It is often said that the events in Nigeria are like a comedy show. The performers are the politicians while the citizens are the members of the audience. I honestly could not agree more.
If you are an avid follower of the Nigerian political scene you will know the event that inspired the title of this piece. For those that are unaware, it was the words of the Chair of the House of Representatives Committee that presided over the public hearing aimed at discovering the expenditures of the NDDC in the last four months.
It is believed that over 80 billion dollars was spent in just four months. In the middle of the hearing, Godswill Akpabio, the “Honourable” Minister said majority of the NDDC contracts are of benefit to the members of the National Assembly. Shocking right?
Unfortunately, it is not in this part of the world. It is just another scene in our never ending comedy special. The chair of the committee in swift and immediate action interrupted Akpabio by saying the famous words, “Issokay Honourable Minister” while pounding the gravel with much intensity.
Another member of the committee tried probe further and the Chair, having none of it, started making very obvious signals to both parties to end the discussion. He even went ahead to tell Akpabio to “off his mic” . Trust me, grammatical incorrectness of the statement was not the worst part.
At the end of the hearing he thanked the Minister for finding time to meet them for this “interactive session”Femi Gbajabiamila was far from happy about the comment. He gave Akpabio a 48-hour ultimatum to release the list of representatives who are beneficiaries of the contracts of NDDC, and is even initiating “legal steps” against Akpabio for Criminal Defamation and Perjury.
These proceedings may end if interest align in the nearest future. Nothing will happen to anybody because Akpabio is now a party man. Quoting the profound Dele Farotimi, “Do not die in their war! Find your own war and fight” These politicians get away with everything because they are on the same team, their interests will always align.
They are a conglomeration of part time friends and enemies; this is because the label of friend and foe is temporal. Their only interest is in exploiting the natural and human resources which forms the bedrock and the very existence of this nation (probably need an entire new piece to explain that).
The people of Nigeria sit in the audience as spectators, like the thousands of people sit in arenas watching Dave Chappelle’s comedy specials.
Unfortunately, in the case of Nigeria, nobody is amused. We are not getting our vote’s worth. We sit in oppression as we have no other choice. The performers have weaponized poverty, insecurity, police, institutions against the audience and have inherited a system of exploitation and oppression.
The Public hearing was a well scripted comedy show and was performed excellently by various acts. Prof. Pondei and his collapse joined the list of other talented actors in the Nigerian Political scene which includes the likes Ayo Fayose, Dino Melaye aka SDM and Olisa Metuh. Falake and Chris Ngige were also part of the show.
Both senior citizens arguing on who is a Mushin or VI boy and how their failures at general elections. Imagine two Grandfathers fighting like two teenage boys during breaktime on National Television.
For how long will this continue? How long will they continue to deceive us to our own detriment? Our mics have been switched off so when we cannot be heard in the large arena. In the grand scheme of things, it is just a whisper.
When you find a way to finally get your voice heard, they arrest you and make you a subject of their act like they did to Yele Sowore, Agba Jalingo and many other people before them. These so-called leaders and political elites need to understand their show is at its end, Our mumu don do. In Nigeria, all our great minds are leaving us in their thousands, soon to be millions especially our medical personnel.
Today’s reality everyone has at least one relative that has left the country or is planning to leave the country for greener pastures. Even though they are going the will be silent and have no say in the grand scheme of things, at least they will have a better quality of life. Who can really blame them? If every Nigeria demands for accountability and change of the status quo and we all work towards it. I know the oppressors will have no choice but to stop their stupid jokes and finally do what is expected of them. It will take a consistent and purposeful effort but with time there will be a change of fortunes.
If every Nigerian finds an area of interest from Public Health, Transportation, Economy, Entertainment, Infrastructure, Foreign policy and advocates for reform, so much progress can be made.
We need the right people in power to set an example for future leaders, our institutions will be stronger, so we can have a structure that works well for us. The mic should be passed down to every Nigerian to make their voices heard.
There is no much room for regression in this country. The only choice we have now to make this country better for everyone.
The question left unanswered is, Are we ready?
