Fides Media Living the Faith
By Obiotika Wilfred Toochukwu
On Monday 29th May, 2023, the whole of South eastern states in Nigeria were on lockdown. There was no movement and faces of despair took over the expression everywhere. In Lagos State, all the markets controlled by the state government were closed. The popular Oyinbo Food Market was shut down and so many residents went without food. The roads were scanty and there was a heavy downpour.
Everywhere was gloomy and most people were indoor for fear of their lives. Not many bordered to tune in to the inauguration ceremony at Eagle Square even as darkness and power cut engulfed the vicinity. One could ask if there was a funeral as a dead silence serenaded the landscape. So many would have congratulated the newly sworn in president and APC if they had won the election but the data on INEC IREV and BVAS proved otherwise
It is also stated in the Nigerian Constitution that getting 25% of the total votes cast in FCT is mandatory for any candidate who will be declared a winner of a Presidential Election in the country. Never has Nigerians felt this sense of foreboding for presidency. It feels like one dark cloud being lifted and a much darker one rolling in immediately.
Before the end of the inauguration, fuel scarcity, hike and queues have returned to different filling stations. It portrays vividly that nothing has changed and the old order and structure is still in operation. It was taunted all over social media that democracy died in the darkness of a black Monday in Nigeria. Democracy rigged to death by INEC, APC and JUDICIARY was given a restful repose.
After the Nigerian-Biafran War in 1970, the then head of state and the Finance Minister wished death to the remaining Igbo sons by assigning only 20 pounds to every surviving Igbo from the banks. The 3Rs – Reconstruction, Reconciliation and Rehabilitation were initiated which was never implemented. Every Igbo man started from the scratch and struggles began.
It never occurred to the owners of the Nigerian State that an Igbo man could ever be richer. Governor C. C. Soludo has for the third umpteenth hour written to the Federal Government seeking for the release of the illegally detained prisoner of conscience, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Governor Soludo pleaded with President Buhari that he would not only be a surety but that he would ensure by all standards that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu would not jump bail or escape to anywhere.
Every of the three letters were rumpled into the bins because President Muhammadu Buhari has initially tweeted that he knows how to deal with the Igbos in the language they will understand. The sincere passionate appeal of the Anambra State governor came on the hills of his numerous challenges in tackling insecurity since he assumed office in 2021. The governor has done a lot to restore orderliness and peace in the zone even with a security trust fund. Governor Soludo has blatantly told the federal government that the insecurity in the South East is delicately tied to the detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The federal government under President Muhammadu Buhari with the cooperation of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami CON,SAN has kept Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in the DSS dungeon since June 2021. The Court has ruled in favour of Kanu, striking out the charges levelled against him. The economy of the South Eastern states has dwindled geometrically with the inhabitants staying indoors for most days. Sit-at-home is what everyone in the South Eastern States is eager to keep as many has been killed or means of livelihood set ablaze for failing to observe the order.
Nnamdi Kanu in his self-determination bid for the indigenous people of Biafra has prophesied that Nigeria is a zoo country controlled and piloted under the unflinching and autocratic influence of Fulani Hegemony and Hausa (Northern) Oligarchs. In most of his messages, he has often referred to the leadership of Nigeria as being under a Fulani Janjawee. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has prophesied a long time ago that the Fulanis will never ever allow an Igbo man to be a president in Nigeria.
And that whoever will rule Nigeria must agree and be in alliance with the Fulanis. To him, the Fulanis, the West and bigger powers dictate what happens in Nigeria through an executive order and a subtle share of ‘interests’. From all indication, his prophesies sound and seem reasonable and plausible. An Igbo man has by every standard broken every jinx but was not allowed to rule Nigeria. It does seem that for anyone to be a president in Nigeria, he must have a good affinity with the Muslim North to maintain the old order.
At the event of one year in office of the governor of Anambra State, former president Olusegun Obasanjo opined that Igbophobia is real in Nigeria. The king makers in Nigeria know too well that it will only take an Igbo man to steer the ship ‘Nigeria’ towards the way of progress. The era of criminality, corruption and consumption is deeply embedded and do not want to be displaced.
Nigerian leaders and their body language do a lot of harm to the youths and young minds.Corruption and criminality in politics erode the trust that young people have in the political system and their leaders. When they witness or experience firsthand the dishonesty and unethical behaviour of politicians, it can lead to a loss of faith in the government and the belief that positive change is possible. This can result in cynicism and apathy towards politics, with young people feeling disengaged and disillusioned.
Corruption and criminality in politics often involve the misuse of public resources and power for personal gain. When young people witness this injustice, it can lead to feelings of anger, frustration, and powerlessness. They may perceive that their future and opportunities are being undermined by corrupt practices, leading to a sense of unfairness and injustice. Corruption and criminality can impede social and economic progress, hindering opportunities for personal growth and development.
When young people witness widespread corruption, it can diminish their hopes for a better future. They may perceive that hard work and meritocracy are futile in a system dominated by corruption, leading to a sense of hopelessness and a lack of motivation to strive for personal and societal advancement. The intertwining of criminality and politics can perpetuate a culture of lawlessness and impunity.
When criminal elements are embedded within the political system, it can expose young people to criminal networks and activities. This can lead to an increased vulnerability to involvement in illegal activities, as they may perceive that corrupt practices and criminal behaviour are avenues for success and power. The negative psychological impacts of corruption and criminality in politics can contribute to mental health issues among young people. Feelings of disillusionment, anger, and hopelessness can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression.
The erosion of trust in societal institutions and a sense of disempowerment can take a toll on the mental well-being of young individuals. Efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership can help restore trust in the political system and create an environment where young people can engage meaningfully in the democratic process and envision a brighter future.
The vision of a new Nigeria was seen through the integrity, capacity and capability of an Igbo man. The Northerners have finally proven that they are “born to rule” Nigeria. Since the beginning and independence of Nigeria as a country, no political leader has come up to declare that he has never stolen public money but an Igbo man did. Go and verify’ was the maxim for integrity and competence from an Igbo man.
Obiotika Wilfred Toochukwu
Trade Fair Complex, ASPAMDA LAGOS.