POLITICS: THE FATE OF NIGERIA IN THE HANDS OF ITS CITIZEN.

 THE FATE OF NIGERIA IN THE HANDS OF ITS CITIZEN.

Just yesterday, one naira was equal to one dollar, we were the giants of Africa and the most celebrated black country in the world. The terrible state of the country today will make any African deny these claims. We are now caught in the web of an almost hopeless state and the situation on ground seems irredeemable. The country is besieged with insecurity and can only get worse if hands are folded and nothing is done about it.

Some weeks ago, a military academy established to equip and produce corps who in turn protect the people was infiltrated without any stiff resistance. Months ago, it was the main seat of the power that was invaded. It is not surprising but it only corroborates the state of worsening nation's security system. 

It leaves one to wonder that if the main headquarters of a national security system can be invaded without any attempt to repel the attack, what then is the fate of the citizen? If the military cannot defend themselves, how can they protect the country? People live daily with the fear of the unknown. While abductions take place daily on major roads, farmers can't cultivate because of fear of Fulani herdsmen. 

It is the duty of the government to provide adequate security for its citizens. It is our basic right as lawful citizens to enjoy protection of life and property at least. This regime has failed the people of the nation. They have neglected their main duty of protecting lives and property. Under their watch, banditry and other forms of social maladies have found a fertile ground to breed in the country and the citizens are the one feeling the sting. 

It is surprising to know that the government condones this evil people that wreck of havoc all over the country. This is great injustice against the people on whose back they rode into power. They pat them on the back and absorb them into the system in the name of rehabilitation. So disheartening! 

This display of malady goes on and on from the twitter ban to Boko Haram amnesty that one begins to wonder how secular the country is? It will not be a wrong assumption to say the government’s effort is an attempt targeted to the eradication of a particular tribe.

Much has being said by notable figures in the country about averting this sickening situation, but the government in its own foolishness choose always to ignore them and bent on turning deaf ears to their witty advice.

 In contrary, they clamp them down with full force, most times with their ever ready bulldog-the DSS and if the case warrants, a corruption or criminal allegation is brought up to silence them completely. 

To mention that every nook and cranny of the country has been hit by violence and crime is an understatement as with every attack, human lives are lost or permanent damaged and faith in democracy and this country is diminishing. Of course, the recent surge of insecurity can be linked to the staggering poverty across the country. Youth employment currently stands at 32.5% and the country in middle of one of the worst economic downturns in 27 years.

All these challenges are made harder by the Nigeria’s ungoverned space where groups can torment rural communities without fear of reprisal. The violent disputes between nomadic animal herders and farmers in the country leading to the deadliest attacks in the centre of the country, Benue State, consequently leading to the banning of grazing on open land is a classical example. Banditry and kidnapping cannot go unmentioned on daily newspapers as it has now become the order of the day.  

Things has gone too bad to keep watching and expect things to get better. As the soro soke generation, we must not allow this trend continue in the nation. Firstly, before holding the government accountable, we must be a worthy citizen wherever we find ourselves. We must take responsibility of our actions and decisions as regarding national issues.

If the government is not ready and are not speaking in a language we understand, it leaves us with no choice to respond in the language they understand. The language of our franchise. We must come together and change the narrative. Get your PVC and get actively involved in activities that will propel this nation towards positive development.

Be part! Remember you have no right to complain if you do not partake.