When  Nigerians announce today that "we (to) live in interesting times", they do not use the word "interesting" in the sense of their location in a positively challenging moment in history. Rather, they use the word "interesting" to mean "difficult", "ambiguous", "frustrating", if not "hopeless". Thus, the phrase does not amount to a prayer or celebration, but a declaration of pain and anxiety. It is indeed difficult to controvert this reaction.

Nigerians are once again, at that moment in their history when every citizen is required to take a stand, express a point of view, and generally demonstrate interest in the fortunes of the country. This is one of those moments when the linkages between the destiny of the individual and that of the nation become the sub-text for daily existence, and expectations about the future. One Nigerian may look at the other and ask: Where do you stand on this or that urgent issue of the day? These times affect good people differently. The responses vary. And it is pointless asking how bad people are affected, they are the authors of the people's difficulties. But what should good people do in a season of distress?

When Nigerians look around their nation, and they see how the democracy that they fought for between 1993 and 1999, has been turned into a joke by their own elected representatives, party bigwigs, and self-appointed custodians of the instruments of power, they either throw up their arms in exasperation and make merry, or they go mad, or they opt for exile. Those who make merry are no less patriotic than others. They are good people, but the uncertainties of Nigerian life have made them cynical. They no longer trust government. They live outside government, and they are happy to do so. Indeed when they hear the words government or politics, they immediately shut down their response systems. They don't want to get involved.

Many of them had tried to love government in the past, and they had been thoroughly disappointed. They have since accepted bad leadership as their lot. Unable to change their environment, they have sought refuge in an empire of the self. Every week, they attend one party or the other where they sink their sorrow in bottles of alcohol, or they enjoy the company of others, who like them, believe that life is for the living, and no matter how bad Nigeria may appear, life must continue. These are Nigerians who are prepared to love their neighbours as themselves. They mean well. But their talents have been suppressed. Their voices have been silenced.

Unable to make any impact in the society in which they live, some of them make merry at endless parties, or at beer parlours, but a great lot of them prefer to make merry in places of religious worship. They troop in large number to churches, mosques, temples and shrines where they call on transcendental forces to intervene in the affairs of Nigeria, and in their own personal lives. Unable to speak to the leaders that they have elected, since they would not listen anyway; unable to reach public officials who are hidden away behind armoured vehicles, a battalion of bodyguards, and mansions with tall fences, they turn to God, priests, and mallams who embrace them, acknowledge their humanity, and offer them hope. Religious worship in Nigeria is a form of merry-making. The people sing and dance. The freedom of speech that they cannot find in open society is no t a luxury in the presence of God. The redemption that they seek suddenly becomes a possibility. Even miracles are promised. And so they make merry.

No wonder then, that in every Nigerian city where the pain of the present is most felt, there are as many beer parlours and pepper soup joints as there are places of religious worship and spiritual counselling. The people run away from government. They do not listen to politicians and civil servants. But they are happy in the presence of musicians; they are friendly with the owners of enjoyment spots; they love their Pastors, they adore the priests who study their stars, interpret their fortunes, and assure them of the superiority of Higher Forces over the powerful human beings who are wasting the people's dreams...

But there are others in our country today who are mad. To see elected representatives looting the treasury, and travelling abroad to hide their loot; to see public office being turned into an opportunity for primitive accumulation, to see democracy being trampled upon with impunity; to see persons who should be humble carrying on with so much arrogance, fills these Nigerians with anger. They know and they believe that God exists, but they don't want to bother God, rather they would hold the leaders who have been elected or appointed to make a difference in the lives of the people, responsible. They point to the bad roads, the poor state of public infrastructure, the failure of institutions, the hypocrisy of leaders, and the idiocy of the politicians, six years after democracy, and they declare, as loudly as they can: this is not right.

