Nigeria State of Affairs as Negativity Rose to Constant News Headlines

The year 2020 was a long but painful year, yet 2023 was more excruciating for Nigeria and Nigerians. Yet its challenges never went away with December, but it transitioned through to 2024 in what would be the first unveiling of a two-decade-old silent genocide going on in Nigeria right after the most obviously rigged election in the history of green-white-green.

Your guess is as good as mine. From a collective demand to ending police brutality down to the most controversial election in Nigeria’s history of wallowing in “democracy” that works only for those in public offices and not the average Nigerian, the nation moved to state capture of multidimensional poverty and a decline in economic development due to the disruptive currency demonetization policy introduced into the economy pre-election by the now-awarded yet suspended Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele. How’s Cardoso fairing?

Or to moving to a government that only gives directives with little to no implementation policies set out publicly for accountability purposes, to recording daily stolen funds meant to serve the public good and to terrorists parading as Fulani herdsmen. It never stops, double standard rose to stardom, insecurities took to standing order while armed groups cashes out on terror, banditry and kidnappings. 2024 will be a long year ahead of 2027 unless ‘No gree for anybody’ means something.

Lest I forget, we almost went to war with neighbouring countries because Tinubu, whom many never gave their vote of confidence to want to be President, even though that meant ignoring the electoral act through the ballot boxes or the fact that the constitution, which ought to avert unconstitutional practice was desecrated by greedy lots in and out of Nigeria’s publicly funded courtrooms.

But then, these years between 2020 – 2024 come with the constant reality that a new force must come to power if there would be a country to call home before the next election to come in 1,449 days. Opposition parties, if there were ever any or would be one strong enough to shape the narratives far from negative headlines on 8’0clock news and the extra intricacies that often stem from lack of good governance, Nigeria may be on the brink of its collapse.

At least we still have “free speech”. Yes, the kind of free speech that allows private companies or individuals with paper money to arrest a citizen for simply dropping a product review on Obasanjo internet when in a working country, such are addressed under consumer-customer protection rights. But then, remember the nation’s FCCPC’s most loved public servant got sacked without an honorary exit.

Those who said we live in a banana republic couldn’t be farther from the truth. Public funds in private accounts are unconstitutional. But guess where we live. There goes the way of Nigeria- divide the people and loot public funds with no remorse or respect for the law.

Enough of the problem, how does one move past these problems borne out of lack of leadership oriented frontiers of not only public affairs but also figures of democracy who have brought us here?

First step to solving a problem is realizing there is one.

One is a leadership problem. It’s simple: let the problem know it no longer has power over you through your resistance and voice of dissidents as a show of new force. And there goes your way of freedom to rebuild the country. Take it back is a meaningful statement of commitment, risks and understanding. Until we have a people willing to risk it all for a better Nigeria, we may never see the end of the tunnel because the last man left with the generator.

What many thought they’ve lost to criminals in public offices, hopes, and dreams can be recovered ONLY when we’ve truly had enough then to give in to more acceptance of abnormalities, knowing they can get away with your silence or inaction.

Read: Mike Adenuga Reclaims Position as Nigeria’s Second-Richest Man

About The Author

Mayowa Durosinmi

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M. Durosinmi is a West Africa Weekly investigative reporter covering Politics, Human Rights, Health, and Security in West Africa and the Sahel Region

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