For most of us reading this blog, we are able to
advocate for ourselves. We are able to
provide a quality life for ourselves. We are able to maintain income to live
within a general area of comfort. This is unfortunately not the case for much
of society in Nigeria. In Nigeria the "have's" work to not only
support a quality standard of life for themselves, they also work to ensure
that the "have not's" stay in their place.
Many of the "have not's" are our friends,
cousins, brothers, sisters, and even our parents. Some "have not's"
may even comprise some of our readership. It is our responsibility to advocate
for those that are not able to advocate for themselves. We need to give a voice
to the "have not's." It is unacceptable for individuals to be treated
with disregard for human life. It is time to end the genocide and abuse that
exists in Nigeria. We are here to give a voice to the voiceless and to be
advocates for those that are unable to advocate for themselves.
You may be asking how can I be an advocate for my
fellow Nigerians. We must elect individuals to our government that are going to
make decisions based upon what's right, rather than based upon who is lining
their pockets. We must place individuals in power that are not afraid to
challenge the status quo, that are not afraid to stand up and say this
treatment and oppression will no longer be tolerated.
While this may seem like a daunting task, I assure
you, it is highly attainable. As a united front we can put the individuals in
power that will make for a better tomorrow in Nigeria, that will instill hope
and assurance in our young people, and that will make decisions based upon what
is right, because that is simply the right thing to do!
This work will by no means be easy or be popular. We
will be bullied and intimidated by the haves. Anytime you take away power from
those that have it (whether they should have it or not) it is all out war. We
will be dumping gasoline onto an already vibrant fire. While the process will
be daunting and some may not rise to the challenge, we cannot afford to wait.
We must step up on behalf of the have not's and make a better life for all.
It is easy to talk about, write about or lecture
about the change that is needed. What is truly needed is a total
transformation. Nigeria needs to be re-structured from the top to the bottom.
This will take bold actions by those that are in power. It is essential that we
step up to seek governmental positions. Once in those positions, we must
tirelessly work to transform Nigeria. It is essential that there are no “sacred
cows.” Everything must be analyzed. In a time of re-structuring and re-building
chaos may ensue. Trust that this is an essential part of the process. Trust
that it will get better. Most importantly trust that transformation must happen.
The future of Nigeria lies in the hands of the change makers. While we did not
create the corruption and problems that exist in Nigeria…if we sit back and
continue to do nothing, the problems will still exist in 10, 15, 20 years and
then it will absolutely be our fault. We sat back, we watched it happen, and we
agreed to allow the status quo to be perpetuated. This behavior is
unacceptable. Nothing will change without our actions!
