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Sóró Sóké: The Generation That Spoke Out

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Renown author and a legend in Africa and world literature Chinua Achebe, in his 1958 debut novel ‘Things Fall Apart’ borrowed the words of literally icon William Butler Yeats from his 1920 poem ‘The second coming’ when he said:

Things fall apart; the center cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world”

in reference to the catastrophic situation of the novel’s plot.

The original poem further went thus;

“The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere. The ceremony of innocence is drowned; The best lack all conviction, while the worst. Are full of passionate intensity.”

It is not in doubt that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, doesn’t have the slightest grip on any area of the country as it stands today, and for a country that vests so much power at the center through the presidency, it is bound to dwindle being that it’s regions do not have substantive structure or the capacity to withstand any form of economic crisis.

The ‘center’ is weak, the regions are weaker, the units are in shambles, and this only points to one thing; anarchy.

When the center no longer holds, it gives liberty to all forms of social vices to thrive. When the center is weak, it gives more than enough room for the enemies of the state to explore and exploit its inadequacies.

When the center has no control, anarchy becomes the new order, and that’s what has been obtainable in Nigeria in the last few years of the existence of Nigeria under the ruling All Progressive Congress.

The government has shown that they are a threat to the existence of the nation because there is no explanation for the level of gross mismanagement, corruption, crime, exploitation, harassment, suppression and oppression that Nigerians have faced in the current democratic dispensation under the leadership of president Muhammadu Buhari.

Today, the country has receded to it’s lowest point in her history in almost every sector of the economy. Under Buhari, Nigeria has the most out of school kids, the biggest unemployment rate, the highest rate of emigration of professionals seeking greener pastures, the highest illiteracy rate and the highest terrorism rate ever recorded in her history.

This government has not only enabled all manner of crime to thrive under it’s watch but has gone ten steps further by rewarding perpetuators of these many crimes against it’s people.

APC was formed in 2013 with the above purpose of wrestling power from the then incumbent People’s Democratic Party, through a merger of the country’s main opposition parties, and within a year, they forged and has remained the toughest opposition party in the history of Nigeria following the underwhelming performance of PDP as opposition in the last 7 years.

It is worthy of note that no government has actually met the expectations of the people. From the first republic thru the second and third, whilst traversing all the military eras, has been from one disappointment to the other.

But one thing has always stood out and remained consistent through the years, the loud silence and collective weak criticism of the government of the day by the citizens. It seemed like it was the job of certain people to speak, like high profile journalists, opposition or prominent figures, but not the everyday Nigerian.

The traditional means for citizens to express their dissatisfaction with it’s government is thru a protest, but for some reason, previous generations couldn’t galvanize themselves to put up a fight against the successive tyranny disguised as leadership despite the fact that it was constitutional.

The biggest opposition to the government is a dissatisfied populace, not a political party hitched on an ideology or their selfish interests.

When majority or a substantive number of a country’s people speak up against their government or a particular decision by the government, it suffices as opposition, no voice can be louder than the collective voice of the people, and that is what the Nigerian youths of today have brought to the fore.

They have decided not to cow away or be silent like their parents or ancestors before them, they decided to speak out against a government that had bitten more than it could chew and at this point is a threat to the existence of Nigeria as a nation and the survival of Nigerians as a people.

This generation spoke out, this generation galvanized the first organic and the biggest protest against an incumbent government, this generation defied all odds to stand their ground when they were shot at, harassed, beaten, threatened and even killed.

The ‘End SARS’ protests of October 2020 has remained the single most significant event of modern Nigeria and will define the narrative for many years to come.

The fact that these protests culminated with a massacre of unarmed citizens on 20th October 2020 at the Lekki tollgate by the Nigerian Army on the orders of the government will forever remain a bitter taste in the mouths of every Nigerian youth.

I am proud of my compatriots who remained resolute in the fight for survival, who said “enough is enough”, who took their destinies in their own hands, who defied the odds to redefine the narrative that’d create their future. This generation shifted the paradigm, this generation not only spoke out but took action. I am proud of this generation, I am proud of my generation.

Sorosoke!

Politics

African Union Takes Action: Republic of Niger Suspended Amidst Political Unrest

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In a decisive move that reverberated across the continent, the African Union (AU) announced the suspension of the Republic of Niger from its membership ranks.

This momentous decision was unveiled during the African Union’s Peace and Security Council meeting held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Tuesday, August 22.