Nor it is fair. And so they say - No, through attitude and choice, to the non-payment of teachers' salaries, the neglect of pensioners, the abortion of all the promises of a good life, on the basis of which they sacrificed their lives, joy, and resources to push the military out and away, so that the government of the people can be established. But now, what they see is grand betrayal. There are many among these angry Nigerians who lost their fathers, uncles, mothers, wives, and friends to the struggle against democracy. Those who were killed by Abacha's guards. Those whose parents died in detention. Those who became Abacha's prisoners of conscience. They are looking back and asking angrily: is this what we suffered for. What is the worth of our sacrifice in retrospect? Did we experience all that pain, so an Obasanjo can hold Nigeria hostage?

So we may listen to Ahmadu Ali and his unreasonable comments? So we can watch the costly melodramas of Anambra and Ngige, Adedibu and Rashidi Ladoja, and Dariye of Plateau State? Or so we may watch upstarts who never made any sacrifice, never experienced any pain, suddenly show up, cart away the prize of democracy, and then knock the cup on the heads of the people. Or so we may be insulted by sycophantic Special Assistants? Rather than weep, or gnash their teeth in frustration, these angry Nigerians choose instead to learn their lessons. Now, they know that democracy may not necessarily guarantee freedom. Now, they know that civilians can be as bad, or worse than soldiers. Now, they understand that democracy can be used against the people. But they are not saying - No to democracy.

They are opposed to bad leadership. And they hold President Obasanjo personally responsible. And they are beginning to organise themselves into a credible opposition. The churches are beginning to preach against tyranny. Civil society groups are holding meetings. In ordinary places, Nigerians now discuss the affairs of their nation a bit more aggressively. Ordinary discussions end up as arguments, with tempers rising. What is required is only a small act of provocation, and the people's anger will explode. That explosion, if it ever comes, would be a summary response to the present nightmare. Its threat alone may well save the nation.

Out of the fear of that which may come, many Nigerians, good people too, are heading for the embassies. Ahead of what they fear may happen, they are obtaining exit visas. Or they are saving money against that day when there may be an urgent need to rush out of the country. Those Nigerians do not want to wait to see Obasanjo and the PDP disembowel Nigeria. They know that when a nation's roof collapses, a heavy price is bound to be paid. To prevent Nigerians turning themselves into refugees in their home countries, the Embassies are studying the political situation closely. They are asking questions and offering interpretations. They are re-working their visa application rules. But this won't stop Nigerians from running away. They include the best and the brightest who cannot find true meaning in the land of their birth; the rich who do not want to take any risks with their lives, and the frustrated who are searching for fresh air. They know that exile is a double-edged sword but they no longer care.

This, in short, is what Obasanjo's leadership has done to the good people of Nigeria. This is the result of our democracy: The distempers of these times should make all wise men and women angry.

Robot  # 1 | 06.01.2006 00:04

When Nigerians announce today that "we (to) live in interesting times", they do not use the word "interesting" in the sense of their location in a positively challenging moment in history. Rather, they use the word "interesting" to mean "difficult", "ambiguous", "frustrating", if not "hopeless". Thus, the phrase does not amount to a prayer or celebration, but a declaration of pain and anxiety. It is indeed difficult to controvert this reaction.Nigerians are once again, at that ...Read the full article.

CHUKWUMA EZEIKE  # 2 | 06.01.2006 02:14

Deftly delivered! However I choose to be optimistic on these issues. My grandfather used to say that no matter how cheap yam sells in the market, he will still opt to be a seller. So, no matter how bad our pseudo-democracy has turned out, it is still better than military banditry. Like you said, a credible opposition is sprouting. Beer parlours are alive with deliberations. Younger Nigerians are asking pointed questions. Those in the diaspora are as mad as hatters and EFCC has delivered some stunning blows albeit selectively... One day, the falcon of anti-corruption will cease to hear the manipulative falconer and an unstoppable cleansing shall take the stage. So it is a gradual process. I believe in the goodness of man. I believe that everybody, including Obasanjo, wants a better Nigeria. Like JFK put it, it is not possible to fool all the people, all the time. One day, the good shall outweigh the bad and the journey to a meaningful existence in this country shall proceed. It has happened before.....

