Hey there reader.
A lot has happened since I last was here and I'm grateful for the two topics on my title because they're a good angle to narrating the latest. Or at least some of it. I'll narrate in that order; the events are unrelated, but now as the thoughts are collecting, there could be some relationships.
It was the election season in my country only a couple of months ago. There are usually two important weekend dates: one to elect a president, and the other to elect some governors. 'Some' because gubernatorial elections don't all happen simultaneously (by dint of contests over election results in court). Compulsory voting did happen. But not in the way that you think. There was a lot of disenfranchisement, a lot of it, and people who could vote were told who to vote, hence, compulsory voting. Na, I'm not kidding. At some polling units you'd hear things like, "if you wouldn't vote APC, don't vote at all, or else...." APC is obviously a party under which a candidate contested and they're also the ruling party. Our coup plotter of a president whose tenure is now almost over was elected from that party, and although at first it seemed as if he was not in support of his corrupt likely predecessor, it's clear now that he cares naught and is fully willing to hand over to the aged guy who's also a drug pusher. If I went into details this would sound like something off of a fictional movie but I don't think so. I suspect some of you have heard; a formerly indicted very old man who forfeited thousands of dollars for drug related crimes set to become Nigeria's president. Haha π how sad. I wish I had pictures of my own to depict, even if in a nutshell how sad and incredibly violent - in a different community and censored of course - the situation was during the elections, but I do not. And thankfully too because it means I did not experience it first hand. Read more if you'd like from this uncompromised journalist. You'd find it all intriguing.
I worked as an adhoc staff for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and nobody forced me to do anything illegal. Oh yeah, please ignore the first word of that name 'cause they're nowhere near independent. They damn well sabotaged the entire process in order to declare their preferred candidate the winner. Maybe at the end of this I'll just type, "naa just kidding" and you can justify your thoughts about this being some farfetched conspiracy theory. I worked for them, I saw it happen, it happened with my own devices too. Anyway, their preferred candidate was declared because majority of the votes were compulsorily ascribed to him, almost everyone was compromised, except me. Yeah I'd rather only vouch for myself, and the drug pusher who's sick and old may die and leave things in the hands of his vice, a terrorist sympathiser and alleged sponsor. Haha, this isn't even the half of it but I'm glad I've got it out in this subtle way. Oh and I must mention before I move on, there exists, people, who support him unapologetically despite the overwhelming evidence against him including proof of perjury, and his glaring violations of the grundnorm. Yep, the grundnorm. You'd never guess why, here's why - tribe. One guy was caught on camera saying 'oh I know Peter Obi is the best choice, I know he's the most competent but I have to support my brother'. You better believe it.
PART II
I always thought of myself as a courageous person. Actually, I've been told countless times how courageous and bold I am and I've come to believe it. I did believe it, until recent events struck me back to reality. School events. If you've read this, you'd know I'm pursuing another degree and if you've read this, you'd know why I haven't caught it yet. I just dropped the mic on the first set of final exams about a week ago and on 3 occasions, I realised only after I had submitted my answers, avoidable and silly mistakes I had made. This led me to want to "accept" that the highest level CGPA I was gunning for may not uh... you know. I'm such a chicken I can't even say it. And when I do say it, my heart beats fast in disbelief maybe, or stubbornness if you'd like, despite knowing what appears to be the truth. This post by helped me put things in perspective only recently. I needed and still need to breathe fire into the monster's face. This monster's name seems to be denial. I've had quite the challenge, if I'm allowed to make excuses as to why the chances are even this slim at this last hour. Being wholly independent, I've had to work and school and while this sounds like the norm for dwellers in developed territories, and not much of a challenge, maybe look up barriers to success in Nigeria and you'd see why. Hehe what an interesting thesis that would be. No electricity, no water, no employment, no facilities; not for school, not for work/business. Basically, the government does nothing to help you and does everything to frustrate your own efforts.
I lack the courage to accept that I may not be one of the best in my class, I lack the courage to accept that I've been careless on so many occasions which may cost me, I lack the courage to accept that not appearing smart at first glance of my degree certificate may keep doors closed on me, I lack the courage to accept that I'm so religious that my fear that committing the sins of the flesh will mean and appears to be spelling my doom, is ridiculous. Or is it? I lack the courage to admit that my belief that I've made costly silly mistakes only because of my sinfulness is also ridiculous. Is it really? Would I ever know?
I even lack the courage to outrightly call out compromised leaders who had many many hands in the sad and untrue outcome of our presidential elections and the nation's overall backwardness.
There's your relationship.
Oh and I lack the courage to let go and just swim. The only swimming I know how to do is at 4ft, employing only one or two styles
and at 6ft with floaters doing all the styles.πΆββοΈ
Thank you for your time. Until next time and in a few minutes when I answer any questions you may have.
Xoxo.
PS: I lack the means to call corrupt men and leaders out 'cause they're so above the law I could get arrested for criticising them. They have the forces and most of the Judiciary at their beck and call. Yeah, bottom line, I lack the courage π₯².
Ciao.