ENDSARS Anniversary: A Nation's Rebirth by Lisa Bassey.

 

The quest for a Nation's rebirth can almost be likened to the pangs of a woman in labour. It is accompanied by tears, blood, intense pain, and sometimes death. 

In October 2020, the youths rose in their numbers to protest against police brutality and to demand that their rights as citizens of Nigeria be upheld and respected. Sadly, it was met with aggressive force by the military and the police, for which some of the unarmed youths paid dearly for with their lives. 

I recoiled in pain as I recalled the unfortunate incident which took place on the 20th of October, 2020. The hurt from the wound of this poignant event bleeds within me, forever etched in my memory. 

Last year during the first anniversary of ENDSARS, I stated in a deeply moving article titled In the Web of Political Mystery and Deception that it was difficult to differentiate truth from farce as a result of the cleverly manipulated mind games and deception from the political class that could sway even the most logical and objective mind. 

During this second anniversary of ENDSARS, I am proud of the youths who have refused to succumb to the demonic hypnosis of the crafty ruling party. 

These courageous youths boldly declare that indeed the events of that dark horror night, that Black Tuesday truly happened. It was not a mirage that the ruling political class would have wished it to be. These youths stand by the truth despite the inducement to deny and resist it.  

Surprisingly, a vast majority of Nigerian youths were not captivated this year by Big Brother Naija, a show popular for its immoral and unwholesome content. This show is known to capture the minds of the youths, in the process distracting them from participating in or discussing pressing National issues. Kudos to the youths who stoutly refused to indulge in their once-favourite pastime. Now, political consciousness is highly awakened compared to the past. 

After a very long while, I am indeed proud to be a Nigerian. There's a subliminal hope that the struggle and deaths of the ENDSARS victims were not in vain. 

America is celebrated for its freedom of speech, in Nigeria however you can't guarantee what happens after you express that freedom. Hopefully, we get there soonest. True democracy entails freedom of speech and the right to a peaceful gathering. 

Presently, the level of citizens' awareness of the political process has greatly increased; During the election primaries in June, a large percentage of the Nigerian electorate including the youths followed the primaries keenly, unlike previous primaries.  

They listened to the speeches of the candidates and carefully weighed the contents and quality of each speech. The level of parochial participation and godfatherism is on the decline. 

Candidates are now judged based on their competence and antecedents in governance rather than the popularity of their party. 

This reminds me of the case of French President Emmanuel Macron who was elected as president during his first tenure, not based on a popular party but as an independent candidate. In Nigeria at present, a candidate is more popular than the political party due to his previous worthy track record while in government.

I have hope that one day, the sunrise of a new day may just be the dawn of the Nigeria of our dreams. A nation where true unity exists. One where equal opportunities avail all irrespective of your tribe or ethnic group. 

A Nigeria where there is dignity of labour for the cleaners, drivers, messengers, nannies etc. A Nigeria where the leader serves not for the love of gain but for the love of the country.

A Nigeria where bribery, corruption and nepotism becomes a thing of the past. Where social vices, rituals, kidnapping, banditry, advanced fee fraud, yahoo and the inordinate quest for materialism and its attendant evils are eliminated. 

A Nigeria where the lives of people and the safety of properties are guaranteed. A nation which becomes less of a consumer economy and more of a producing economy. 

A nation where the green passport is respected wherever it is presented outside its shores.

A nation which upholds hard work, values and morals. 

A nation where the rights of the masses are not trampled by security forces and the rule of law is upheld and administered by incorruptible judges. 

It is for such a dawn that we await. We hope and pray that as a new day emerges after a long night, so shall true Nigerians awaken to the dawn of this new Nigeria; The Nigeria of our hope, the Nigeria of our dreams. 

The journey of a thousand miles, they say, begins with a step. Therefore, as the 2023 election draws near, the youths, elderly, men, women and indeed every Nigerian who is within the voting age of 18 years and above should ensure that they do their part by voting rightly so that the Nigerian dream becomes a reality. 

Let the voice of conscience and the love for this beloved country take over greed, avarice and corruption. Let it awaken a zeal for a rebirth. It starts with us at the polls. Elect a corrupt free leader, not for the present gain but to leave a country for your unborn child to call home. Believe in the electoral process and allow your votes to speak. 

Let's do this for posterity's sake. For the memories of those that lost their lives that fateful night when the nationalist spirit was at an all-time high. Let the voice of their anguish, the tears, shock, agony of death and the horror of that bloody night ring aloud in your ears even as their lives were cut short.

We shall never forget the memory of our beloved compatriots who sacrificed their lives for their beloved country. These are the heroes who endured the pangs for the rebirth of a new nation. Your deaths will never be in vain. Rest on. The struggle continues.

#lisabassey

https://forefrontng.com/endsars-the-pangs-of-rebirth-of-a-nation/

Lisa Bassey is a Political Analyst, Podcaster and Writer.