by Ogunjimi James Taiwo
“Nothing is more liberating than to fight for a cause larger than yourself; something that encompasses you, but is not defined by your existence alone” – John McCain
So many people have come to equate June 12 with MKO. Yes, they are right to do that. But the truth is that June 12 isn’t only about MKO. It is a yearly reminder of the fact that the will of Nigerians was once rejected and the messiah slain. It’s a time to remember our history, our struggles, our unifications, our collectively-waged freedom fights, and the BOND WE ONCE SHARED.
Rejection of the people’s will didn’t just start today; it is an age-long thing. The disheartening thing however is that despite the fact that we have had more than a decade of hard-taught lessons, Nigerians are yet to understand.
We are yet to understand the simple truth that regardless of ethnic, religious or political differences, WE ARE ONE. We are yet to understand that irrespective of the security challenges facing us today, WE ARE ONE. We are yet to understand that despite our educational upbringing, the chord that binds us is still strong.
Yes, we forget so easily.
We have forgotten that oppression doesn’t recognize clan, tribe, religion or educational standing. We have forgotten that the dark prisons that housed our heroes who kicked against the then oppressors didn’t recognize tribes or tongues. We have forgotten that the bullet that cut down our heroes didn’t seperate Northerner from Southerner. We have forgotten that the homes that were deprived of their breadwinners weren’t just from one zone.
If there is one thing we should never lose sight of, it is the fact that WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY TOGETHER.
The labour of our heroes is being rendered useless. The unity that our fathers sacrificed their lives for is about to be sacrificed on the altar of power-play.
June 12 shouldn’t just be a day when we organize democracy walks, it’s a day for us to remember our history, our oppressors and to chart a way forward.
We should never stop calling for better conditions of life. We should demand for a total withdrawal of the evil people who have hand in setting back our nascent democracy from our politics.
Above all, let us be the change we want to see. Let us always remember that power belongs to the people and it is within us to give power to whoever we want, and if he fails, we have the power to kick him out.
Enough of mumbling and grumbling in the corners of our rooms. Enough of suffering and smiling. Enough of “God understand”. Enough of seeking false hope and assurance from religious houses. Enough is enough.
Where Nigeria will stand in the next 10 years depends on what actions the aggrieved citizenry are willing to take. Whether or not our corruption level will reduce depends on our actions today. Whether or not our children will still ply the roads that were constructed 30 years ago depends on our actions today.
If we say we are in a democratic setting, let’s really see it. Let us collectively demand that all acts of partially-millitary-partially-democratic rule be jettisoned. Let’s step up our plans and let’s reclaim our country from the looters.
Happy Democracy Day!
Ogunjimi James Taiwo 08134319591 hullerj@yahoo.com
