Dead Men Walking [Guest Post]

“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

I remember walking along a footpath with two friends in Ijebu – Igbo, Ogun state when we noticed a hole in the ground and curiously I asked my friends to join me in fishing out whatever must be hiding in it. My friends who did not share my curiosity paid me no heed and said they didn’t want to get biting by a snake, they would rather pass peacefully without disturbing what ever animal had found solace in the hole.

That experience stays fresh in my memory because it stirred in me thoughts about the lazy Nigerian, who in fear of death or suffering has refused to challenge the status quo and demand good governance from his leaders. Only a few have resolved to become agents of change while defying the corrupt tendencies of our Nation’s leaders. I am however glad that few youths are part of the ranks.

What is worth living in a life filled with fear, uncertainty, public negligence, lack of good education and insecurity? Let’s no deceive ourselves, we are dead men walking.

Call Nigerians names like “Lazy african scum” or “scary cat” that however, would not rouse them from their laid back posture towards government activities. All you keep hearing is “you wan die, life sweet o”.  Later on when there is a power failure or they witness one of many factors that still makes Nigeria a 3rd world country, they sit in their houses and rain curses on government officials. Little wonder it is rumoured that our government officials visit the shrines of local priests for rituals that would help ward off curses and evil which their fellow country men in frustration have cast upon them.

In the words of Henry David Thoreau, “You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one.” We cannot keep dreaming of a Nigeria where everything works and life is beautiful, we must take off our jackets, roll our sleeves and get busy forging the Nigeria of our dreams.

The monies meant for national development are being squandered by politicians and their croonies. They have filled banks with money, bought properties and still have an excess of 2 billion naira which they hide under their beds. Yet we continue to live like nothing happens, in the words of Fela, we keep suffering and smiling.

If only we could find 25 Million youths, who are ready to become active agents of change. We would change our country in a short time.

19 COMMENTS

  1. Its no surprise that a lot of us accept Nigeria the way we see it. However, it is very annoying and heart breaking that we can not do anything to change our situation. Everybody wants good life but don’t want to work hard to achieve it (no body wants to die,but everybody wants to go to heaven). If there’s any avenue that can lead us to that change we want or deserve,I am ready to be part of it.

  2. Good talk by Samson Daniel. Dead men walking. 2million youths to start the revolution is good.
    Now, you have the vision stir it up and others ‘ll certainly join you. It takes one man to create something. Create d awareness d more; call for meetings; create a coupon where interested youths ‘ll sign up indicating their interest and u ‘re on the move. Will ‘re in support of ur idea. Cheers.

  3. Indeed we nigerians are living in worldly hell.A country with an absolute unproductive population dreaming of becoming one of the word’s best economies by the year 20-20-20 without a head start and a zero effort.The rich country has left its masses with nothing to be proud of.What a pity!

  4. think we can form a group that’ll be tag “street government”. present our case well non violence manner and start sweeping these streets we own, cos believe the youth with strength and vigour will be determined to find out what’s in every open hole without fear of any snake bite, lets wake up brothers and save our nation from ruin.

  5. Nice article in there, we really need to take the bull by it horn, so unfortunate that this country that is blessed by God Almighty with different resources is going thru hardship by approx. 95% of her citizens. Must we continue in sin that His grace will abound, is it until He takes the blessings from us that we will know how…. God forbid. Please let us team up 2gether for that change I’m ready to be part of it. Hala me and I’ll be there. God bless this country Nigeria. 4rm Bush

  6. U make a good and brilliant observation.. It’s just exactly the same thing i discused with a friend this morning. I’m so glad at this article and i think no time is better than now. We the youth is the country itself, and the future depends much on us. We realy need to change ourselves and make a positive reflection of it in the larger society… And for me, i’m on the move already…

  7. I fill inspired and challenged at the same time with this article, i used to think that am the only one that realy feels the mess we are in, in this country Nigeria. I have already decided that what is right in the eyes of God will be my command no matter how difficult or even easy it might look. let everyone who have read this article take a wise step by changing their ownself, b4 they start thinking of changing this country. Thank U and God bless Nigeria.

  8. I respect one man the legend fela . He foresaw all this which he lamented. Many people hate him because of his life style with out not knowing that it was what he foresaw that drive him to that life style. When the revolution started in Egypt and Libya many people vowed and decided its either they fight and die than to be rules by poisonous serpent, selfish government. But here in Nigeria we are afraid and less concern to know what is inside hole. Truly we are walking corps ,as a living human, which area of life is functioning well in this country? just mention one. Is it judiciary where if you can Loot public treasure, if you get indicted, you get less than six months to stay in prison later every body will respect you with different award and chieftancy title, while if you stole one bread you get life in prisonment if not jungle justice where the will kill you before the police will arrived. Is it light, road, security,medical system, human right and name them. Every body is afraid we no want to die !!?? And they knew that we are not ready to stand up for our right, that is why its business as usual. Our ruler are busy looting our money sending it to develop country where it will safe and buy property, build hotels and company. while here in Nigeria they move on v.i.p and escorts. They know and don’t believe in this animal jungle country call Nigeria .to be continue………

  9. I respect one man the legend fela . He foresaw all this which he lamented. Many people hate him because of his life style with out not knowing that it was what he foresaw that drive him to that life style. When the revolution started in Egypt and Libya many people vowed and decided its either they fight and die than to be rules by poisonous serpent,and selfish government. But here in Nigeria we are afraid and less concern to know what is inside hole. Truly we are walking corps ,as a living human, which area of life is functioning well in this country? just mention one. Is it judiciary system where if you can Loot public treasure, if you get indicted, you get less than six months to stay in prison later every body will respect you with different award and chieftancy title, while if you are poor and stole one bread you get life in prisonment if not jungle justice where they will kill you before the police arrived. Is it light, road, security,medical system?, human right? and name them. Every body is afraid we no want to die !!?? And they knew that we are not ready to stand up for our right, that is why its business as usual. Our rulers are busy looting our money sending it to develope country where it will safe and buy property, build hotels and company. while here in Nigeria they move on v.i.p and escorts. They know and don’t believe in this animal jungle country call Nigeria .they are above the law while law is made for the poor and lesprivalages Nigerians sorry! to be continue………

  10. All of you are just theoretical, what is the way forward? How were Wole Soyinka and co able to subdue the colonial masters. It is time to drink from d cups of our elders. If you must stage a protest or fight for your right you need a BACK UP. Wise is he who lives to fight another day, even the writter dreads death at this point in time. Controlled appeal to a wicked constituted authority isnt a child’s play. Think twice, though cowards die many times before their death but D valiant neva taste of it but once. GBAM