Enough is Enough (Why We Must Occupy Nigeria)

“We can’t pander to threats of the people we RULE” - Minister of Labour, Emeka Wogu

From wastefulness to lack of direction, this is one administration that is completely misguided and does not deserve a single day more in office. It is embedded neck-deep in corruption and smirks of the highest disregard for the rule of law.

I won’t use this medium to argue for or against fuel subsidy removal. Although the protests have been triggered by the removal of subsidy, they are really an expression of the frustrations of the average Nigerian with the system. Like I said when being interviewed for a CNN news article on Thursday (January 12), “We would pay that high oil price if the roads were better, if our infrastructure was better. But we can’t trust the government … removing the fuel subsidy is just one of the many ways they have failed us.”

We are insisting that “enough is enough” because we are tired of subsidizing the highly extravagant lifestyles of our leaders. We have had enough of their waste and corruption. We are saying enough is enough because we want a better country for our own children than we have now.

I’m not fooled by Ngozi Okonjo Iweala’s SURE. I am not convinced by Sanusi Lamido Sanusi or Diezani Madueke. I definitely don’t buy Goodluck Jonathan’s statements. We’ve had better promises in the past and we are still where we are today. I’m not willing to give them a chance because they have not shown themselves to be faithful with little, or to be willing to make personal sacrifices. The proposed budget for 2012 is a classic example of corruption and waste. Many Items are budgeted at more than 1000 percent of the market prices (I’m being very modest). These same people want us to gamble by placing our future in their hands? It’s absolutely ridiculous! Since the inception of this administration, no single high-profile corruption case has been handled to a conclusive end. The “rumours” (some of which are peddled by reputable newspapers) reveal that the cabal diminishing our national funds are right within the Federal Executive Council. A question that has not been answered satisfactorily till date is this: Until 2010, fuel subsidy never reached N300 billion. In 2011 alone, the figure jumped to N1.4 trillion. Was it angels that consumed the extra fuel? Or was the “subsidy” fund diverted to private accounts- to fund an election campaign, perhaps?

Nigerians, this is the time for change. We must use all the resources at our disposal to make sure that we fight for the future of our children. We must reclaim Nigeria from these looters and thieves. We must not allow ourselves to fall into the trap of violence. We should support the general strikes and protest with all the media at our disposal. I urge all people of influence (especially religious and professional leaders) to join this cause by refusing to keep quiet. Words spoken on time can save lives and prevent this situation from degenerating beyond what it is at the moment. God has presented us with a rare opportunity to reclaim our nation and we must not miss this chance. Even when the government comes to an agreement with labour unions, we must still ask the right questions and force the government to make significant changes to cut waste and deal with corruption. If we stand together as a people, we can achieve this.

God bless Nigeria. God bless you all!

I recommend that you also read:

• The Emergence of a New Nigeria
• Jega’s Unenviable Task
• When You Can’t Beat Them…
• I’m Back!
• Is the Future in Trouble?