EezeeBee  # 3 | 06.01.2006 07:53

Chukwuma Ezeike, Your sentiments are a balm for my seared soul. I join you in chosing optimism even in the face of seeming hopelessness. I believe, like you, not only that every Nigerian wants a better Nigeria, but that in a better Nigeria, EVERY Nigerian will stand to benefit. Peace.

taslim  # 4 | 06.01.2006 15:38

Dr. Abati wrote "They are opposed to bad leadership. And they hold President Obasanjo personally responsible. And they are beginning to organise themselves into a credible opposition. The churches are beginning to preach against tyranny. Civil society groups are holding meetings." I have no problems with the article. To me it is simply a summary of the Nigerian age-long situation. However, Dr Abati did not give his opinion on " "They are opposed to bad leadership. And they hold President Obasanjo personally responsible" In a country with 37+774 governments, each responsible for a designated aspect of the lives of our people and each given resources or source funds through taxes etc, can President Obasanjo be held liable. I am of the opinion that a lot of people still do not appreciate the fact that economic development, poverty eradication etc is a complex system involving governments, the people, cultures, religion, influence of foreign governments(economically and socially) and a host of other variables. Until each party plays its assigned role and the variables mixed in proportions that will guarantee bountiful harvests, the result will always be disappointing. Mr. President is just a factor in this process. One clear limitation in the way of Mr. President is that he can not order the priorities of a governor or sanction a governor or council chairman who misappropriate funds. We are in a federation, no matter how weak or imperfect the federation may appear. Indeed the press will be the first to shout if Mr. President interferes in the affairs of any local government or state; yet these organs of government are key players in the realisation of developmental goals. I thank Chukwuma Ezeike and share his optimism.. thank you taslim

unregistered  # 5 | 07.01.2006 09:13

Determined to sit tight Unfazed by the snowballing opposition to his third term bid, Obasanjo gives clearer indication of his determination to actualise the ungodly plot Some of those still doubting the fact that President Olusegun Obasanjo is hell-bent on perpetuating himself in Aso Rock at all costs beyond 2007 got the shock of their lives in the last few weeks with the yellow cards he issued a number of those warming up to succeed him. The Zamfara State governor, Ahmad Sani, his Nasarawa State counterpart, Abdullahi Adamu and erstwhile Lagos State helmsman, Buba Marwa, were but three of the presidential aspirants said to have been bluntly told by Obasanjo to ditch their respective ambitions. His reason for this unusual order? Because the presidential throne won’t be vacant in 2007. Ask Governor Sani, whom we learnt, was summoned to Aso Rock recently by the lord of the manor. We hear that the Zamfara State helmsman had assumed that Obasanjo wanted to see him over some important state matters. “To his shock, about the only thing, he was told that fateful day by ‘Baba’ was that he (Sani) should stop spending his state’s resource on his presidential bid, because Baba will definitely run again in 2007.” “He was pointedly told that it would be better to seek re-election as Zamfara State governor.” No less shocking was the presidential decree handed to Marwa: Go ye and run for the governorship of your home state (Adamawa) because the presidency is out of the question. Leadership Confidential learnt that Marwa, who had been angling for Obasanjo’s support for his presidential dream, “was dumbfounded for some moments” after Obasanjo released that bombshell. Governor Abdullahi on his own side, widely believed to be one of those being groomed by Obasanjo to succeed him, also got the rude treatment. We hear that during Obasanjo’s recent official visit to Nasarawa State, he broached the subject of his host’s presidential aspiration. When Obasanjo asked his host whether he was really keen on becoming president, the governor apparently taken by surprise, simply mumbled diplomatically that “actually, Mr. President, I will only have such aspiration if it receives your blessing.” To this, Obasanjo was quoted to have said: “Okay, let it be like that, Abdullahi, because I want to continue beyond 2007 and finish the reform we are doing.” Barely a few days later, Governor Adamu, at a meeting with his top lieutenants, told them that since Obasanjo has decided to go for a third term, none of them should continue with his (Adamu’s) presidential bid. As if to drive home his point, he reportedly added that any of them, especially commissioners, that is not ready to go along with this reality, should resign or be sacked. source: www.leadershipconfidential.com

