift videos, lauding the government initiative after releasing an initial content showing how pathetic the giveaways were.
Isn’t it because we are seen as willing and happy slaves in our own land.
My observation is this. The reason why all of these were out there and spreading like wildfire was the mechanism adopted in the distribution of the Covid-19 Relief Packages.
Before now, ardent followers of some of the politicians have received goodies that are despicable than this but they have always kept faith in either their political parties or candidates.
A friend of mine raised some astonishing and shocking questions about our dear country, Nigeria, as follows:
- How do poverty and opulence live side-by-side with each other? I guess, it is because the masses are willing and happy slaves to the Elites.
- How can the people we elect into public offices ride in the most expensive cars and stroll about in inexplicable wealth while the electorates have to make do with buses? I guess, it is because the masses are willing and happy slaves to the Elites.
- How can the public officials with well-documented salary scales be able to afford to send their children to expensive private schools at home and abroad while the children of the common man either have to attend low-quality schools or not attend one at all? I guess, it is because the masses are willing and happy slaves to the Elites.
- How expensive mansions and structures are springing up just opposite people living under the Bridges? I guess, it is because the masses are willing and happy slaves to the Elites.
- How did we arrive here? The idea of sharing and conveying the bags through the CDC to the communities exposed the men in power. We never plan for our people until the campaign period.
Some didn’t even know the pandemic will last this long. They have shared the little they have and publicized it on the media.
From the Agege Soccer Bread Challenge to the Garri Shower Challenge in Ogun.
They are nothing to write home about, but something came out clear, they showed to their people that they are their breadwinners.
We have not done well for our people but we can do better. OOOIINNN!!!
Howard Zinn said and I quote: “There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people”.
The way some of you are handling this moment, you can make hunger kill faster than COVID19.
I heard and read a pathetic story of how a man stole a truckload of food meant for people in Lagos State and took it to his house at Ogun State. It took the alertness of his neighbours to invite the police.
The truck was reloaded under the supervision of the policemen and the irate neighbours.
Simple Arithmetic
N1bn will purchase at least 70,000 bags of Nigerian rice at the rate of N15, 000 per bag.
If 8 families shared a bag, each will get 4 Dericas (Weighing Cup). I don’t need to add another foodstuff to it, and I will do this every week till the end of this global pandemic.
I know some of our representatives can afford this not to talk of the State government.
Dealing with Logistics
I read some jokes on the distributions and logistics of the Covid-19 palliatives in Nigeria and I found them very useful.
1: If PHCN bills found their way to every household, then the food can be shared through the same means.
2: If Jehovah witness found their way into every household, then the palliatives can go round.
3: If the local governments are thoroughly innovative and reliable, they can recruit who I called the STREET CAPTAINS.
These people will be on the payroll not just for this moment but for future responsibilities.
The street captains can get information and goods to every household with little corruption and greed in place.
Something is certainly wrong with us as a country. Let’s see where this show of shame leads us.
I will advise all politicians to start making amends.
Let me leave you with the ever-relevant quote of St. Augustine, and I quote: “The good man, though a slave, is free. The wicked man, though he reigns, he is a slave”.
We Have Made Them Extremely Richer Than Us
