Sitting by the Rivers of Babylon, I couldn’t help but weep as memories of Nigeria flooded my thoughts. The words I write carry redemption and wisdom. I urge you, my brethren, to cherish these words, engraving them in your hearts, on stones and scrolls.
Keep these stones and scrolls visible for all to see and to uncover the truth, for only the truth can set the land free.
Divided by the River Niger and River Benue, Nigeria is segregated into three unequal communities – the North, West, and East. The Fulani dominate the North, the Yoruba occupy the West, and the Igbo populate the East. Each region and its people possess their unique strengths and weaknesses, and peace once reigned in the land.
However, when political corruption became rampant, and the cries of oppressed minorities reached the heavens, the oil-rich territory known as the Niger Delta was officially designated, a region that was originally part of the eastern and western sectors.
As the situation worsened, a mutiny erupted within the Nigerian Army, leading to the toppling of the civilian government and the subsequent rise of Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi. This event shattered the barriers that had contained the brewing animosity and suspicion, sparking continued turmoil.
Months later, a countercoup mainly executed by Hausa-Fulani soldiers, referred to as a revenge coup, resulted in the death of Aguiyi-Ironsi and laid the groundwork for a devastating Civil War that claimed countless lives between 1967 and 1970. The aftermath of this conflict was marked by unimaginable atrocities and suffering.
In response, the Lord turned away, allowing military oppression to plague the land, inflicting suffering and hardship due to the innocent blood shed during the coups and the Civil War.
The list of Nigerian rulers following the Civil War reads like a somber chapter of history. The reign of these rulers is reminiscent of the Old Testament, with each leader succeeding the other in a seemingly unending cycle.
Babangida’s regime, in particular, was characterized by brutality, marked by numerous alleged coup plots and tragic incidents, including a plane crash that claimed the lives of senior soldiers. The assassination of Dele Giwa, an influential journalist, further darkened this period, drawing accusations of state involvement in his death.
Following the annulment of the presidential election in 1993 and subsequent political upheaval, Nigeria witnessed a series of rulers, each leaving their mark on the nation. The widespread looting of public funds by successive governments, notably by Abacha, stands as a grim testament to the corruption that plagued the country.
As a proud Nigerian, I feel the daily struggles caused by economic hardship and a diminishing currency value. Despite being surrounded by widespread corruption and economic turmoil, I remain grateful for retaining my sanity, knowing that many others have not been as fortunate.
In this new testament of Nigeria, hope seems to have dimmed. Corruption has seeped into various aspects of governance, from the electricity sector to the national ID card scheme, visibly throttling the economy.
Amidst pervasive economic hardships, our leaders continue to live lavishly, with extravagant acquisitions such as a $6.1 million yacht by the President and an appetite for N58 billion SUVs among the political elite, echoing the sentiments of Luke 12:19.
It is disheartening to witness the disconnect between the rulers and the people, with the masses bearing the brunt of economic hardship while the elite indulge in opulence. This disparity raises the question of the benefits reaped by voters who support self-serving candidates only to face dehumanization after the elections.
In these times of moral decay, Nigeria yearns for a righteous leader, a savior like Noah who can guide the nation through the tumultuous waters. However, instead of salvation, the ruling class tightens its grip on the masses, amplifying their struggles through policies that serve their interests.
The actions of the political elite, particularly symbolized by Tinubu’s acquisition of a yacht and other extravagant purchases, reflect their disregard for the plight of the people. While it may be considered “his turn,” the impact on the masses remains dire.
As we approach the end of 2023, the year of his election, Tinubu’s spending spree, fueled by the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Act, raises concerns among the populace. The masses lament the lavish expenditures amidst their ongoing hardships, questioning the sincerity of his commitment to building a modern Lagos.
True, it may be Tinubu’s time, but the suffering of the masses cannot be overlooked. As the year draws to a close, the hope remains for improved governance and betterment for the people.
