This is not a good time for our country. This is a very traumatic time to be Nigerian. The horrific and near-death experiences we’ve had in recent years, particularly in the past 6 years, could tempt one to give up on the promises this country hold forth.
It has never been this bad. Those running away from their father’s land have all reasons to do so because 2021 Nigeria has a sole ambition: To destroy and kill you. But, in all of these, have we not people capable of rescuing this wrecking ship?
Well, those meant to be the ‘conscience of the masses’ have joined the bandwagon. Shamelessly so. What can greed and hunger not do?
Those known to be advocates of the people have joined the elite clubs. Sadly so. Celebrated human rights defenders and lawyers are nowhere to be found except in government houses lobbying for political positions and connections. Some of them have refused to speak up all in the bid to get juicy government briefs.
Labour leaders, in fact, do not give a damn about the sweat and dignity of labour. They hob in of government houses and smile out to the bank.
How about students’ union leaders? The once-upon-a-time reputable NANS has become an extension of the Federal Government. Students’ Union leaders are no longer interested in true nation building or protecting fragile students interest. They are simply interested in commercializing the struggle and becoming appointed into government offices as anything.
Earlier today, I was reading a book written by Fr. George Ehusani chronicling his experiences during the dark days of the military and I really wished prominent religious leaders of today can return to the days when they used to be voices of courage. How I wish we still have many of his likes whose only concerns were the enthronement of justice, fairness and truth. Today, religious leaders are basically interested in using the pulpit to protect the satanic interest of our current crop of leaders. They fight dirty to get into government houses just to take pictures with the very enemies of our people and leave with envelopes, dirty or rough regardless. How many Olubunmi Okogies do we have today?
Journalists, writers and intellectuals alike are compromised in large numbers. The sole ambition of many of them is to become media aides and consultants for corrupt and heartless political leaders. The era of holding government accountable through the press is long over. The era of courage is over. We are in the days of fear and compromises.
Should I talk about our courts? Priests in the temple of justice are no longer courageous. I read some courts judgement and I burst into tears. How come? Justice is now a mirage. While judgement is a thing we get almost everyday, justice is a thing we get once in a blue moon.
Political thieves are treated with courtesy and respect and they let them off the hook with the tool of ‘technicality’. The poor are treated with indignation, contempt and disdain. My few days practicing law in Nigeria have shown me that for us to make any progress in this country, our judicial system has to be radically reformed. The system is broken — almost beyond repair.
Well, in all of these, ensure you count me out amongst those that are either complicit or complacent in ruining our country.
Ensure you count me out amongst those that find justifications for this current system, it’s tragedies and its lords.
Ensure you count me out of those who have chosen to look elsewhere in the face of tyranny and injustice.
For the posterity sake, always remember I am not part of them.
Count me out.
Festus Ogun, Esq.
