By Tife Owolabi
Just as the world is divided between the North and South, this division isn’t only geographical but also economic and political, especially ideological. So is Nigeria partitioned along the North and the South among other partitions which come up during elections or public discourse. As such, the statement, “The oppressor is ever happy to see the oppressed un-united because if they are, that will mean an end to the oppressor’s reign in power”, resonates deeply in today’s Nigeria. The recent #Endbadgovernanceprotest is a stark example of how different regions, despite their discordant tones, share a common plight – unbearable living conditions. The poverty gap is widening, and people are falling into the poverty net, exacerbated by a regime that boasts of technical know-how but delivers nothing. There isn’t connectivity as politics and other identities and sentiments crept tweaking the whole protest.
The #Endbadgovernanceprotests have also exposed the stark socioeconomic disparities and regional dynamics between the North and South of Nigeria. The protests highlighted the fact that the challenges facing the country are not uniform; they vary significantly from one region to another. While the South has seen relatively more economic development, the North remains mired in poverty, underdevelopment, and insecurity. This disparity is a ticking time bomb, and if left unaddressed, it could lead to even greater unrest in the future, according to Dr. Dakuku Peterside.
Once again, the protests showed another level of oneness as Nigerians cried for change given the widespread hunger, and economic crisis coupled with alleged mismanagement of scarce resources but there wasn’t connectivity among the whole regions of the North and the South.
Ask yourself, when last did you hear someone say “I am BATifed, Atikuifed, or Obidentied?” These once-vibrant slogans have given way to a more pressing reality – hunger. The common denominator among Nigerians is not political allegiance but the pangs of hunger that gnaw at every household.
Prices are skyrocketing, purchasing power is dwindling, and the once-mighty Naira is now a mere shadow of its former self. The people are suffering and the oppressors are reaping the benefits. They purchase luxury items like Airbus with taxpayers’ money while the people struggle to make ends meet.
The regime’s actions are a stark reminder that their interests lie not with the people but with their selfish desires. As the oppressed, it is essential to recognise that our collective inaction is, in itself, an action that pleases the usurper. By remaining divided and silent, we perpetuate the cycle of oppression.
It is time for us to unite, to see clearly, and to acknowledge that our collective action is the only force capable of bringing about change. Let us embark on a scholarly voyage to understand the dynamics of oppression and the power of unity. Let us draw inspiration from the likes of Frantz Fanon, who said, “The oppressed will never be free until they have destroyed their oppressors.” Let us remember that unity is not about uniformity; it’s about recognising our shared humanity and our common struggles. It’s about acknowledging that our diversity is a strength, not a weakness. Let us unite, not just against the oppressor, but for a cause greater than ourselves – a cause of justice, equality, and freedom.
But the current reality in today’s Nigeria is “Zero Peace, Zero Turmoil”, suggesting a state of complete instability and chaos where there is neither peace nor a sense of calm, but also not enough turmoil or unrest to bring about change.
In this context, “zero peace” implies a lack of stability, security, and tranquillity, while “zero turmoil” suggests a lack of intense conflict, uprising, or significant events that could lead to change.
Together, the phrase “zero peace, zero turmoil” describes a state of stagnation, where things are not getting better or worse, but rather remain in a state of limbo, with no clear direction or resolution.
Nigeria, a country with immense potential, has found itself in a state of complete instability and chaos, where there is neither peace nor a sense of calm, but also not enough turmoil or unrest to bring about change. The current situation can be aptly described as “Zero Peace, Zero Turmoil”.
The rising cost of food items, inflation, and the falling value of the naira have pushed millions of Nigerians into poverty, leaving them struggling to make ends meet. The once-mighty Naira now buys mere fractions of what it could purchase just a few years ago, leaving the masses in a state of desperation.
Insecurity has become a way of life, with kidnappings, banditry, and terrorism rampant across the country. The government’s inability to protect its citizens has led to a sense of hopelessness and despair.
The mismanagement of the country’s resources by both federal and state governments has resulted in a lack of infrastructure, healthcare, and education. The few who are fortunate enough to have jobs struggle to make ends meet, while the majority are left to fend for themselves.
Despite these challenges, there is a sense of numbness and acceptance among the populace. The protests and agitations that once characterised Nigerian society have given way to a sense of resignation and hopelessness.
This is Nigeria’s state of Zero Peace, Zero Turmoil – a nation stuck in a rut, where neither peace nor turmoil can bring about the desired change. The government seems out of touch with the people’s suffering, and the people have lost faith in the system.
To break this cycle, Nigerians must come together and demand change. The government must be held accountable for its actions, and the people must be empowered to take control of their destiny. Only then can Nigeria move beyond its current state of Zero Peace, Zero Turmoil and towards a brighter future.
As I conclude, let me remind us in the words of Nelson Mandela, “Unity is strength. Together we can achieve great things.” Let us seize this moment, this chance to rewrite our history, to reclaim our dignity, and to build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.
The oppressor may try to silence us, to divide us, and to maintain their grip on power. But we, the oppressed, have the power to unite, to resist, and to overcome. Let us rise, let us unite, and let us take back our rightful place as the masters of our destiny.
*** written by Tife Owolabi
