PERISHING AND SMILING: CONSTITUTIONALITY VERSUS MORALITY
I don’t really see myself as a great writer and i don’t have to pretend i am one. One thing is sure; I can express myself somehow, and without fear of contradiction. My generation is lost and perishing but annoying is the fact that we are perishing and smiling. I was not a fan of Fela Anikulapo Kuti but I respect him more by the day because he left us lyrics of songs to help in our liberation struggles. He sang over three decades ago about “suffering and smiling” but our situations have advanced to the perishing stage.
As usual, my message today is targeted at the youths and my contemporaries, WE that have refused to take responsibility for the awakening of the giant in Nigeria. I have had a lot of comments and read many articles defending the rogues and pen-robbers who looted our national and state treasuries; how they are innocent until they are convicted by court. The convictions are not coming, the rogues are increasing, the patriots are dying and our generation is perishing.
The question I keep asking people is: how many MD/CEO will employ an Accountant who has fraud case in court against him; though presumed innocent? How many of you would engage a Chief Security officer who has a case of murder against a member of the community to be in charge of your estate; though out on bail? When I asked that who has bewitched our youths, some friends treated it lightly but how can WE be so stupid if WE are not bewitched? WE are casting our votes for fraud and murder suspects; all on the excuse that they are not convicted yet. WHERE THEN IS MORALITY AND CONSCIENCE?
They stole more money than the annual budgets of their states; yet they can walk freely on the street. Many have died as a result of their looting, yet we paint them as heroes. Pensioners die miserable, yet we decorate them (the looters) with more chieftaincy titles. Youths perish in idleness, poor education funding and abuses; yet we describe these empire wreckers as our leaders. Even if the constitution allows for their freedom, don’t we have enough morals and courage to say NO? Even if they are not made to pay for their atrocities, can’t we take measures to discontinue their maladministration? Even if they have stolen so much that they can buy justice, are our conscience and destinies so cheap too?
They know that collectively, we are cowards, so cannot dare to challenge them. They know we are poor-minded and therefore would rather take a token and keep quiet. They know our prices and no need of bargaining. They are from us and know we would rather continue perishing than die suddenly in a struggle for survival. Because they are from us, they know we are very religious and would rather wait for God to come and take actions on our behalf than take any personal move. They know very well that we don’t want to die.
Now, because they know us so well, they are throwing money all about as bait; so that they can have another access to the treasury, get immunity and kill some more youths through lack of health facilities, bad roads, unemployment, gross misconducts and rituals to perpetrate their influence. I feel ashamed when I see some people still following them in day light. I feel sorry when some youths hail them as leaders. I feel disgusted when anyone campaign for A SUSPECT to become Governor; though most likely to be convicted if there is no immunity.
If truly they are innocent of these charges, why can’t they wait until they clear their names before taking any other public responsibility? If truly they want to SERVE us, why can’t they spend to hasten the process of justice; rather than spend money to delay it? Alas! Because they know us very well, and know how very gullible as a people we are; they can always hide under the constitution to deceive us some more. I once heard that the law is made for man but not man for the law (except in Nigeria). The rich are always above the law in Nigeria and a serving-politician is THE LAW.
No leadership quote today. “EVERY ONLOOKER IS EITHER A COWARD OR A TRAITOR” Every one that is not joining us to say NO TO SUSPECT as candidate for governorship is an enemy of this generation and next. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. It is simple; when they clear their names, they can come back for elective offices. For once, let’s behave reasonably; if we are perishing, let’s show signs we don’t want to perish. Let’s stop smiling and dancing while perishing; we need to be more drastic in our struggles for survival.
It’s a revolutionary call; I hope some articulate and courageous youths get to read this piece.
DESTINY BECKONS; POSTERITY SHALL RECKON.
Have a blessed working week.
Adeniyi Rotimi Johnson (Ojasope)
Social Media Administrator @ Omi Titun
Convener of Revolutionary Youth Movement (RYM)
