#OCCUPY NIGERIA PROTEST: ONE YEAR AFTER
Today marks the First year anniversary of the #OccupyNigeria protest which followed the January 1, 2012 announcement of the total removal of Subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly called "petrol". Nigerians did not receive the announcement on a good note as the majority of the populace saw it as uncalled for as they are still battling the hardship caused by failure of successive governments and their policies.
There was a sharp response as the people defied the multi-dichotomies and divides that have characterised our way of lives in our almost 100years of existence as a nation. The turnouts were large as both young and old came out en masse to reject the policy which will increase the hardship that thrives in the country and also leave more funds in the hands of the government which at the end of the day will fail to give account for such fund.
This action pitched the populace against the government as they seek revearsal back to the old-pump price. The #OccupyNigeria protest came with its price on the path of the citizens particularly the youths. The price was a painful and sad one, young Nigerians were battered and some felled by the gun of the security operatives deplored to quell the popular action. Wikipedia profiled that 16 Nigerians were killed by the Nigeria Police Force. May the soul of our departed brothers and Comrades continue to rest in perfect peace.
The tune of activism and social-consciousness went to an all time high in the country, there was an increase in activities on social media. Those moments last year showed that the day we are ready to decide our destiny as a people, we will always rise up and act. This particularly has been a driving force to a lot of young Nigerians who are sincerely desirous for a change in our country which we all believe is blessed with abundant potentials.
A lot of issues have ensued after the #OccupyNigeria protests, these issues border on the insensitivity of government to the plights and challenges an average Nigerian faces. Unfortunately, we have allowed these issues pass without actions; just as if our years of dormancy had been re-activated. #OccupyNigeria is supposed to be the starting point of our input in ensuring our government tows the right part.
Some Nigerians believe "Fuel price" is the only thing that has direct impact on virtually all the households in the country and it is the only issue we do act on. This notion is not right, a lot more affect us daily leaving a more ravaging effect on the people and image of the country. Corruption and it's multiplier-effects kill thousands of our countrymen annually, a lot of lives are lost on our roads, hospitals as a result of obsolete and poor facilities, a lot of people have also died as a result of security lapses. etc.
Corruption is not only about stealing funds, corruption is spiritual or moral impunity or deviation from an ideal. Hence, we have financial corruption, political corruption, petty corruption, grand corruption amidst others. Corruption is simply the bane of our development and until we all come out to act the way we acted this time last year to occupy our country, an end might be far from sight. Remember the words of Martin Luther King (Jnr) "Freedom is never freely given by the oppressor, it must be demanded by the oppressed"
Now is the time to start acting..
Olarewaju Olaniyi Precious
Follow me on twitter @olaniyiop
There was a sharp response as the people defied the multi-dichotomies and divides that have characterised our way of lives in our almost 100years of existence as a nation. The turnouts were large as both young and old came out en masse to reject the policy which will increase the hardship that thrives in the country and also leave more funds in the hands of the government which at the end of the day will fail to give account for such fund.
This action pitched the populace against the government as they seek revearsal back to the old-pump price. The #OccupyNigeria protest came with its price on the path of the citizens particularly the youths. The price was a painful and sad one, young Nigerians were battered and some felled by the gun of the security operatives deplored to quell the popular action. Wikipedia profiled that 16 Nigerians were killed by the Nigeria Police Force. May the soul of our departed brothers and Comrades continue to rest in perfect peace.
The tune of activism and social-consciousness went to an all time high in the country, there was an increase in activities on social media. Those moments last year showed that the day we are ready to decide our destiny as a people, we will always rise up and act. This particularly has been a driving force to a lot of young Nigerians who are sincerely desirous for a change in our country which we all believe is blessed with abundant potentials.
A lot of issues have ensued after the #OccupyNigeria protests, these issues border on the insensitivity of government to the plights and challenges an average Nigerian faces. Unfortunately, we have allowed these issues pass without actions; just as if our years of dormancy had been re-activated. #OccupyNigeria is supposed to be the starting point of our input in ensuring our government tows the right part.
Some Nigerians believe "Fuel price" is the only thing that has direct impact on virtually all the households in the country and it is the only issue we do act on. This notion is not right, a lot more affect us daily leaving a more ravaging effect on the people and image of the country. Corruption and it's multiplier-effects kill thousands of our countrymen annually, a lot of lives are lost on our roads, hospitals as a result of obsolete and poor facilities, a lot of people have also died as a result of security lapses. etc.
Corruption is not only about stealing funds, corruption is spiritual or moral impunity or deviation from an ideal. Hence, we have financial corruption, political corruption, petty corruption, grand corruption amidst others. Corruption is simply the bane of our development and until we all come out to act the way we acted this time last year to occupy our country, an end might be far from sight. Remember the words of Martin Luther King (Jnr) "Freedom is never freely given by the oppressor, it must be demanded by the oppressed"
Now is the time to start acting..
Olarewaju Olaniyi Precious
Follow me on twitter @olaniyiop
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