Pray For Nigeria

 

I am one of those who believe that Nigeria will one day rise from her comatose state to being the giant of Africa not just in name but in deed. I cannot blame those who have given up on the nation. The horrors and killings we live through at home and the disgrace we endure abroad have done nothing to inspire much needed hope. As far back as the ‘80s, we were profiled and searched specially at airports globally for drugs. We thought it was a joke back then.  Today, we are named as one of the most corrupt countries in the world.

Actually, we did not attain this unenviable position over night - it came to fit like an ill designed gown after many years of corruption and embezzlement of public funds. Each household has become a local government on its own, out of necessity. The government does not provide power, water, good roads, good education, or basic health care. If you want electricity, you buy a generator; water, dig a well; good education, go to private institutions; learn to cope with the bad roads by whatever means available to you and practice self-medication or visit quacks for health services.  It is safe to say we have no functional government in Nigeria.

To worsen the situation, salaries are hardly paid on time if at all, and annually remains stagnant oblivious of rising inflation rates. This brings to mind the Academic Senior Staff Union (ASSU)'s slogan many years ago that ‘My take home pay cannot take me home’. The meagre salary paid to workers becomes ludicrous when that of the political class is considered. They flaunt their cut of the national cake in the face of the hungry populace who they expect to respect and adore them for whatever crumbs they throw their way. Perhaps the people would have continued to keep silent under the government of we on us if they were also not being randomly killed by the security forces in the nation.

It came to a head about two weeks ago when Nigerian youths embarked on a peaceful protest #EndSARS and subsequently outlined their demand for good governance and basic amenities among others. It was peaceful and applauded for good organisation even without a designated leader until what is now known as ‘Black Tuesday” occurred on the 20^th of October 2020 at Lekki tollgate. Events following this attack has moved the country into a paradise for rumourmongers and mischief makers.      

And just when we thought we had seen it all, Covid-19 relief materials were discovered in several locations across the country. Of course, the items were carted away by the hungry masses. The fact that there was no fighting in these places confirms there was probably more than enough for everyone.  There are also reports of looting, burning and vandalising private and government properties. I do not condone these acts, but I am also painfully aware that this is an expected reaction of people who for years have lived in abject poverty in the midst of stupendous spending and luxurious living constantly flaunted by the political and ruling class. It is getting worse with people’s rage also being drawn along ethnic-religious lines. If care is not taken, this could well be the beginning of the end for the entity named by Flora Shaw.

I commend the youth for what they have done. For the first time in a long while, there were obvious reasons to walk head high as a Nigerian. I had hopes that the government would respond responsibly to the youths but that did not happen. Currently, chaos and anarchy are erupting all over the nation. We know the beginning of a war, but no one know how it will end. The protest has been hijacked but all is not lost.

Please pray for Nigeria. War in the nation will be a disaster of immense magnitude. Due to myriad problems of the nation, a friend said it is impossible to articulate prayer points for Nigeria; I feel the same, so please pray as the Spirit of God directs.

I beg you; please pray for Nigeria. Thank you. 

I Bi Dem