For those of us in Nigeria, our nation and particularly the city of Lagos have been in a state of turmoil over the last few days. Recent calls for much needed reforms started peacefully a couple of weeks ago with the #EndSARS protests. It was so encouraging as citizens came out peacefully and in unity asking for accountability and change. There was really a palpable sense of excitement in the air and an expectation of the New Nigeria that was about to be birthed. Sadly, things took an unbelievable and horrific turn on Tuesday October 20th leading to unnecessary bloodshed and trauma.
We are all left with many unanswered questions and are in an incredible amount of pain. So today I’d like to just encourage us all to stay focused on the New Nigeria that is yet to be birthed. The nation we sing about in our National Anthem should be our daily existence and experience, not words relegated to opening formal occasions.
The closest analogy that comes to my mind is a labour room experience. Sometimes the birth process is quick and easy and both mother and child are out of the labour room in next to no time. Other times, the labour process may be protracted, painful and there may even be some bloodshed. It’s at such difficult times that all hands are needed on deck more than ever to midwife the safe delivery of the child.
Let’s keep praying for Nigeria that baby we’re all anticipating is birthed alive and well. And let’s continue to hold our leadership accountable at all levels, not just for Tuesday 20-10-20 but for every day they are in office to provide service to the people of this nation.
People have paid a heavy price for this…
God bless Nigeria.
