By Dolapo Abimbola
I’d really like to love my country, you know, but what’s there to love? I haven’t written about Nigeria in a while because I realize it’s a waste of my emotions. It’s distressing having to write on the same issues over and over again with no change in sight.
However, as a human being who felt and still feels the pain of the Dana 153 Plane that crashed on the 3rd of June 2012, I’m trying to comprehend why the Federal Government would suspend investigations on the crash INDEFINITELY and re-instate the Airline’s licence. Although, I didn’t know anyone personally on the flight, the horror of people burning alive haunted me for weeks; it angered me more that all the passengers perished due to the recklessness of certain people. We cried and ranted, Dana Air’s license was immediately revoked (typical eye service/lip service actions the government takes), alleged investigations began and that was the last I heard.
Well, with all the passengers gone, their families still in pain, I would think that under normal circumstances, investigating the crash to a proper conclusion would be topmost priority and that people would go down for it. Aha, but I forget that our country, Nigeria, is an ABNORMAL one. So, barely 3 months after the devastating crash, investigations have been suspended INDEFINITELY (forever of course), Dana Air is now free to fly. No explanations, no report, Nothing. This is enough to drive one nuts, enough to drive one to therapy.
3 months, hmmm…… As an entrepreneur, I haven’t even recorded major patronage from my clients in 3 months and I’m not under any punishment or suspension. Humans died in that crash, humans, not goats. But Our government decides to give Dana Airlines a slap on the wrist for wasting numerous lives without getting a head-way with the investigations. Dana Air hasn't even finished compensating the families of the deceased so why the hurried re-instatement. Kai, this is an insensitive and inconsiderate government.
I read the other day that Dame Patience was flown to Germany for Food poisoning. Food poisoning that even I can cure. Clearly, she was rushed out to save her life and get the best treatment that Nigeria cannot supposedly offer, but that’s not a discussion for today. This goes to show this government values life; the First Lady’s life is precious abi?. I keep wondering if Dana Airline’s penalty would have been more severe than the ridiculous 3 months break given to them if the Minister of Aviation or the President had loved ones on that flight. Whatever that answer is, the reality of the matter is that the Nigerian government doesn’t care about us. At this juncture, I strongly advise that we begin to take care of one another the way some of us are already doing by saving Debbie, Meka etc via social media.
This is the best we can do for ourselves. I suggest we really love our neighbours as ourselves as the Bible preaches because God forbid, if something happens to you in the middle of the night, you’re on your own if you can’t reach out to your neighbour for help because no free ambulance is coming from anywhere. So please, let us help ourselves in every way that we can.
Being a Nigerian is undeniably tough, it’s almost like we were made to accept incompetence, callousness, mediocrity, above all, Failure. We are the real “magas”, not the oyinbos. Following the ongoing Democratic National Convention in the U.S.A, one can see that despite President Obama’s recorded achievements in his 4 years in office, winning the next elections will not be a walkover for him. He still has to convince Americans with accurate facts and figures and a work plan if he’ll be re-elected. This is somebody that is delivering ooo. It is here that we tolerate RUBBISH and sing “E go beta”. All I can say is this – Please, kindly spread the word.
“If any Nigerian youth votes for sentiments and crap AGAIN in the next elections, we shall deal with them”.
We are learning the hard way now. No jobs, No security, electricity, nothing. Fine boys and girls all over the place, lurking around doing nothing. Let me leave you with the words of John Igbinovia who said “And I wonder, is there any hope beyond simply mouthing the words “e go beta”??? In fact, if anyone says “e go beta” to me one more time, I’ll bite the person or worse shoot them. Come next elections, if we don’t all want to perish while singing “e go beta”, we must shine our eyes and vote wisely.
No comments:
Post a Comment