Bayo Fasuwon

As at now, Nigerians expected that the drums would produce sounds of joy and celebration since the ordained bear rule. However, like a Nigerian resounded while answering some questions on the street; pressure ti wa. Everyone, including government organisations, private sector businesses, religious organisations and even the perceived wealthy are complaining. Unfortunately, everyone seems to be on the verge of losing it. Nigerians’ resilience in the face hardship seems to have gotten to its height, and limits, and the strong are breaking down.

Many tertiary institutions could actually count the number of staff that have fled to other countries, thereby overburdening the remaining staff. The remainders, who by loyalty, age, stage and family commitments however, have learnt that sacrifice may not yield the expected fruits of greatness, so they only do their best and leave the rest. The tone of newspapers also suggest that nothing seems to interest Nigerians beyond survival. Survival now opens the door to more ritual killings, scams, lewdness and all manners of vices. Unfortunately, government has not learnt that when a goat is pushed to the wall, it bites. Soon, there would be more sabotages, agitations and resentment even amongst the praise singers of the wilders of power because ‘pressure ti wa’.

The news is rife in recent times of how the old and young are losing their minds, and find it easier to commit suicide, because they can no longer calm down. However, the prevalence of hardship as well as revelations from medical reports may make murders pass for suicides. Nigerians seem to believe that every picture of suicide precludes murder. Except in rare cases, where the influential insist on autopsy, once people are brought in dead, case is dismissed. However, even in the case of actual suicide, there is a need to investigate the circumstances that led to such suicide. Was there any form of bullying, blackmail, crime, debts or circumstances that could have pushed people to the brink of despair? Unfortunately, Nigeria seems to lack counselling organisations where people can actually undergo therapy and desist from seeing their maker face to face, at their own time, in order to settle scores. One could wonder how the present economic situation in the country could in any way contribute to people’s avoidance of counselling and therapy to solve their problems.

The Nigeria culture, irrespective of language or tribe is such that one could have access to free help from family members, neighbors and even co-workers. There are listening ears, and caring shoulders to help carry one another’s burdens. The aged need not register in homes to receive necessary care and welfare, for even in the absence of the children, neighbors and extended family members are always at hand to lend a helping hand. However, we all are moving dangerously with time, copying cultures and replicating such in environments that are different.  Now, with fences round our buildings (mostly to our insecurity), we send messages to all and sundry to keep off and mind their businesses. Most times, we forget that a problem shared is half solved, while a problem kept, multiplies. Many do not want their problems shared by hungry bloggers who seek for more views for pecuniary gain, while some others avoid religious leaders because they do not want their secrets used as a sermon.  But little do they realize that every ailment a Doctor treats, or every case a psychologist handles and every case a court hears becomes teaching tools and or reference point for future engagements and teachings. What matters in most cases is the healing for in death, secrets are also blown open for the world to see and condemn.

The present economic situation however has impinged on Nigerians’ brother’s keeper mentality. The ‘emilokan’ ideology, has therefore introduced selfishness into our political system. Therefore, it is no longer strange that those in government, clothed in the garment of selflessness and love for the nation have brazenly used the ‘rescued’ fuel subsidy funds to cater to their personal needs in millions while a whole ward shares a bag of rice as palliatives for their sacrifices. So, many doors are closed to those who need help and counsel; because most people on the road are walking dead. The burden bearers are encumbered with their yokes to the extent that they cannot lend their necks to other’s yokes. Even Churches hardly give handouts, cause the cost of running services are no longer commensurate with the offerings received. Little by the little, the Biblical principle of men being the lovers of themselves in the last days is fast becoming a reality. When ‘every one for himself and God for us all’ become our slogan, truth be told, people can no longer calm down. With government selling the idea that the nation needs forty per cent of the internally generated funds of varsities, when the institutions are already severely underfunded, troubled moments await both the students and tertiary institutions workers at this time. Many youths would have lost their calmness that the Canadian embassy caught fire, as opportunity to escape are being blocked.

From the foundation of the world, and principles of prosperity, unity, and working together to lift up one another’s weary hands are compulsory ingredients for surviving hard times. The truth be told, and unfortunately that which our oppressors do not want us to know, is that there is strength and victory in united efforts. Global and national economic policies have only one goal, and that is to divide the people so as to make their oppression quick and effective. The more we run away from each other and refrain from giving a little love to our neighbors in need, the more we slide into the chains of the oppressors. Right for the foundation of the earth, both esoteric and terrestrial rulers have fought against the unity of the people in order to prevent their freedom.

Let us lay aside the restrictions, the manipulations and seductions of the ruling class and rise to help one another in truth, then can our freedom arrive. Of a truth, until the seat of power is threatened, rulers would never cease to fan the embers of disunity, as it allows them to feed on our resources, and let loose their dogs on the carcasses of the people. Bob Marley once sang, that they do want to see us unite, but rather see us killing one another every day. The truth now is that no one can prevail in this treacherous time by personal strength. As we all  Go, let us call on one another too. And let us not neglect the tears of our neighbours. People are no longer calming down, there is too much pressure.