A VOICE FOR THE PEOPLE

By

William Etim Bassey

The notion that wealth is a prerequisite for opinion and leadership in Nigeria is sad. Although a reflection of our socio-cultural identity, It’s a poor and uncomfortable reality to my likes.

My likes, young, hungry, innovative, savvy, willing and certainly with better education and exposure in comparison to our current societal opinion leaders. Leaders whose claim to fame is the dysfunctional and ad hoc manner they’ve run Nigeria when opportune. The depth of their vision transforming Nigeria into a great circus. Oh the sever moronothon we call rulership.

These "great, wise men". Their claim to fame. Chieftaincies and titles of no relevance in the electronic age. "Great, wise men" whose claim to fame also includes hundreds thousands millions of pounds and dollars fraudulently acquired from federal treasury to the detriment of the masses. Continuously lusting for more and more power. When will the youths be given a chance to contribute and rule?

Sadly, the Nigeria of the e-age offers as opinion leaders half-baked non-literates. Opinion leaders without grasp or understanding of the dynamics and implications of policies and initiatives, who open their traps widely offering advice on the platform of non contributory irrelevancies. Relics of Neanderthal Africa. Elders my foot.

But for love, for my beloved Nigeria. And consent that my life in the west is transient, a learning curve. I should have torn my Nigerian passport and walked naked in the streets of Toronto each time the likes of Abdulkareem Adisa and Wada Nas comment on sensitive issues of national interest.

Who nominated them opinion leaders? Opinion leaders without knowledge exposure understanding or expertise. Ranting rabid illiterates whom fortune smiled upon by happenstance. Whose brains lack the power to decipher the complexities of modern living?

Heroes of dysfunctional societies they envisioned and created. Modern Caesar’s they see themselves. The society today, reflective of their personalities and character. What a shame.

When these "great men of caliber" speak the media and society trembles. Immoral men of no leverage in the 21^st century society. Men of no leverage in orderly societies government by law justice and equity.

"There is no vacancy is Aso Rock" one bellowed. Utter rubbish. Abdulkareem Adisa, chastising President Obasanjo’s market directed initiative for the Nigerian economy! Adisa, what is Bretton Woods or what does the acronym S.A.P stand for?

Where are the Chu SP Okongwus and Omo Omoruyi’s, where are the Tunde Sarumi’s and Kunle Olumides, the Tare Brisibes and Ali Uwais. Where are they? Forced to toiling in Diaspora, building strange lands while Wada Nas and cohorts run Nigeria aground.

Do these "opinion" leaders represent or reflect my thinking? Good God no.

Lord God save Nigeria.