The world is a fast-pace entity and the events in the world unfold so fast that there is a huge possibility for us to loose touch with our resolutions and decisions. It is not difficult in our world to start some great projects; initiate some fantastic projects and start some ventures of some sort. That is, our societies are not lacking in start-ups; but finishers or developers.
While I admire the tenacity, audacity and the passion required to start any great venture, adventure or cause; I also believe that start many things without completing or perfecting them is almost as pathetic as not starting at all.
Some years ago, Nigeria was under various Military administrations. During such years, rights of the people were violated and it was a mere existing without living for many Nigerians. Countless civil activists was arrested, some were killed and some were jailed. The question is, “how much of such memories do we still keep as a nation?” Our experience is almost like that of a mother that rejoices over the birth of a new child without memories of the pain at the delivery/labour room. While that may be understandable, ours in Nigeria is not: For anyone that looses touch with his part may end up repeating them. Keeping memories of the past struggles may just be the needed check against self-indulgence in affluence and comfort.
For years, the people of Nigeria, and the various opposition parties or groups in Nigeria have agitated for economic, social and political change in Nigeria. There were summits upon summits organized by various political parties (including the present ruling All Progressives Congress); towards seeking for a way forward for us a nation. Countless messages were twitted against the presumed government of the day; and many articles such as this one were written to call the government to order and awake national consciousness among our people.
The shocking development however is, ever since the “change” that was campaigned was received through the 2015 General Elections that brought an opposition party to leadership at the National level; it appears as it the whole nation that spoke so much for change and voted very hard for change has gone asleep; hence, no one is speaking changing!
The question is, “what does it mean to speak change as a nation?” As a nation, we have voted for change; however, we must continue to speak the change into existence – for whenever we keep quiet, we loose our sovereignty; hence, we become easy prey to clueless and forgetful politicians, who are only out for their pockets and bellies at the expense of our collective wealth and dignity. I rest my case for now!
