DEAD MEN WALKING

"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.