By Amanatullah Yusuf
A lot of times, we have all insulted Nigerian politicians. Accusing them of being corrupt and laundering the countrys’ funds. We have lamented and cursed, groaning in the agony of the pain caused us. There’s anger and there is pain. Poverty has become more widespread and the government is all we blame. Everything that goes wrong is the government’s fault. How about we take a moment to question our conscience.
The market woman mixes garri with egusi to make more profit. The bikeman hikes his price to a ridiculous amount and blames it on subsidy removal. The “Mai shago” hiked his wares because of the increase in wholesale price. The price has gone down sir, why are your wares still expensive?
Security guards request payment to secure the place they are paid salaries to guard. Why do we have to pay for a job opportunity that is meant to be on merit? Why, I dare ask, should admissions be based on connections and not on merit?
As students, we apply for hostels only to sell them at a higher price. We cheat in exams that are critical. What to do if a medical student cheats in an examination? Oh, the many lives that would be in danger. The Yahoo boys rally around freely, stealing from innocent people and also contribute if politicians are accused of theft. The irony of it.
Many things go wrong and are still going wrong in Nigeria but no one speaks of it. We all ignore it and mind our business like it would miraculously go away. Instead of working hard and building themselves, people are taught to build and rely on connections. Of what good is merit when Nepotism is the order of the day? We all oppose nepotism but if we are on the favored end, there’s no big deal in it. We complain about the hike in prices but it is no big deal if it is our goods that are hiked?
We differentiate ourselves and group into the class of rich and poor. There should be no relationship between the poor and the rich. If the poor out of oppression and the feeling of ostracization move to earn from an illegal means, they are condemned and stoned with judgy and disgusted eyes. How quickly do we forget our contribution towards their act?
There are orphans who beg to survive, children who have to walk miles before eating for the day. We know them, we see them. Dear Northern brothers and sisters, what have we done to help those kids? Have you ever sent a smile their way, compliment them? Have you ever assisted them with food or money? They are not your family, I know but is that enough of a barrier? There are people who insult and hit these children for the slightest mistake. It seems the sight of them alone triggers anger. When these children grow up to be a menace to society, we take the Frontline in condemning and advocating for their blood. We then organize people to preach and help them. When still at their foundation level, why was no help offered? I repeat, where is our conscience? You would be appalled to see how some people treat those kids. I wonder at how they think they are better.