IS THIS NOT WAR? ...Arise, o compatriots
By: Oriaifoh Godwins
Elementary knowledge of Economics teaches that when a country is experiencing a war situation, there will be hyperinflation in the country, the value of the country's currency will fall, other countries will be discouraged to buy goods from such a country for fear of importing inflation into their own country, people's lives and properties will be insecure...
Nigeria today, is experiencing all of the above and everything still looks normal. In spite of the insecurity of lives and properties, with kidnappings for ransom, armed robberies, uprisings, agitations everywhere, people still manage to live their lives.
We risk our lives to move around in search of our daily bread, risk our lives to enjoy our hard earned money, risk our lives to visit loved ones, risk our lives to plan for our future...Yet, our political leaders are not bothered, they create the impression that all is well and that they are on top of the situation as lives are lost on a daily basis...IT IS RISKY TO RISK LIVING IN NIGERIA.
Men in uniform, in broad daylight, rob innocent people who are already traumatized, of the money they make in this risk infested environment.
Today, it is easier to find light weapons than to find food. Hardly does a day goes by that report of kidnappings, killings and uprisings are not heard... IF THIS IS NOT WAR, CAN SOMEBODY TELL THE WORLD WHAT IT IS?
In 2015, when people celebrated the crowning of a "messiah", some of us that saw beyond our noses, sounded notes of warnings, alas, it fell on deaf ears. Little did Nigerians know that their celebration was premature, today, we know better. Although some of us, because of the crumps we pick from here and there, still feel all is well and are still defending a failed system... Ask Femi Fani Kayode, who 'yesterday' described Nigeria as a "FAILED NATION", but today, singing the praises of the managers of a failed nation...if anyone is surprised about FFK's action, ex President Olusegun Obasanjo is definitely not one of such people as he once said; "... give FFK food and he will dance for you..." Oh God of creation, how did we get here? IF THIS IS NOT WAR, SOMEBODY SHOULD TELL US WHAT IT IS...
Is it difficult to fix this nation? I don't think so, though I stand to be corrected. Even though the price of crude oil has crashed, even though looting of our commonwealth is today a normal thing, even though it appears Nigeria is hopeless, may I announce to us that, this country is blessed by God, such that if you take everything away from it, the hardworking and resilient people of Nigeria, are enough to kickstart this sleeping giant. The lootings and 'relootings' that has taken place in this country is enough to have crumbled this nation, but the resilient people kept keeping on...such is the situation we find ourselves today.
Even though, THIS IS WAR, we will get back on our feet again, all we need are nationalistic, patriotic, focused, agile and purposeful leaders that are ready to step on toes with the aim of pulling this country out of the woods. DO WE HAVE SUCH PEOPLE AMONGST US? YES WE DO. So, Arise o compatriots!