In the vast expanse of Nigeria, a land blessed with abundant resources and a rich cultural heritage, the promise of a bright future has increasingly become a distant dream. Nigeria is a nation teetering on the brink of collapse, with millions of its citizens groaning under the weight of poverty, unemployment, and insecurity. The country has become a shadow of its former self, a place where nothing seems to work and where the hopes and aspirations of the people are continually dashed by a political class more concerned with personal gain than with the welfare of the populace.
The question is: Who will tell the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, that the country is stagnating? Who is courageous to speak truth to power? Nigeria is on the edge of an abyss, and drastic action is needed to avert disaster. According to history, the ‘wise men’ who had spoken truth to power are countable on our fingers. Some of them died in the process, while others were incarcerated. As a result, there is little hope of a change.
Nigeria’s stagnation is not a new phenomenon. For years, it has been grappling with issues that have left it paralysed, unable to move forward or realise its full potential. The citizens’ sufferings are evident in every facet of life. Poverty is widespread, with a significant portion of the population living below the poverty line. The situation is so dire that many families cannot afford necessities, and hunger has become a daily reality for millions. The sight of children with swollen bellies and adults with emaciated bodies is not uncommon but not as projected by foreign media, especially the BBC. Yet, this is the reality that many Nigerians face every day.
The queues for fuel, a resource that Nigeria should have in abundance, are ever-growing. It is a cruel irony that in a country that is one of the world’s largest producers, citizens queue for hours, sometimes even days, to get a few litres of petrol. The unbearable effect of this on the cost of living is evident. The prices of goods and services are increasing at an alarming rate. Inflation has eroded the purchasing power of the average Nigerian, making it difficult for people to afford even the most basic of items. The frustration among the populace is real as they struggle to make ends meet in an economy that seems to be collapsing around them.
Unemployment is at an all-time high, with millions of able-bodied men and women unable to find jobs. The streets are filled with young people who have been rendered redundant by an economy that cannot accommodate them. These youths are disillusioned and disoriented, unable to see a future in a country that has failed them. They have lost hope in the system, and many have turned to crime and other vices as a means of survival. The brain drain (jakpa) is a consequence of the unemployment crisis, as some of the brightest minds in the country seek greener pastures abroad, leaving behind a country bereft of the talent it needs to thrive.
Insecurity is an issue. The country has become a hotbed of violence, with terrorist groups, bandits, and kidnappers operating with impunity. No part of the country is safe, and the citizens are always in fear. The police force, which should maintain law and order, is riddled with corruption. It has become an institution that is more interested in extorting money from the citizens than in protecting them. The corruption in the police force is so pervasive that it has eroded public trust in the institution. Many Nigerians now view the police as part of the problem rather than a solution.
The state of the naira, Nigeria’s currency, indicates the economic woes. The naira has lost so much value that it is now likened to toilet paper compared with other currencies. The devaluation of the naira has made imports prohibitively expensive, further exacerbating the cost of living crisis. The economy is in shambles, and the citizens bear the brunt of it.
The public hospitals, which should be places of healing, have become mere receptions for the dead. The healthcare system is in a deplorable state, with inadequate facilities, a lack of medical supplies, and poorly paid healthcare workers. The private health facilities are beyond the means of ordinary citizens, while public officials and the rich travel abroad for treatment. The irony is not lost on anyone that the same leaders who have failed to fix the healthcare system seek medical treatment outside the country.
Nigeria has become a laughing stock among other nations. Once regarded as the giant of Africa, the country is now seen as a place where nothing works. The nation’s resources are controlled by a few individuals who have amassed unimaginable wealth at the expense of the majority. These individuals have turned the country’s resources into personal property, enriching themselves and leaving the rest of the population impoverished. The gap between the rich and the poor has widened to an alarming extent, creating a societal division along economic lines.
The question remains: Who will tell Tinubu that he needs to do something drastic before Nigeria disappears? The reality is that very few people in positions of power are willing to speak the truth. They are more interested in maintaining the status quo, even if it means that the country continues to deteriorate. Many of those who should be advising Tinubu are more concerned with currying favour than with telling him the hard truths.
Yet, someone must do it. The situation in Nigeria is unsustainable, and the consequences of inaction will be catastrophic. The country is already on the brink, and if nothing is done to address the myriad of issues facing it, Nigeria could very well cease to exist as a unified entity. The signs are already there: increasing ethnic tensions, a growing divide between the rich and the poor, and a populace increasingly disillusioned with the government. If these issues are not addressed, and on time, by the Tinubu administration, the country could descend into chaos, with devastating consequences for the region and the world at large.
President Bola Tinubu must understand that the time for action is now. The citizens of Nigeria cannot continue to suffer while the political class lives in luxury. He must take bold and decisive steps to address the issues. This will require political will and a willingness to make difficult unpopular decisions. Tinubu must surround himself with people ready to tell him the truth, even when it is uncomfortable.
Nigeria is at a critical juncture in its history. The country is facing numerous challenges that, if not addressed, could lead to its disintegration. Tinubu needs to understand the gravity of the situation and the need for urgent action. This will require bold and decisive leadership and a willingness to listen to those willing to speak truth to power. The future of Nigeria depends on it.
Note: This is an opinion piece. You are free to hold an opinion, which may be different from mine.
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