By Bright Idemudia, reporting from Port Harcourt
Fela Anikulakpo Kuti, the late king of Africa 70, called it ‘suffering and smiling”; he said it like an ordinary prophet in the late ’70s; that’s almost four decades back. but Nigerians took no heed. George Orwell also wrote about “Animal Farm”; we read it in school, but never imagined such a thing could happen in our time. Today, the majority of Nigerians are suffering and smiling while the few minorities, lucky to be close to the power circles are kings—a case of some animals being more equal than others! Remember Napoleon and Snowball in the thrilling Animal Farm episode? Buhari first came to power 46 years ago; ever since he tasted almost all the juicy appointments his fatherland can offer.
He became a General at quite an early age and moved on to become a Minister—of petroleum for that matter and later Head of State. He left—though forcefully because of the hardship his regime brought on Nigerians—and never really relaxed. He contested the election three times and failed until the new President-elect assisted him to power. Now, 8 years on, he has succeeded in piloting the nation—maybe unwittingly—into the darkest period of existence—a state of disorder, anarchy, and utmost discomfort. No one knows, but his policies aren’t tailored to suit the needs of hungry Nigerians. His recent change of naira “colors” is one such point just as it is uncalled for.
Let’s not talk about his population of the top echelon of power with people from his tribe, which makes sense only to him! His own people who cherish the existing brotherhood amongst Nigerians are even shocked about these ill-advised decisions. Or do you want to talk about his inability to sack or discipline erring ministers? You look at his antecedents and you notice that jeering look each time he speaks. What’s his mission? No one knows. If the truth is told, Nigerians have never before experienced this suffocating leadership style. Even now, amidst rising tension and anger in the land, the man is insisting on conducting a meaningless Census!
This is as tragic s as his adamant posture in pushing through his baseless reforms. Oh, how sad! This is like taking advantage of a people’s docility. Let’s take the case of Samson who had just woken up from a terrible night’s sleep, his body drenched with sweat. There had been no light all through the night. His generator had run until the fuel expired. He sat up in bed and wondered what to do; to clean his car and get ready for the day’s work or find out if there was anything for breakfast. H opened the tap but no water came. Usually, when NEPA goes into a prolonged seizure, the water in the tank gets exhausted. He would have to look for what is called “mai-ruwa”, which is water vendors. The next thing, was breakfast; but his wife told him that there was nothing at home because there was no cash to buy anything the previous day! Samson knew he had to keep calm otherwise he might run into depression. Slowly, he got up, managed to take his bath, and got ready for work.
He drove out to the nearest petrol station, but it was crowded. Nigerians had trooped in large numbers to either buy fuel for their cars or generators. The station was crowded because they were selling the commodity at the “control” price; after waiting for a few minutes, Samson decided to move on to a “black market” petrol station that sells fuel at double the official price. Within minutes he succeeded and headed to work; he had to come across two other filling stations along the road selling, but jam-packed. Motorists struggling to gain entrance to the station blocked the road so that people like Samson who had bought fuel got stranded! With no policemen or Road Safety to control them, a standstill was the result. And so Samson endured until a good Samaritan stepped in to “beg” those who blocked the road to give way. This was after one and a half hours.
Eventually, on the way to the office, Samson remembered that he had no money in his pocket. So, he decided to visit any of his Banks. Three of them told him that there was no cash available—even 5k. He couldn’t enter any of the Banks because angry customers in hundreds had blocked the entrance leaving no space for any form of transaction. Samson turned to the ATM machines. None had cash. Now, his panic growing, Samson drove to POS operators who demanded a cut of 4k out of any 10k transaction. Samson wanted to scream, but nothing came out. He had become so furious, he quickly got hold of himself to avoid committing a crime. He wanted to talk to someone but the tension was too high—the slightest provocation could spark off a conflagration! Everyone was seething with rage.
By this time, it was already noon and Samson must come to a quick conclusion about whether to continue the vain search for cash or return to his office and do some work! Even in the office, suppose he was hungry, where would the money come from to buy things? In that state of mind, Samson drove to his office where he met stark darkness—his credit had run out so fast. NEPA or AEDC had increased tariffs quietly without announcing it. So, 5k would only fetch you 62 units instead of the previous 100. When Samson made attempt to use POS to buy credits, they told him there was no network! Ah, another round of frustration. He tried further, and this time, the POS machine “debited” his account but refused to pay him! If it is not reversed within 24 hours, then he has to battle it out with his banks—which might take an eternity. Such is now the case with the Banking sector that, somehow, they have managed to disable their inter-switch system.
Then, he tried to transfer from his mobile banking App; here again, the App had been disabled—maybe deliberately. Oh my God, Samson shouted; just what is happening in Nigeria? Before Buhari’s arrival, nothing of this sort was experienced. But his arrival as president has doubtless crumbled the existing fabric of humanity! If Abuja is in a state of dysfunction, it is anyone’s guess what could be happening in the villages. Today, those petty traders, unskilled laborers, hawkers, car wash operators, mechanics, orange sellers, and artisans are almost out of work extinguished because of the dearth of cash. Nobody is addressing anyone about anything; Nigerians have been left to speculate. Lai Muhammed knows the game is up as did presidential spokesmen. They have all gone quiet because they are caught up in the devastation ravaging the land! Who will save Nigeria? This wasn’t the country we used to know; something terrible has happened to plunge the country into chaos. Was this the legacy Buhari promised Nigerians? How incredible to have a leader in his mold to be relaxed while his people are in the throes of death!
Whereas the authorities claim there was no cash, Nigerians woke up to read about the same president allegedly ordering 500 million naira in cash to be given to a presidential candidate! Some say that was not a callous act; but who knows? could be a racket. Nevertheless, back to Samson who is trapped in his office. Left with nothing to do, he packed his bags and returned home to begin the same vicious circle. This has been the routine since the CBN made that infamous decision to change naira notes. They started the process, but now, to close the chapter has become an albatross. How did Nigeria get to this bend? Only God knows; the late Fela was right: suffering and smiling in the midst of plenty
