#ENDSARS: Make it make sense!
Today, the 20th of October 2020, I put pen to paper to express the sadness and disappointment I feel towards my country Nigeria. The last time I wrote something was over 2 years ago when the “ingenious snake swallowed $36 million”, and now things have degenerated to killing innocent Nigerians??
In 2001/2002, just after graduating from secondary school, a classmate of mine, Namo, was shot and killed by Nigerian policemen alongside his friend. Since then, every time I get to a police checkpoint in Nigeria, my heart beats faster because I remember Namo. Especially when I see those ones with the bloodshot eyes that you know must have puffed something. I still suffer PTSD over a death that I did not even witness, because I realised at that age, that the people who swore an oath to protect us are the same ones who kill us.
Namo did not have to die…
Ifeoma Abugu did not have to die…
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Jimoh Isiaq and all the others did not have to die…
None of the peaceful protesters shot at the Lekki toll gate tonight deserved to die or be shot at!
Which way Nigeria? How did things get so bad? How is the solution to a protest to retain our right to live, taking away the same lives fighting to live? Please make it make sense!
While watching DJ switch’s live video today, my daughter and I kept reciting the ‘Prayer for Nigeria in Distress”. It’s a Catholic prayer that was introduced by the Catholic bishops in 1993, 27 years later, that prayer still remains relevant. This is not the Nigeria we were promised. This is not democracy!!
I have no call to action for this piece, all I feel is deep pain! Pain and fear for the rest of my family and friends and loved ones in Nigeria. I will keep praying, I will keep lending my voice until something is done for the future of Nigeria, and our kids are promised a better place. As I sign off, I leave you with a video of what I call the unofficial Nigerian anthem — Great Nation by Timi Dakolo. Nigeria is and will always still be a great nation.
God bless Nigeria!
