This is a dispassionate piece of my perception of the framework of the mind of the average African-Nigerian.
Since the age I could check the denotation of words and make inferences, I’ve always been interested in the history of slavery. Was it merely oppression by artillery superiority and infantry domination or a mental break, an acquiescence to the status quo. The later has proved more true.
Many peoples at some point in their history have been oppressed by aggressors, but never gave in to slavery, at many points they observed protests and revolts and would rather see the extinction of their people than live on their knees as Che Guevara put it.
But that was not the case with Africans, we’ve always loved life, survival, the bare minimum, our community, our family and friends. Dignity, propriety and honor are arcane to the values we hold dear. As heartwarming as it may seem it is a basic instinct that should’ve been relegated to vestigial memory and tradition.
The old/modern world and its rulers care nothing for sentiments in the face of opposition. The world witnessed a Herod kill all children below the age of 2 years because of a tale of a king that would threaten his kingdom. And this is the narrative till date Ex. Russia-Ukraine.

As Africans we need to place our mark (novelty) on this earth. In as much as we celebrate ‘first black’ occurrences, first black Doctor, lawyer, astronaut. Like India, we need to land on the moon. In our own spaceship not as co-travellers. We need to aspire to own the best hospitals not just being the best black doctor in a foreign hospital. I’m speaking of avante-garde innovations.

Where are we today? we were property to, and in bondage of white men. Today we are property to and in bondage of black men. We pray and wish that men like us would be kind to us when they rule us. We align with them for sustenance and to succeed - what Bob Marley defined as mental slavery. We identify with our oppressors. Irrespective of how educated we are cognitive dissonance precedes intellect and logic on issues of governance and what’s the reason behind this? Self preservation.

John 12:25, Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

A man once asked a question over a decade ago, are you working or slaving? For those who don’t understand the difference it’s ‘autonomy’.
The Nigerian man has next to zero autonomy except for his biological and natural affairs. Our social contract is toilet paper of our politicians.

You’re labeled a deviant when you speak up, when you protest it’s called civil unrest. As Asa said, Mr jailer, don’t you know you’re a prisoner too? DSS, NPF, NA, isn’t a win for Nigeria a win for you too? Must you crucify your kith and kin for seeking justice and liberation?

Please Nigerians don’t let no one tell you they’re more Nigerian than you are. We all have as much claims to the wealth of the country as any other person. Billions was share to judges and lawmakers while the average citizen was in need of food to eat, shelter to sleep, meds to heal and transport to transit. I took a cursory look at what the cost of the average decent mass transit vehicle would cost (€72,500 (59,617,919 NGN) for used, $550,000 (423,775,000 NGN) FX@ 770 for new diesel). Trillions have been purportedly saved monthly from subsidy removal, so what is the hold back? Why haven’t we purchased buses to easy the burden. What about upgrading hospitals and subsidizing treatments?

Don’t stop asking questions my brothers and sisters, demand better from those in power, don’t perceive them as better, superior or celestial. Think! Don’t give in to the well scripted rhetorics of these charlatans. Look and you’ll see if words match actions. They claim to care but no true austerity on their part. They claim to attract foreign investment but no new laws have been put in place to protect the investment of foreigners. Buhari’s government refusal of emirates airline to repatriate its funds was not well thought of. Tinubu’s unification of rates without prior warnings to the private sector was adding salt to injury. The rascality and deceit (Ex. Sunrise Power) of the Nigerian government is a major risk index to foreign investors and until laws are enacted to protect the private sector FDI would be difficult.

Above all, break the circle of slavery, let them break your bones but never your spirit! Don’t give into the lie of minding your business and ignoring the government. Businesses only thrive in a viable environment created by a government. Keeping the government on its toes is minding your business.

God bless Nigeria!
@Seun