Many have attributed the rise in the spate of insecurity in
the country where pump action gun is perhaps now cheaper than bread, to the
massive social economic slide of the as a result of the embrace of neo-liberal
policies, ushered in by the Washington consensus of the mid 80s, which
severally attacked living condition s of the people almost rendering them
prostrate.
As a result of this thousands of our youth were unable to
find jobs. This is compounded by the closure of many firms and the relocation
of many others to Ghana, Angola and Cote d’Ivoire where the business
climate is more clement.
Living indices in Africa’s
largest country and the world’s eight largest producer of oil is appalling. We
have made more than 600 billion dollars in the 50 years of oil production
without any appreciable improvement in the living standard of the people. This
amount is more than the British aid to sub-Sahara Africa.
The UN Human development report released annually has
underscored the level of poverty in Nigeria saying more than 70 per
cent of the population lives below one dollar a day while life expectancy has
slipped to 43 years.
The indices for child and maternal, is abysmal while girl
child education remains farfetched. Meeting the goal of the millennium
development goal (MDGs) in 2015 remains a mirage.
Socio infrastructural like roads, schools, hospitals and
other amenities became comatose. Living condition virtually degenerated to the
Hobbesian state of nature throwing many to the streets.
The attempt by the neglected and socially deprived to take
back its pound of flesh on society is what is playing out in robbery,
kidnapping, terrorism etc. We therefore face imminent collective hara-kin if we
continue to play with what is likely to consume the country.
The level of insecurity is also related to the prevailing
large number of small arms in the West Africa sub region in the hand of non
state actors, with many finding its way into Nigeria from previous war torn
area like, Liberia, Sierria Leone,
Guinea and Cote d’ Ivoire.
Lawlessness
The level of lawlessness can be gleaned from the way many
gangs are springing up to vigorously challenge the state and its security
apparati.
Our inability to contain these insurgents will likely
reinforce the demands of others. It is worrying whether we are not setting the
stage for a country like Somalis which is riled by myriads of warlords.
The rise in kidnapping and the payment of ransomed also
reinforce the level of lawlessness. No one is safe anymore.
Unbridled Corruption
The level of corruption and the impunity in which many
public officials now indulge in it stares us in the face. We have graduated
from stealing in millions to billionaire thieves.
There’s total disconnect between the wealth of the nation
and the putrid living standard of the citizenry. For instance, a total sum of
N16.44 trillion was shared among three layers of government, Between 1999 -2007 with nothing significant to show
for it.
Much of it ended up in fat foreign accounts of many
government officials. Our yearly budget is said to be long on figures but very
short on delivery. Much of the national budget is deployed to service shadowy
oil subsidy.
From pension scandal to the National Assembly whose members
earn the highest salary in the world by public officials for doing nothing, we
are completely thrown up new role models.
Jankara Judgment
From one amusing judgment after another, the judiciary which
ordinarily should be the last hope of the common man is now also entrapped in a
game of musical chairs, making mockery of our criminal justice system. This is
hardly inspiring.
Any one with big bucks is likely to get a judgment which
amount to mere tap on the wrist no matter is offence. The billionaire thieves
buy their freedom while the petty thieves who can not pay, face harsh penalty.
Even when we manage to convict a fraction, they live like Colombia’s
Pasco Escobar in prison. They are hosted to lavish thanksgiving and parties
after their jail term. Their trial is usually a show as supporters are clad in
different aso ebi each time they appear in court.
What a paradox? It is only those who steal goats, chicken
and pencils that face the guillotine in Nigeria. Those who steal in billion
not only walk freely but are protected
By state funded security personnel.
At present the nation seats on a time bomb as a result of
insurgency in the north which the security agencies have been unable to quell.
We must resolve the Boko Haram insurgency through a carrot and sticks approach
in order to ensure it does not engulf the country.
Like a festering sore, it is capable of spreading to all
part of the country if not properly handled. By playing ostrich we seem to be
making the idea of taking up arms more attractive to our citizens.
Conclusion
We need to urgently brace up with our investigation and
prosecution of culprits of all the unresolved murders.
Government across the country must brace up to provide jobs
to our teeming number of unemployed youth. We must create an enabling
environment for our industry to thrive so that they can provide jobs and
further stimulate the economy.
We need to urgently tackle corruption which is virtually
destroying the social fabric of our society and bring culprits to book so as
not to make it attractive.
We must eschew the rise of Jankara judgment oozing out from
our courts. Because once the judiciary fails, the road to Liberia or Somalia is here. We must prevent
our citizens from resorting to self help and
embracing anarchy.
Change Agents In An Emerging Democratic Process (1)
embracing anarchy.
Change Agents In An Emerging Democratic Process (1)
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