Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi
In 2020, during the “EndSARS” protests, at the urging of my first daughter, I wrote the article titled “EndSARS: The Next Step”: https://saharareporters.com/2020/10/20/endsars-next-step-leonard-karshima-shilgba
At that time, I expressed some reservations about the endurance of the youths, who drove the protests, and was dubious of the intellectual richness and clarity of expectations. Nonetheless, in the article, I was deliberately presumptuous enough to lend some advice, even as I suggested that the
“EndSARS” moniker should be comprehended as a metaphor for the rejection of the poor social shape of Nigeria. After all, my baby, who believes so much in my passion and love for Nigeria, compelled me to write about “EndSARS”.
I see the “OBIDIENT Movement” ending the same way as the “EndSARS” protests, and this is why:
Both have no leader? Oh, someone may claim that Mr. Peter Obi is the leader. I disagree. The “OBIDIENTS” don’t even obey him. Himself could be “consumed” by the “OBIDIENTS” one day (And this is a prophecy. Watch). Both are not based on a clear vision for Nigeria; rather, they are wrongly premised on opposition to perceived enemies, and focused on the next election only. No enduring struggle is framed in the context of lynching the enemy, but is also based on discernible principles, which are clearly articulated. Besides, a fruitful movement is built around a personality whose history, life, words, beliefs, actions, and philosophy indisputably reflect its focus.
There are three phases that Nigerian youths must pass through in order to gain the respect and attention of public policy framers in Nigeria:
- READING ACCULTURATION: Nigerian youths must begin to read serious classics, including a deep study of the Constitution and history of Nigeria, not for school examinations, but for the enrichment of their mind. From their conversations and commentaries, I perceive a lack of rich thought, which is due to poor reading culture.
- THEMATIC ENGAGEMENTS: It is too easy to manipulate Nigerian youths with banal and personality issues, which thrill them so much. They love gossips. Just accelerate to constitutional or deep public policy matters, and you lose them completely, or worse still, you meet their vulgar tongues.
Nigerian youths must engage meaningfully on themes. - ISSUES-BASED NETWORKING: When Nigerian youths can build and sustain networks that are devoid of personality cultism, religious bigotry, and the polluting sounds of ethnic alienation, a new nation shall be born.
I have worked and interacted with many Nigerians on the Nigerian project too long to easily believe the sincerity and endurance of the Nigerian mob, who would cheer you in the day and betray you at night. Neither Brother Obi nor any serious patriot should put so much capital on them until the people have been purged of the lusts for mere porridge, which compromise their genuine birthday.
© Shilgba
