Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
Odyssey and Iliad, two of Homer’s great works from the eighth century BC, recount exciting tales of a renowned warrior, Odysseus whose moral character equals his prowess in combat, and of a valiant man who battled gods, monsters, storms, sirens, and men to return home to his kid and lovely wife. This natural phenomenon or legend creates a sensory awareness of the heroic role of the Nigerian youths in the just concluded elections, tagged – “Nigeria Decides 2023”.
The Nigerian youths have expressed exceptional abilities; battled against significant obstacles and hostilities in the quest for truth and ethical political leaders. Regardless of the gods, monsters, storms and sirens of the ever dreaded political lords; the youths have shown through their valiant and clever approach that Nigeria is our home and we must make our home a better place for peaceful co-existence. The holistic and general appetite for a new Nigeria amongst the youths was fueled by the EndSARS protest and the emergence of the OBI-DATTI movement under the umbrella of the Labour Party. This movement has inaugurated an era of political revolution; a ceaseless and restless pursuit for good governance and the reclaiming of our country from the hands of the political bourgeoisie.
Following the narrative of Homer; at the excellence of Odysseus, Poseidon’s fury caused a violent storm to rage; Hephaestus’ anger caused a volcano to erupt and destroy a community; and Demeter’s delight provoked indepth vibration that made the spring to bloom abundantly. Similarly, the excellence of the patriotic character of the youths in the just concluded elections made purposeful Nigerians glad, but provoked the gods of the political world to unleash their vindictive arsenals on the masses by rigging and violence.
In addition, the injuries done were so severe because the well-tempered umpire became the reason for the quagmire. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, like never before failed many Nigerians by violating the new electoral rules that kept Nigerians hopeful. It is no news that Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and his team of National Commissioners compromised the results of the February 25 presidential election by deliberately refusing to upload the results at the Polling Units from the BVAS to the iREV. The European Union Election Observation Mission to Nigeria clearly captured this and lambasted INEC in a report for their lack of efficiency and transparency during critical stages of the electoral process.
With greater reasons, it has become visible to the blind and audible to the deaf that these lords in their chambers distort the polity and our politics for selfish desires. Their cry for the poor was sensitive enough, but it was all about their egomaniac behaviour. And so, the agenda of reducing the money in circulation was sacrificed on the altar of greed and corruption. Wears, food, and money were still shared to avert voters’ interest. Suddenly, the scarce currency took over the pockets of many salivating individuals. Today we are back to our old naria notes; we were simply tossed and turned yet no good sleep. The Darwinian theory of the survival of the fittest plays out in the corridors of many banks. Our leaders rock and roll with anarchy, and regrettably, inasmuch as these artists are still on stage, bribery and corruption will remain on every page.
Nevertheless, we shall not give up! The hope of this nation remains the heroes of this experience. The youths who despite all odds came out en masse to exercise their franchise are our pride; they are the wounded healers and Efidi Jennifer has become the flag bearer in this regard. Like Odysseus she was not silenced by the violent storms of the gods; the vocalno that errupted her pulling unit did not end her passionate desire for a new Nigeria. Therefore, we are further challenged not to revenge violently but to uninstall these evil leaders through persistent political consciousness and willfulness.
The Nigerian youths are now a powerful force in the struggle against bribery, corruption, tribalism, religious bigotry, and political party supremacy or control. It is admirable that they were able to recognize the deceptive strategies used by candidates competing for regional dominance. What was termed “structureless” became the most dreaded structure; the OBI-DATTI movement that was mocked as a function of ‘four persons tweeting in a room’ became the winner of the major cities in Nigeria. These youths are not lazy; they are powerful not only online but predominantly on land. Furthermore, strongly commended are the citizens who teamed up with the youths to guarantee the reign of moral political leaders. These included some well-known figures in business, sports, the arts, mosque and the church. A significant number of the Nigerian youths were persuaded by their fervent actions and support to work towards a better Nigeria. These citizens, home and abroad are again heroes in the just concluded elections.
As the legal disputes are ongoing, we are advised not to concede to the malicious defeat of the political lords even though we are driven to our wit’s end. If this will mean biting the bullet then we shall remain brave until the mandate is restored to it’s lawful and loveful owner. The voice of the youths cannot be silenced any longer. “The Man Died” by Wole Soyinka (1972) teaches us that remaining silent in the face of oppression is self-annihilation, hence the time for silence has passed. In a speech he delivered in 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said that ” In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” Not only did this silence support racism, discrimination, oppression, and violence against African Americans during Dr. King’s lifetime, but it still supports these same injustices today. By implication, the sudden appeal for reconciliation or healing only drives good citizens up to the wall. There can’t be healing or peace where there is no justice. The graveyard is peaceful because all the habitants are dead. We are not dead and so we must work all the harder for justice to flourish. Therefore, all eyes are on the Judiciary for a just and firm judgement. It is righteousness that exalts a nation not sin.
While we continue to applaud the youths for their heroic character; we however regret the manifestation and manipulations of some bad eggs. Some youths still submitted themselves as slaves and thugs to political masters, some offered their lives not as martyrs but as Judas’; they sold their votes and consciences for a penny. Regardless of these bad eggs, their masters and their potentials, let us not give up in our desire to make Nigeria a better place. This heroic display should not be momentary but in perpetuity and not only in politics but also in other areas of our lives. Let us end our silence, raise our voices and say that we will not allow bad governance to continue.
