SLEEPING GIANTS

hi peeps,
i've missed you. sorry for my silence, my cutie pie just turned three months old and i'm still trying to find my rhythm so i can give you something fresh.

i wrote this piece years ago for my facebook notes but since the passion behind my plea still rings true, i decided to share it with all of you.


SLEEPING GIANTS

The average Nigerian is not blind to the happenings in its politics. It may seem that from his care-free approach to enjoy life considering the poverty of his surroundings that he is; but I bet even the bike man on the street can say he is aware of the empty promises made by ‘Government’ to ‘the People’ under the guise of economic development.

Take for instance, the deals the Federal Government keeps making with neighbouring African States (e.g. Senegal in 2009) which seem more to their economic benefit than ours while it endangers our growth. They use words like ‘it is necessary for bi-lateral relations’ but how do such friendly terms at the expense of the suffering Nigerian masses make any sense? Too many people live ‘the good life’ and forget that there are some who are not so fortunate. Some state governors like Babatunde Fashola of Lagos state have shown that each state can function independently under the federation of Nigeria but how many others are taking a cue?

We talk too much in this country, but very few people saying the truth are heard. Action speaks louder than words, back your promises with corresponding actions not cause and effect scenarios. A classic example was the reduction in the taxation rates and the cause effect of Governors asking for a reduction in oil subsidy so they can keep up with the financial budget cut. If you want to improve the country then start by honestly evaluating the motives behind the policies being implemented.

The Nigerian people are tired of hearsays, we want action. That’s why we elected politicians we believed in into power. Our politicians should focus on alleviating our plight and forget about enriching themselves and helping other neighbouring countries while our manufacturing sector remains dead. You can’t give what you don’t have. Establish non-interest banking, not Islamic banking whose terms and conditions for investing are religious. Solve our electricity and security crisis rather than worrying about how much oil we need to import and where. If the people are empowered, we will sustain the nation. I sincerely hope we are preparing for what is to come because the entertainment industry will not feed us, so let’s more invest in agriculture.

I appreciate the efforts of the current dispensation under Goodluck Ebele Jonathan but this is a word of caution to ALL politicians both the elected and the party rulers. This is my grudge, this is my solution... what’s yours?