OPINION
Honestly, who bewitch Nigeria? Shall we say we are suffering from leadership ineptitude, foundational problem or individual infliction? Precisely, on Tuesday 17th January, Nigerians woke up to scarcity of fuel in all States of the federation and price per litre nosedived despite this, filling stations were filled to brim , people spent hours struggling to buy fuel at high rate under scorchy sun while those that have nothing doing in filling stations were stranded because there were no vehicles and motorcycles that would convey them to their offices, markets , shops and even schools.
Nigeria, my country, bless with: milk, honey and natural resources! Yet we live like slaves in a government of our own called ( Democracy) Defined as government of the people by the people and for the people. Does this defination capture the reality in Nigeria today? Hmm, I doubt it ! Practically, it’s government of the few ( rich) by the few and for the few.
Up till today, Nigeria government has not addressed her citizens how the long queues in our filling stations will disappear not to talk of the skyrocketed price of #300 to #350 per litre being sold in majority of the filling stations. Except for stations like: Bovas, NNPC, and matrix who sells at government approved price (#180) . How on Earth can these three stations meet the demand of millions of Nigerians who need the product ?
Funny enough, our own government yearly play lip services to removal of subsidy and either refurbishing or building the comatose refineries.
Consequent upon the lapses on our government to be decisive on subsidy removal or retention and refinery; government and petroleum marketers blame each other for either shortage in supply or price hike from depot. It’s pertinent president Buhari be bold enough to tell Nigerians the position of his government on price of petroleum/subsidy. If he wants to remove subsidy, he should do that without further delay rather than postponing the evil days.
It’s a fact that availability of petroleum product and its price per litre determines prices of consumables and services in Nigeria despite salaries and minimum wages are not increased and paid as at when due. Virtually all prices of consumables and services have increased astronomically. Is this how Nigerians will continue to smile and suffer? Oh my God! President Buhari and his cabinet should quickly intervene, make his position known and ensure that Nigerians enjoy dividends of democracy.
Conclusively, dreams of Nigeria Independence over sixty two years after are yet to be fully achieved and to make things worst, the responsibilities of government to her citizens are either neglected or under supplied whereas our leaders do travel to other countries and they are very much aware of how foreign leaders make lives worth living for their citizens. Can we now say our leaders are bereft of workable ideas? Deliberately neglect their Social responsibilities? Wickedness or we are faced with foundational curse?
