Let Nigerians Breathe

Nigerians stand at a crossroads, uncertain whether progress or regression awaits. The situation resembles the psychological phenomenon known as anomie, which emerges when individuals are uncertain about their direction. This issue began when President Bola Tinubu, accompanied by his friend, Chief Bisi Akande, arrived at Eagle Square in Abuja.

Admitting he faced a mental block, Tinubu announced the removal of petroleum subsidies—an unexpected move that sparked mixed reactions. Supporters celebrated, while detractors questioned the wisdom of the decision. The true impact of this subsidy removal on the average Nigerian's living standards remains to be seen. Renowned Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka recently voiced his inability to maintain his two cars due to soaring petrol costs, highlighting the hardship many face.

Nigeria's governance appears stalled, with resources diverted towards the upcoming 2027 elections. Politicians are urged to consider the consequences of their actions and consider the potential pitfalls of their pursuits. The adage from the Holy Book applies: one must be prepared to reap what they sow. It's inappropriate to criticize the deceased; however, the legacy of late General Muhammadu Buhari, whose eight years in power are often viewed as wasted, is a topic of debate.

Should miraculous events transpire, Colonel Tunde Idiagbon's reinstatement would be a welcome change. Nonetheless, we cannot defy the laws of nature. Politicians entice the electorate with hollow promises, often speaking nonsense to a largely uneducated populace. Former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan wisely reminds us that there is no provision for a free oxygen supply.

In recent weeks, Abuja's brand-new capital was inundated with roads lacking proper drainages, leading to unbearable stenches and prompting some residents to leave the city. Those responsible for the poor planning should face justice. In the former Soviet Union, officials—even posthumously—would be exhumed, tried, and publicly executed if found guilty, serving as a deterrent to their contemporaries.

The majority of Nigerians' challenges stem from a scarcity of honest individuals willing to confront power. As a closing thought, I recall the words of the esteemed minstrel Israel Nwoba: "Many days are for a thief, one day for the owner of the house."