Times are hard. That is the resonating expression on the lips of every Nigerian today. How we got to this ugly situation is surprising to all, not only being unable to feed, people cannot sleep with their two eyes closed. It has been one security meeting after the other, yet, no solution seems to be in sight. While we admit that most countries of the world have also gone through, or probably are on the same scale with our dear country; government must therefore, show capacity and pull the country back from the brink of collapse. Food sufficiency and security of lives and properties are what most countries of the world, even the poorest of them, have addressed.
It is also the primary responsibility of every government to ensure that citizens are provided with the basic needs of life, by making living conditions cheap and affordable. Ours should not be any different. That the sixth oil producing country in the world is struggling with hunger and deprivation; the worst being the prevailing insecurity that has lasted for almost sixteen years, calls for soul searching and affirmative action by the powers that be. While we recognise the fact that politics, economy and security challenges are not peculiar to Nigeria alone, the government equally, does not have further excuse to give, but to strive and make sure it wins the trust of the people, especially at this time of heightened tension and complaints across the spectrum of society.
Already, people have started protesting over the high cost of living in the country, while the ruling party is busy blaming the opposition for instigating the protests. And the blame game continues. Whether lack and hunger knows opposition, or a ruling party, is a matter of conjecture. Too bad that everything happening in the country is reduced to politics, even when life has become short, nasty and brutish as espoused by Thomas Hobbes.
What people are concerned more about is how the country would navigate through the economic quagmire and hardship that is threatening, and not really about the propaganda machinery of government. Believing that tough times never last, the situation in the country therefore, calls for all hands to be on deck, while we hope and pray earnestly that those in government, from the federal, state to the local levels, would understand the enormity of the problem on ground before it is too late.
It is not enough to appeal for patience by those in authority, but genuine efforts made to address the sufferings of the people matter most. Yes, promises may have been made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with assurances of food security in no distant time, but the translation of these promises to concrete action is what is important. That the court in its wisdom, and in our time, is asking the federal government to fix prices of commodities more than anything else, is an indication that our leaders can do better to ameliorate the sufferings the people are going through.
That said, the governed also have a role to play under the present circumstance. As we experience another Lenten Season, we should be our brother’s keeper. It is a time when families, friends, neighbours, and groups should constantly care for one another, where ever you live, and no matter where you come from; and which religion you profess. Traditionally, Lent is a time of reflection and spiritual discipline. Often during Lent, people focus on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Not just fasting in the sense of giving up food; but fasting in the sense of giving up anything that hinders our spiritual growth. Giving as a spiritual discipline. Giving not what we are required to, but giving over and beyond what is expected. Giving when there is no expectation of return. All well-to-do Nigerians, both at home and overseas, as well as corporate organisations should, in the spirit of Lent, assist the less privileged in the society in the face of the current socio-economic challenges, as government cannot do it alone. Lent is a time to extend help to the downtrodden.
It is not a time to feast frivolously and watch your neighbours suffer and die of hunger. In fact, it is not a time to buy what you don’t need. “Let no one die of hunger” should be the slogan if we really care and practice what we profess as Nigerians. It is as serious as that! While we are hopeful that government would make good her promise to alleviate the sufferings of the people, we call on religious leaders in the country to stand tall, and do more charity works.
This time requires double efforts from each one of us, whether you are a Christian or a Muslim. This battle against hunger must be won by being our brother’s keeper in this trying moment as a country. No more, no less. Remember; ”Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me (Mathew 25vs 40)”.
