It is no news that security (the lack of it) is a major issue in Nigeria, and has been for a very long time. Government after government has paid lip-service to curing this head-ache. To our politicians, security is only another parameter, like electricity and employment, which when managed properly in speech can win elections for them. And when these elections are won, they begin their long-conceived tasks of looting the nation's treasury. The poor (and dead) minds of these mostly perverse set of people is generally so lacking in value that they achieve nothing but the acquisition of priceless physical assets for themselves at the expense of the nation they so blatantly steal from. Consequently, 51 years after being "independent", Nigeria can only wish to boast of good roads, regular electric power supply, jobs, food and education to its citizens. So much for democracy!
Security is a different kettle of fish. To speak of security, you would need to genuinely care - feel concern or interest; attach importance to something. Care is extremely alien to our country; a country where (almost) everyone aspires to rise to a place where he can get his own selfish share of some national cake; where ritual killings remain the bane of a good chunk of its societies; where one person will always scheme to outshine others; where rogues and robbers are honoured, and truth is mocked; where power-brokers shamelessly declare their dealings and profits in the shady affairs that steadily set the country on a downward course. If there is anything Nigeria can boast of, it is insensitivity and lawlessness in high places. The average Nigerian lacks care for self, let alone any good feeling whatsoever for others.
Another concept that lacks meaning in our society is that of leadership. One who carries the title of leader in these parts is the one who commands the service(s) of others and lords it over them. Leadership here has nothing to do with bettering the lots of the people who look up to you, or taking responsibility for their well-being.
The intense dearth of true leadership and security combined with the absence of any plan to provide any such thing then reigns supreme in the affairs of the Nigerian government, and people! What else would justify the payment of salaries to wild, mindless people because they act and fit the role of "militants"? Let President Jonathan's camp not even think of distancing itself from that decision as it would be utter irresponsibility to do so! It was convenient to blame the massacre in the North after the April 2011 elections on political rivals - it all happened in the violent north anyway!
Now that the opportunity of a lifetime has presented itself on a platter to the "Transformation 2011" President to show just a tiny, little bit of care for the citizens of the country he claims to lead, and he has blown it! Many days have passed since five members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme were kidnapped in Rivers State while working on a Community Development (CD) project. One statement from the Presidency might not have done more than save face for the government, or showed concern from Aso rock, or given some comfort to the families of the kidnapped youths, but no, it was not even considered appropriate. Only a few weeks ago, just about when the mass funeral of slain corps members was being conducted, Mr. President had announced to the nation that the NYSC scheme would not be scrapped. Why is he keeping mute now? Could it be because he is busy trying to cover his tracks on corruption lines, or because he is involved in self-enrichment intrigues, like the band-wagon of Nigerian politicians. Perhaps that fact that the kidnapped youths are neither "rich" nor children of the "powerful" makes them unimportant, and a paltry N5million would be sufficient for their parents in the event that anything happens to them (God forbid)!
If GEJ is truly worthy of his leadership position, his actions/inactions in this matter (and not mere words) would prove him.
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