While the aftermath of the ENDSARS protest hangs over our existence like a thick cloud or a fog for want of a better description of no visible direction of where to go next. There seem to be a conspiracy of silence by the very ones who have sworn to guide and protect.
Maybe it’s me, but have you noticed how no uniformed officer is in sight, even the vivacious dancing lady by the traffic light at Maryland?
What could be the issue now? I thought all has been settled by those who lead us. Anyway, that’s not my focus for this write-up.
So still on the protest that has left us all bleeding and somewhat numb to what our nation has become. Too many conflicting accounts from the very ones who owe us a clear explanation, almost insulting our memories, daring us to even remember what we glaringly saw on our screens.
It is ironic that all the sweeping, dusting, and clearing up could not spot the camera at the Lekki tollgate and yet like the antagonist in a drama, that our story as a nation has become, a visiting minister to the scene of the alleged atrocities spots it, and with a cloth lifts it. Lo and behold – We have the camera, which supposedly holds the evidence. This mockery of truth in itself has left us all exhausted. We all have become like those floating in an orbit, not in control of our movement but looking for anything to hold unto to steady the body and prevent it from floating away.
I have often wondered the cost of truth and integrity so much so that it is abandoned and great effort put in to hoodwink and deceive the masses. What will it take to channel efforts to doing good and providing purposeful leadership least the people float away…
“So Mr. Speaker, I think our youths should be useful to themselves, get engaged, and be productive, but they won’t because half of the time they are high on drugs!” Hold on! Rewind, did I hear that come out from someone who is meant to speak on our behalf? The nonsense spewed comes across as making sense, maybe because the “I schooled in London” britico accent made it sound appealing to the ear. Such irresponsible utterances. But are you surprised? No, I am not. Having seen the way the people we send to represent us disappoint us, use us to get there, and then dump us once they have the platform. And come round after four years to seek our support again. The cycle goes on. We have watched in utter disbelief at the poverty of those who lead us so much so that they warehoused palliatives donated by good spirited individuals to feed the people during these trying times, but alas they did not, instead, they rebrand and keep as souvenirs for their wretched parties. Meanwhile those it was meant to feed go hungry and angry. You know the rest.
If only those children were fed, their bellies filled for energy and strength to sharpen their creativity, rather than leave them hungry and push them to indulge in decadent habits that keep them bound to a capricious agenda of being used during elections.
The sad part is we forget too easily and move on as nothing happened so when it’s time for elections, stomach infrastructure is activated and we sell our votes for a mere pittance and more suffering.
I am just too disappointed that our leaders don’t consider us. There is a gang up somehow not to pursue or legislate policies that will protect and enrich us as people. But there is hope that the people will rise one day and hold everyone accountable! The #ENDSARS demonstration is a pointer.
Am sure for the leaders now, one lesson has been learnt, don’t talk rubbish when the Mic is on if you must at least off the mic.
My Take…
Before now I feared for my sons just like most mums. I had given up on project Nigeria. It seemed hopeless and empty than it’s ever been in the past. Then came the revolution. With the #ENDSARS, a glimmer of hope that a rebirth is inevitable brightened my being. That finally these children who are allegedly “High half of the time” have come out to show us that they can be for us that great future we have often wished and prayed for with their show of strength in unity, the coordination and effective way of doing things, and the love for one another. We watched in admiration as Christians kept guard while their Moslem brothers and sisters call on God and vice versa. At the end of each day’s gathering, the same youths who are ” high on drugs” mobilize to clean the grounds. On that faithful 20-10-20, we saw them guide each other, hold each other in tears singing with pride the National anthem while they were being massacred, all a sacrifice in hope for a better Nigeria. We call them names. Please how are they “high on drugs” Madam speaker representative?
So dear honorable Madam speaker and advocate of the children should get engaged and use their talent, please do put forward the bill that will create a conducive environment for learning and sharing experience so that more talents can emerge.
I salute the youths of this nation, for when you interact one on one with them you will be in awe of how intelligent they are, of the small businesses they have run exceptionally well.
Imagine the enormous boundaries they would break if an enabling opportunity were given to them the same as those who “schooled in London” just imagine how much they can achieve.
I know there is an awakening, a new nation emerging to lead us to a new frontier of greatness on the global stage.
I am very optimistic that we are at the dawn of a new Nigeria, so should everyone be led by the younger generation who have shown us by the #ENDSARS demonstration that they are capable of birthing and leading a nation where peace and justice will reign and no person is oppressed?
To all those children who were left bruised physically and emotionally you are constantly in our prayers. Those who were killed at the Lekki tollgate, we are struggling to bear your loss, however, know that we hold sacred and will always remain indebted to you and your families for the sacrifice you made in love when you laid down your lives for ours to be better. Keep resting in peace.
Till I write again, I love you for reading.
Ada
Adaobi O. Alex-Oni is an Honorary Ambassador and a recipient of the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award by the African Youth Parliament. A broadcaster and writer, she is the convener of the ROWEAD conference. A social and women’s rights activist, she is a promoter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. For more information, visit her website http://www.rowead.org