By Anthony Cardinal
Okogie
Does the life of the Nigerian have
any value? If it does, can it be truly said that Nigerians appreciate the value
of life? The questions are meant for all of us. We all have to take
responsibility for protection of life and property in this country.
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| *Okogie |
We live in clear and present danger. We are not safe when
we are at home. Neither are we safe away from home. Life runs the risk of being
cut short by armed robbers, kidnappers, dangerous drivers driving on dangerous
roads, driving cars that are dangerous for transportation. And just when we
thought we were gaining the upper hand in the battle with Boko Haram, violent
herdsmen stare at our helpless faces while governors who ought to be at the
vanguard of security, are accused of acting in ways that are prejudicial to
security. Our politicians – our president, our governors, our legislators and
judges, ministers and commissioners – are well protected. But we the citizens
are not. What a nation!
Political leaders who cannot provide security are a total
failure, their generation an unmitigated disaster. How then can any of them
proudly introduce himself as President of Nigeria, or governor or senator or
member of the National or State Assembly? How can they claim to be at the helm
of affairs in a country so chaotic? To use a Yoruba expression, could it be
that the average Nigerian politician is like the child who was miles away from
home on the day shamefacedness was being shared?
Almost
six decades after independence, almost 70 after the establishment of Nigeria ’s premier University of Ibadan
