I was at the barber's shop today to have my hair cut and shaped. And like every other day, my Tuesdays are always for relaxation and thinking. And you know there are specific places where you can discuss and argue about government, sports and politics and that happen to be either at a newspaper stand or a barber's shop. There and then, the discussion ensued; I would probably take it as a deliberation (not necessarily argument) among Nigerians.
A few days ago, a gubernatorial election was conducted in the western part of Nigeria - Ekiti State to be precise and it is looking as if; Nigeria isn't ready for a democratic reign at all. I guess the same question on your heart would be, why?
Let's start over from the barber's shop where the deliberation started from. Have never seen people wish their country ill-luck like Nigerians do? Not even that, some, if not all have practically lost hope for the rebuilding and revamping of this nation. And it is a despair to my heart that these words and actions are from the nation's builders - "the futures of our nation". If such words should find a place in their mouth, how much more will their heart ponder? And the bible says, "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks"
Inside the barber's shop, where we were considering the rate of cyber-crime and the fraudulent ways of obtaining money via the internet which as really dampen the image and integrity of the citizens in the diaspora. Also, it has deepened the heart of many who are supposed to be the nation's hope.
Technically, it has increased the rate of crimes, social vices and spike up a lot of factors too like human molestation, prostituting and money rituals. Their game has advanced a little bit further that they now consult the oracle for charms and sacrifices. "THE GREED"
Permit me to take you away from the discussion at the barber's shop, and let me take you on a journey to Ekiti State where the gubernatorial election was conducted last Saturday. So, a video recorded by BBC pidgin news of how electorates were receiving 4,000 Naira at the polling units before voting went viral on the internet. And this is really disgusting and shameful to me. That at this point in Nigeria, candidates and parties are still involved in buying people and their votes before gaining power. Are we now practicing democracy at all? Where lies the simple majority decision of the electorates when they have been enticed and baited? Pathetic!
Aside from that, it is obvious that all the parties and candidates are just recycling the government and playing Nigerians for a fool for it. Only the wise and knowledgeable ones will see this coming.
However, perhaps, the election could have been free if not fair enough as a result of baiting the poor and helpless electorates. There were heavily stationed armor and military personnel at each unit. If this is really security at its best or a threat to the helpless electorates. Maybe you can help me ask the government this, what has it done about the incessant killings by the Fulani herdsman and their threat to overthrow the present government When I checked that offence up in my statute - criminal code, it is treason, treasonable offence and it is against the state, therefore, it is a capital punishment. But you know what? There is yet a government release to the effect of deploying military personals to the states affected. I guess those military boys matters at the election ground rather than securing the lives of the poor souls Fulani herdsman are killing each day. Figures kept increasing. Perhaps, ironically, the military are responsive during the election compared to a threat to the nation. "GLIMPSE ON OUR GOVERNMENT" - GIMMICK
Back in the barber's shop, the deliberations had started becoming tensed and it is looking almost as if everyone's POV is right. And it does matter that most times we have to disagree before an agreement. I could not catch up with their arguments again, I deem it fit to share my thoughts here on the blockchain.
Regardless of the circumstances of things in our society, this does not guarantee for cyber-crime, theft and fraudulent operations that are being perpetrated by youths. Nevertheless, it is really unapologetic to say that "democracy and our leaders have failed us in this part of the world"
Have you considered the rate of unemployed youths that are graduates from several universities across Nigeria? The underemployed workers and even those employed but not well remunerated. Have you considered the poor standard of living of people, hardly can an average Nigerian afford three square meal a day. Have you heard about the minimum wage in Nigeria, it is ridiculous?
Our government, private institutions and concerned members of the public as turned deaf ears to the masses plea & cries. Things are really getting out of hands pretty fast. I think we are approaching a revolution pretty fast.