#ENDSARSProtests: Do your bit, where you can.
I woke up Angry.
Because as time clocked numbers far into representations that mean the thick of the night, I saw how much more darkness the Nigerian system plunges people into. Dawn did not change that.
Few minutes past 12, I was still keeping watch on my phone as about 50 people who say they need to register their grievances with a system that we all suffer from were being harassed. The lights were off (something several Nigerians still suffer from); they pulled the tents down (housing is still a major concern as a Nation) and the people meant to protect were trying to intimidate (another experience that has a national feel).
In the actions against the 50 who dared to speak up at a representation of Power in Lagos, we could see the experiences of millions of Nigerians across the country. I have spent over 10 years of my life writing, talking and mobilizing young people to live for themselves despite the many issues that look to keep us down, as more and more I realize that, while the Nigeria we have is rigged against us, building an influential bloc of Nigerians of means can help us improve the dynamics of this fight for a better Nigeria for all.
I have struggled in this abusive relationship and giving up many times. Political apathy has caught up with me at some other time, but even when you take your entire family out of this country, you will still have loved ones here. Hence, that is not even a complete exit plan.
Having worked as a journalist since 2014, gotten close to government circles (including those in power and those outside), I have come to a few conclusions:
1. Nigeria is the way it is because we have a bloc profiting from it.
They are earning and enjoying the current chaos and believe that they are one flight away from any uprising that they may cause. Do you know why they keep on stealing? So that in case they ever have any reason to leave, they have enough to settle them and those they care about for a long time in any place of their choice. That thought is only satisfied by the need to “pack more”.
2. The little success we have is a product of the combo of people that want to hold unto power and stay there and people who really want to do good work and are ready to suffer the reputational damage that comes with association for the long game of “Legacy Impact”.
Even the demons want to be remembered for doing good.
Ask satan.
So we have a few people who are genuinely interested in the people’s good but lack the political power to do so, to get the ears of the ruling clans to achieve their aim. I have seen this over and over. So they do some great/legacy work, which has an impact (their win) and the political class gets some level of equity to make a case to hold on to power (their win).
We may have to get more people like this until we have enough people who really want the good of others in the power play.
3. Poverty is a tool!
This is arguable, but there is a bit of privilege that helps Falz and Runtown lead a protest.
They can afford to, and the next meal is not entirely determined by how loyal they are to the political bloc. A lot of Nigerians. Millions, if I may say add, cannot afford this luxury.
People are hungry.
A lot would rather get their next meal than lose it on the altar of a tomorrow that they are not sure of. I do not even blame them. On a political tour around Ondo State one time, I was sad about the level of Poverty some people have to endure. Omo! Na even the oil-producing areas.
So they suffer the brunt of the environment and suffer the neglect that follows from a government that is benefitting. In the end, only the people who are loud enough to cause trouble to enjoy the little benefits that come that way (this is a risk too because people lose their lives for talking too much sometimes), while the quiet people suffer in silence.
They also maximize the poverty tool during elections as the primordial need for survival kicks in, in their favour with their violent and financial intimidations.
Are they really lifting people out of poverty or Nigerians are finding ways to survive in spite of the many issues thrown at them by the Government that should be supporting them?
I hear this claim was made again, recently.
4. You are most likely on your own if you really care.
(When they are threatened, they trigger your release clause)
Many people were fighting, but are now fighting, on a different side.
Shout well enough and you may get a crumb from the table.
Get an appointment and begin to feel as if it insulates you from the issues that affect your other kinsmen — defend the indefensible.
5. Religion is a way out.
Religion is an easy target.
Moreso, Christianity is target practice.
When all is said and done and nothing sticks, play the “Tithe and offering” card, e dey always work.
First, it is not your money.
Second, this “Intelligent takes” on religion begin to grow when you have some level of privilege.
“You are this, you are that… you have been brainwashed” etc.
O kare!
If you were in their shoes with little or nothing to hold on to as hope, will the conversation change?
Without a doubt, we have thieves in collars, but this does not downplay the efforts of the many others who give their time, energy and resources to ensure a peaceful running of the country in the face of many challenges.
I abhor fanaticism of any sort.
I disagree with insensitive takes that affect other people.
However, the faster you know that, for many people, the only way out of this charade that we have as a system is a supernatural connection to a God they believe in, the faster you find other ways to reach them.
Let me stop here.
At this juncture, I support those taking to the streets to make their grievances known, and I understand those who want to stay behind their keypads to amplify the causes they believe in. I also empathize with those who even have things to say, but are scared to say their bit for reasons best known to them — in a country like Nigeria, their fears are valid.
Do your bit where you are.
