By:
Yusuf Idris Amoke
I
know of a family of six whose members have almost turned into beggars due to
the present hardship. This family can be described as a perfect metaphor for
the Nigerian situation at the moment. The poor in Nigeria make up a majority of
the population. Schooling and clothing their children have become a luxury;
frustration has forcefully become a friend while hunger is a perpetual
resident. Ritual killings, vandalism, armed robbery and other organized crimes
have become the order of the day. The present hardship is arguably responsible
for the recent increase in such crimes.
Markets
and businesses are folding up as jobs are lost every single day in Nigeria. We
understand that the damages done by the PDP led administration over 16 years is
quasi-impossible to fix in a single year. Therefore, diversifying a
mono-economy based on oil which is responsible for more than 90% of our GDP at
this time of crash in prices at the international market is a mirage. We also
understand that more than 70% of those that make up this government at both
Federal and State levels are part and parcel of the cabal that have milked the
country dry as members or affiliates of PDP.
We
understand that PMB is equally not finding it easy, but what the poor Nigerian
would not understand is going to bed and waking up with empty stomach; worse
still, without hope of getting something for the children before the sun sets
again.
We
do not in any way doubt PMB’s sleepless nights to better our tomorrow by
strengthening the pegs upon which the Nigerian state stands, but what the poor
Nigerian doubts is whether he will still be able to live to see if the tomorrow
brings something with which to fill his empty stomach.
We
know that PMB is doing his best. But his best must be seen to translate into a better
life for the masses soon enough to stem the growing anger; a hungry man is said
not only to be an angry man but also a dangerous man.
Most
of us reading this article may not necessarily understand what many fellow
Nigerians across board are passing through at this moment, including the IDPs
and those in parts of Niger Delta, who’s sources of livelihood had being
depleted by oil spillage. Some of us can strive hard to access some basic needs
like food, security, health care and clothing, but most of them can only look
up to heavens for miracle to get food to eat.
Therefore,
we urge PMB to fast track the passage and signing of the 2016 budget
appropriation bill. The poor hungry Nigerians don’t care to know whether it is
the National Assembly’s fault or not, all they care about is for the budget to
be passed, as hope for a mild relief lies in that budget; though it may take
months for its impact to be felt. He can as well get the details from some
reliable sources, identify the discrepancies, inform Nigerians about them,
assent to it rather than waiting for God knows when the details will come from
the foot dragging National Assembly.
Another
pressing issue is the persistent fuel scarcity and its high price; it is really
biting hard on Nigerians as businesses are no longer flourishing. Though some
of us who understand the situation will continue to call on other Nigerians to
be patient, we equally call on Mr. President to double his efforts towards
bringing succour and relief to Nigerians.
While
we urge Mr. President to double his effort, we equally urge fellow Nigerians to
double their patience, even though patience is manageable only with food in the
stomach.
I
am Yusuf Idris Amoke
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