STRIKER: A Year Calling For Deep Understanding

After Independence in 1960, there was just 6 years of civil rule after which the military struck and stayed till 1979, for 13 years, before return to democratic rule. Thereafter, it was less than 5 years into that 2nd Republic before they struck again and stayed from 1984 till 1999. Military rule in its detailed realities (especially military rule of the Nigeria type) can only be classified as a crime against humanity.

Accordingly, we’ve really not had it good as per the organisation and running of human society in the best interest of citizens since almost immediately after an Independence that snowballed into Civil War. The unbroken civil rule from 1999 to 2025 is, by popular opinion, another unending lesson in government-against-the-people: 16 years of PDP, 8 Years of Buhari (APC) and over 1 year of Tinubu (APC) currently promising Renewed Hope but delivering the worst cost of living crises in the history of Nigeria so far: with no solutions in sight (to those who are not blinded by partisanship) either to the welfare or security of citizens – which is the fundamental objectives and directives principle of state/government. Naysayers and partisan fanatics can bury their heads in the sands and continue with strident propaganda but the realities of the countries are inescapable and speak for themselves!

Those dismal national realities make the topic of this piece all important. We are so agonised and divided by the painful realities as a majority that we often do not have the patience and presence of mind to even find out WHAT REALLY is the problem of Nigeria that makes it a country of continuous suffering for the majority of its people from as far back as anyone can remember? The so called “good old days” only now look “good” because things keep getting worse as we move on! Why? Is it really the fault of any President of any Governor or members of Parliament? Is it beyond them? Are they willing or unwilling agents for others, and not agents for Nigeria’s development? What needs to change to redeem the country? Is it just the handlers or the operating system? What operating system and type of handlers are needed and how do we get them?

It is a year that calls for deep, critical thinking and redemptive actions because as it stands today, we are even at quarter to a nuclear war that we know nothing about, are less concerned about, but a war that nevertheless simply wipe us away with the rest of mankind except God and the concerted efforts of men and women of goodwill globally checkmate the ongoing sinister developments. Interestingly, the war, in the final analysis, is simply about whom amongst the warriors controls the vast resources of Nigeria, Africa and Latin America essentially.

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Saddest reality is that the majority of citizens are simply not even aware of what is going on around them and how their tribulations have origin in global contest for their God-given resources; and how their governments are fostered on them accordingly and can hardly ever be in their best interest. We are so narrow-minded in thought and therefore in orientation and actions.

Accordingly, we cannot see beyond the wall right in front of us: either it is Hausa, Fulani, Igbo (the minorities will say it is about all of them); or it is Christians, Muslims, or Infidels. We are contented with shallow and selfish interpretation of vast realities, for whatever vain material or psychological gains, and that makes those who are agents of world powers that are quarrelling among themselves to be the despots-in-charge happy because we have queued ingloriously as they liked.

That way, it will never occur to us that they are all the same willing tools in the hands of those who are responsible for our enslavement and colonisation in the past, and that the grand design today as always is to find “leaders” for us who will continue that colonisation indirectly till time without end.

Our narrow-mindedness must begin to end this year, by God’s Grace, as we forget ethnic and religious divides and face the unpatriotic forces. It will take time for substantial shift in mentality especially with a schooling system that is far from being truly educative or character-building and politics that is not inspired by service to the people but is for stealing by the smartest gangs; with every gang doing everything necessary to be in charge of the oil money and national resources. It is time to think deeply, thoroughly and to act patriotically with loyalty only to the nation and our unborn generation. Let it begin with each of us this very year.

The opinions expressed in this publication are solely those of the author. It does not represent the editorial position or opinion of OSUN DEFENDER.