MrOneNaija  # 6 | 07.01.2006 20:14

It is at once interesting and refreshing to know that Abati and other key actors of the section of the Nigerian media that has been derisively christened "Kabiyesi media" on account of its kowtowing - at least up to 2003 - toward the puny-brained despot from Ota seem to have finally risen from their slumber and rhetorical obfuscations to echo what people like myself have been telling the world since 1999 regarding the murderous and unpatriotic profile of the regime of sinister gangsters led by the homicidal clown called Obasanjo. While one may be sceptical regardiing Abati's optimism as to the emergence of a people-based opposition to the violent tyranny of Obasanjo, one should not under-estimate the potential import of the Guardian columnist's testimony, namely, the reiterative attribute of his cautionary tale especially amongst those voices within the pro-democracy/ pro-human rights community in the S-W which have tended to be supportive of the rogue regime inspite of overwhelming incriminating evidence pointing to the willful desecration of Nigerian democracy and life in general by Obasanjo and his henchmen. I'll say it again, Obasanjo deserves more than any other tyrant in the history of Nigeria the kind of fate that befell the late Yugoslav dictator when the people finally rose against the latter's criminal regime. Since 1999, Obasanjo has been responsible for untold atrocites and human rights abuses against Nigerians in places like Odi, Zaki-Biam, Anambra. The socio-political schisms within the Nigerian societry have been exacerbated due mostly to the perverse ambition of the self-important tin god to hang on to power by hook or crook. But as I did point out in my last commentary published on Nigeriavillagesquare.com entitled "The Sad and Pathetic End of Obasanjo", Nigerians must rise and tell the vile dictator that his mindless gamble to remain in Abuja beyond 2007 can only lead to a cul-de-sac of perdition. http://www.nigeriavillagesq... It must be made abundantly clear to the repulsive despot that he will be called upon to answer for his crimes against humanity. Like Saddam Hussein or his friend (Obasanjo's) Charles Taylor, Obasanjo must be tried either in Nigeria or before an internationally-constituted court. His trial should serve as a deterence to future usurpers and criminals. That"s one way to help restore sanity in a polity so brutalised by the murderous antics of the mad dictator and the eerie cast constituting his éminence grise.

UNREGISTERED  # 7 | 08.01.2006 00:28

WHAT point has Dr Abati made in this piece? NONE! Its the same familiar song. It was never a promise of democracy that Nigerians will no longer emigrate to seek greener pastures overseas. It is outright falsehood to say that Nigerians are rushing to foreign embassies to run from dangers in their country. India is the largest democracy yet its citizens are found all over the world seeking better life. They don't run down their country. Today, Nigerian companies advertise over the internet seeking scarce engineering skills from abroad, Abati didn't notice. True, things are not 100% okay with our democracy. But if you think Nigeria has problems, visit other countries and observe their democracy. People like Abati will hide their heads in shame come 2007 as the much drummed cataclysmic disaster will not occur. They said so in 2003. Now its 2007. This joke about President Obasanjo being held personally liable is just too cheap of a person like Abati. It is also incorrect. Today, Bayelsa people are more angry at DSP than Obasanjo. They are in fact grateful to Obasanjo. We must advisedly stop running down Nigerian Politicians especially when we ourselves refuse to step forward to serve. Its an indirect wake-up call for Military coup. Why do we wait for disaster to occur and then start trading blames? As difficult as our Polity has been, it is still a democracy. If you think Obasanjo is a dictator, visit some states and see how the State Governors have turned their states into private estates. Most Local Govt Chairmen only go to council when the ALLOCATION arrives from Abuja. They even refuse to attend Census Workshop. (AND Obasanjo is to be held personally responsible if census fails, abi?) Nigerians asked Obasanjo to catch thieving Governors. He caught Alamie. Now the loud ones are complaining that he used "dictatorial" method to do the catching! They would expect (as advised by Abubakar Umar) that we all wait till Alamie's immunity expires in 2007 before catching him! Even some brazenly corrupt citizens join others to complain about corruption. A wicked military dictator yet to be held accountable for his dirty past joins others to complain of tyranny in a democracy. Some think that by raising alarm about assasination or "third term" or alleging selective enforcement attention can be drawn from their own concealed misdeeds. Its not only Presidential Aspirants but some "pro-democracy activists" will soon answer for their hidden misdeeds. The message relevant for now is the authentic Buhari's Gospel: Nigeria is the only country we have, we must join hands to fix it. WHINNING IS OUT OF PLACE. Obasanjo haters should just move join a party or parties and campaign against PDP at election. And since they are the "good" people Abati is talking about, replace him in office. (M.D. Yusuf challenged Abacha) As Baba Awo said, the worst democratic govt is still better than the best military dictatorship and to continue to rubbish the entire systen because of one man is unfair and immoral. Chukwuma got it right in his comment above.

