A View From The ‘Rock’
You can see anything when you are on top of a ROCK, Mountain or a Bridge. There will be nothing hiding under the rain and sun that will pass you, except if you decides otherwise. This is what has happened to Nigerians in the past nine years plus under the whims and caprices of the all mighty ruling political party, the All Progressives’ Congress (APC) from the 2015 general election that brought former President Muhammadu Buhari into power.
This was the beginning of frustration, failure, hunger, looting, terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, insecurity and above all bad governance. And the economy became more weaker and weaker. Unemployment was rampant. Nothing else was working except looting with capacity across the nation.
A nation endured with abundant natural resources began to dwindle day after day as high tech looting became the order of the Buhari’s administration.
The Organized Labour called for several protests to get government to do the right thing, but those strike actions could not help matters. Brazenly, the looting continued unabated. Hunger in the land was visible and very fierce that led to the #EndSars protest that broke the camel’s back. Government both Federal, state and local government have not yet recovered from the huge and enormous destruction or vandalisation.This ugly event took the lives of many promising Nigerian youths – leaders of tomorrow. What a shame to the ruling political party in Africa as it is claimed. One is tempted to ask, is it the name of the party or the people at the herm of affairs.?
Facts abounds everywhere to buttress my point. A View from the Rock. And nobody has noticed me. The cotton was drawn just a year ago leaving Nigerians in a very terrible situation. Abandoned in the desert. What a ruling political party!
And the batten was allegedly, “fraudulently” handed over to another Presidential candidate of APC, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigerian judiciary for another round of suffering as they jointly pronounced Bola Ahmed Tinubu as winner of the 2023 general election as it were.
“I am not exaggerating, it was as if the ground should open for some of us to enter, as the Labour Party candidate, Dr Peter Obi, the hope of many Nigerians got dashed. From the lest Nigerian to the top, casted their votes for the Labour Party candidate. However, this will be discussed on another day”.
Frankly speaking, I cannot all say that APC failed in all ramifications, no. I can give it to some governors under the umbrella of APC, they performed. Our problem is at the head in Aso Rock where I stood on top of the Rock watching, with my notebook and pen.
Lest I forget, I jotted down many story lines. But the journey for another eight years of “suffering and smiling” as late Afro beat maestro Fela sang, God forbid. It all started on the swearing in ceremony of Mr President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Could it be desperation, anxiety, or something else that came upon him, when he announced the removal of fuel subsidy. The whole country was ignited with spiritual and physical fire and brimstone. That fire is still burning. I bet you, no fire fighter or fire service can quench the raging fire, except we go back and embrace true federalism in this country”.
Let me say it again and again, our democracy has failed us woefully. We must search for alternatives and change our narratives. Also, note that our political leaders have contributed so much to our collective failures. They are not concerned about the people they are supposed to represent, but rather selfish in their representations. It is either, the goodies goes to their immediate family members or close associates, else, no one gets it.
This amounts to “political selfishness”. It does not allow the system to develop nor grow.
Our various political leaders in all the nooks and crannies in the Federal Constituencies have become “war lords” sponsoring all forms of crisis to be able to remain politically relevant in the system. So many have outlived their stay in the name of representing us either in the Upper or Lower chambers in the National Assembly.
Still on the same issue, they are only concerned about their welfare(s). The fuel pump price had increased astronomically over the years, yet there is no view to its end in sight. The government is still paying subsidy secretly on petroleum products. Who is deceiving who. The cabals are back on track not allowing things to go alright. The question is must we continue in this manner? Yes it is said that the worse civilian government is better than a military regime. From what is happening in Nigeria today and to Nigerian masses, I am not convinced with that statement. It needs a scientific or forensic test. Where are our medical professionals. Over to you. Nigerians are patiently waiting for an answer.
Yes, we are celebrating the one in office for the Ruling political party in office. What are celebrating. The strength of the Dollar or Naira, good access road, insecurity, kidnapping, terrorism, communal crisis, Fulani herdsmen, hunger and unemployment?
Our leaders with due respect, should learn to provide to the masses those basic things of life whenever they are given opportunity to govern. There is hunger in the land even when there is no outright “war” in Nigeria.
Again, what are we celebrating? Twenty-four hour power supply? Good health care system or education with numerous strikes either by doctors or lecturers? What are we celebrating, prompt payment of gratuity to senior citizens? What are celebrating, good housing scheme for civil servants. You can go on and on and on to name them.
We need a new way of governance in this country and that is True Federalism. This is the way out.
Another gun powder waiting is the on-going minimum wage in the country. I am not a “Prophet”, quote me, this might not end well with many state governments. It will not be long strikes would spring up from state to state due to the inability to sustain the agreed wage by some state governors.
We shall see the manifestation very very soon. I am wishing anybody “bad omen or wishes”.
Let me however zero my watch to my state, being Cross River state. Unfortunately, we had a government that never cared about its citizens, the immediate past administration. Things went upside down. Infrastructural decay was the order of the day. It was all whole of mess. I am thanking and appreciating God for this new administration under the sea leadership of an APC governor, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu. I say a big congratulations. There is no gainsaying to say that we are very fortunate this time around.
“Truly, there is an adage that says, if you don’t sweep your house” no one does it for you”. This is what the Sweet Prince, the Executive Governor is doing to restore the beauty and glory of Cross River state. Is it possible that “potholes and roads can be mended or constructed? This question has filled the ear, less than one year ago, when Otu declared a state of emergency on potholes and construction of new ones.”
I can boldly say congratulations to His Excellency Sen Bassey Otu. Well done. You are an epitome of true democracy. Your people’s first mantra is noticeable and commendable. Your I wish to draw your attention on Musaha close/ Okoi Ephraim axis along Ekpo Abasi/Yellow Duke. It needs attention. Don’t ask me why i choose to mention this particular street. I am in charge!
Back home, every discussion or gossip is directed towards Gov Otu and his steadfast administration. He is moving ahead, ahead. No stopping. Is it on education, health, promotions and renewed hope for Cross Riverians?. We are getting there if there are no distractions. I mean “unnecessary distractions”. Your Excellency, continue with your good works, as “a stitch in time saved nine”.
Lastily, I wish to congratulate His Excellencies, the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Vice Senator Kashim Shittmma as the administration celebrates its one year in office.
There is so much expectations from Nigerians upon the shoulder of leaders of this great country. We should not allow enemies of progress to capitalize on our weak points to strike. Yes, in Lagos, you left legacies as a vibrant young man, but unfortunately age is not on your side. Too many policies at a time will surely collapse. One thing at a time.
What Nigerians need, is true change from Presidential system of government to True Federalism. We need action not “noise making”. I beg to differ from you. Till next episode!
