Once upon a time (1983 to be precise) one pound was equivalent to one point two naira. Today, that same pound will give you three hundred and fourteen Naira...So what has happened over the past three decades?
The Dictator
Many relish Buhari as a harsh military dictator which is not an unfair statement, however, in 1983 the Nigerian economy was indeed far healthier than it is today. During Buhari's time in office, my parents often recall things that I could never imagine happening in Nigeria; the fact that people would queue in an orderly fashion at post offices, the price of peppers at local markets were the same with each vendor.The most significant thing I picked from their talks was the fear instilled in citizens. People were afraid to commit an offence. Then again the thought of soldiers coming along to beat them senseless would have deterred anyone. Imagine being thrown into prison without any thorough questioning, the appointment of a lawyer or trial.
Thirty years on we have progressed to the other end of extremity. We have gone from having a disciplinarian who ruled with an iron fist, to a nation with lenience as its middle name.
The Transition
Now let me say this, the sole reason I have not yet relocated is because of insecurity. That is not to say Lagos is not safe.As a geographer, there wouldn't be anything more fulfilling than exploring the diverse landscape that Nigeria has to offer, however if I want to fly to plateau or perhaps take a trip to Kaduna or cross river state, as a single woman travelling alone I cannot guarantee my safety.
Whilst working for the NNPC as a petroleum technician, my father recalls flying to multiple states in Nigeria for weekend excursions with Nigeria airways. Today this Airline ceases to exist. With regards to petroleum, I cannot find any logical sense in sending our own resource out of the country to be refined, only to send it back to ourselves?
The majority of Nigerians in diaspora emigrated due to poor infrastructure and insecurity. Over a number of years, the poverty in Nigeria perpetuated by inequality and poor governance has only polarized.
Try switching your refrigerator off intermittently for three hours each day. After a day or two, your fridge is empty because all perishable food items would have been disposed of...Imagine coming home from work, you want to have a warm shower but PHCN (formally known as NEPA national electric power authority) have 'taken light' and you don't have enough money to buy petrol for your generator, so it's either a cold shower or no shower...Imagine it's payday, only to find you haven't been paid. This event reoccurs the next month and the month after you only receive half of what you are due...Imagine being denied access to your own pension....These are the dilemmas faced by ordinary Nigerians on a daily basis.
I have not experienced this as a tourist but my experience teaching at a summer school two years ago was an eye-opener. I became an ordinary Lagosian, living and working in the midst of those who were trying to survive. The generator at my accommodation functioned with restrictions. Cold showers became the norm after a few days, if there was an issue with the water pump there were no showers. Thank God for baby wipes lol. With the humid weather, Lagos is the not the place you want to be without water, yet thousands if not millions of citizens do not have access to consistent water or electricity supply. What if the next person cannot afford deodorant? I have no choice but to endure his body odour as I sit next to him on the danfo bus. My facial expression would go all contorted.
For those voting on the basis of religion, please do not be an enemy of progress, you now have an extra six weeks to make your decision. Nigeria has fallen far below international standards.
I recently asked my pupils to draw a brainstorm with Nigeria as the topic theme; the top three responses were; 419, village, and corruption. I often ask myself how close this image comes to the reality?
There are millions of hardworking Nigerians worldwide, nevertheless, the truth is that corruption is rampant to the extent that it has become the norm. It's acceptable, this is why citizens are able to commit all manners of atrocities and walk away scot-free, as long as you have your cash to keep people quiet you are above the law. Where is the democracy in that?
We need a zero tolerance policy. we need a team of competent enthusiasts, we need a government that work in the interests of ordinary Nigerians, not the 1% elite at the top, ensuring they get richer at the expense of the masses.
I shall round this off with a few questions; Why do Nigerians go to the UK, USA and India for healthcare treatment? Why do the affluent send their children to universities in the west? Why do they go to Paris or London for shopping? Can all these things not be done in our country?
Please vote wisely.
Thanks for reading