guest  # 8 | 08.01.2006 09:50

this is interesting. the pro-obj people think rationally and present facts to support whatever they lay claims to while the obj haters do nothing but rant and indulge in blackmail and making recklesss but inflamatory statements. this site is interesting. even if a cat dies in somebody's house, it is obj and third term. this third term matter is a good excuse now to remain relevant and reported in the papers. haba nigerians cant you see the dangers ahead

Clemou  # 9 | 08.01.2006 14:55

For Nigerians like me who are circumstanced to be residing outside Nigeria, the thrust of Dr. Abati's commentary seems entirely in the democratic vein. The fact that people like Abati can stake claims and express themselves around those claims is all to the good--far, far better than used to obtain in the bad, bad days when journalists who criticised the government were simply rubbed off. While no one country holds a monopoly on democracy, the fact remains that countries where citizens think freely, act freely, and where the rule of law is generally accepted tend to do better than their opposites. Rather than instinctively taking sides, it seems to me more rational to focus on what individual leaders say and do and the effect of their utterances and actions on the larger society. Here in America some years back, one presidential candidate asked the American people by way of his opponent during a TV debate: "Are You Better Of Than You Were Four Years Ago?" Are Nigerians better of for having had Obasanjo? Perhaps we could collect a satisfaction index that tells us whether one regime is harder on the citizens than another. We could build into the index such things as monies stolen, people who left the country, infant deaths, increases or decreases in life expectancy, employment, unemployment, marital bliss or what ever else we care to catalogue and index. Let me quickly add that we, perhaps, ought to know what "Better" means before even beginning to ask our questions. Without such a context, these things become rather empty assertions. Democracy is still best defined as Lincoln defined it: governent of the people, for the people, by the people. It, therefore, follows that we have the government we deserve, we Nigerians. If not where is the evidence that any Nigerian is committed to making the country better through their sweat and, if possible, through their blood? Where is the clamor for the checks and balances that would produce the kinds of things Dr. Abati is writing about? Those of us who have been reduced to helping fill the existential gaps for our familes still left in Nigeria from afar, often despair for the Motherland. Not the least because we feel utterly sidelined. We despair of the culture of personality that goes for leadership whose ethos can be easily discerned in what obtains in any corner motorpark. We despair of the crazy vacillation in Nigerian politics between the strong man who murders through surrogates and the corrupt man who sells his country to foreigners for 30k on the Naira. We wonder when it will dawn on all Nigerians that the answer lies in all of us not defending the indefensible, but in baking a larger cake so that all may eat. But, I suppose talking is better than killing and, God forbid, ethnic cleansing... Viva Nigeria!

sniper  # 10 | 08.01.2006 19:57

Guest, Thank God For Your Wisdom