African Union:Picture Source- Pinterest

The suspension stems from the recent political turmoil that engulfed the nation, with the African Union pointing to the coup orchestrated by Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani on Wednesday, July 26. As part of a series of sanctions imposed on the francophone West African country, the Republic of Niger faced the repercussions of its internal upheaval.

The African Union’s stance was uncompromising, as it made it clear that Western nations seeking to meddle in African affairs should refrain from interfering. This firm message was directed from the heart of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where the AU’s call for autonomy echoed loudly.

The events leading up to Niger’s suspension unfolded against a backdrop of political uncertainty and unrest. The coup in Niger, orchestrated by Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, prompted the Afican Union to take action. Their decision to suspend Niger was not taken lightly and was ratified during the Peace and Security Council meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on August 22.

The aftermath of the military takeover in left President Mohamed Bazoum in captivity, held under the close watch of the juntas in Niger. Despite international pressure, the release of the president and his family remains elusive. This tense situation compelled the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to intervene, imposing sanctions on Niger and establishing a deadline for the initiation of military intervention by the sub-regional body’s standby forces.

The suspension of the Republic of Niger from the African Union serves as a stark reminder of the continent’s commitment to upholding stability and safeguarding democratic governance. The swift response underscores the African Union’s dedication to maintaining order and security within its member states, sending a resounding message to the global community about the importance of respecting Africa’s sovereignty.

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Peter Obi: “I Campaigned For Presidency Because I Can Say It Any Day, I Will Solve The Problem Of Nigeria”

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In a recent tweet that has caught the attention of many, @MissPearls shares an inspiring declaration made by former Anambra state governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. According to @MissPearls, Peter Obi proclaimed, “I campaigned for Presidency because I can say it any day, I Will SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF NIGERIA. All these confusion everywhere can BE SOLVED, and I am PREPARED for it”

Peter Obi: I Campaigned For Presidency Because I Can Say It Any Day, I Will Solve The Problem Of Nigeria.

Peter Obi’s bid for the presidency in the recent elections stirred considerable excitement and garnered support from diverse quarters, particularly the youth demographic. The former governor is known for his progressive ideas and pragmatic approach to governance, which resonated with many Nigerians who sought change and effective solutions to the country’s myriad challenges.

Despite his extensive support and well-articulated vision, Peter Obi’s presidential ambitions faced formidable opponents in the election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released results that placed him behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who emerged as the winner, and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who came second. However, these results were met with skepticism due to apparent electoral irregularities that marred the integrity of the process.

In response to the controversial election outcome, both Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar filed legal challenges against the INEC’s declaration. This move underscores their commitment to upholding the democratic process and ensuring that the voice of the electorate is accurately reflected. As the election Tribunal Judges prepare to deliver their verdict, Nigeria watches with bated breath, eager to witness justice being served.

Meanwhile, the administration of Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken significant policy actions since assuming office. The removal of fuel subsidies and the decision to float the Naira have triggered mixed reactions across the nation. While these measures may be intended to foster economic stability and growth, the immediate consequences have been felt by everyday Nigerians. The cost of living has surged, and the socio-economic effects on the rich and the poor have become more pronounced.

As the Nigerian population navigates these shifts, the aftermath of the election and the ensuing governance strategies offer a critical juncture for evaluating the nation’s trajectory. The voices of discontent, expressed by citizens facing the brunt of these policies, highlight the necessity for leaders to prioritize the well-being of the populace while pursuing economic advancements. It is essential for the government to strike a balance between fiscal prudence and safeguarding the interests of the vulnerable segments of society.

The policy changes implemented by Bola Tinubu have shed light on the delicate balance between progress and the welfare of the people. As the nation waits for the tribunal’s judgment and the dust settles on the recent election, Nigeria stands at a crossroads, with the potential to reshape its future trajectory and address the systemic challenges that have held it back for far too long.

Fore more updates, follow us on Twitter @ReporteraNews.

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Youths in Kano Defy Police Ban to Protest Alleged Tribunal Bribery

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Hundreds of determined youths in Kano took to the streets, defying a police ban, to protest what they perceive as attempts to manipulate the state election petition tribunal. This incident unfolded against the backdrop of a ban on protests by the Commissioner of Police, Usuani Gumel, following revelations of alleged plots to obstruct justice through financial inducement in legal proceedings.

Youths in kano

The rally, which unfolded outside the state government house, saw impassioned youths brandishing placards with messages that underscored their commitment to justice and the integrity of the electoral process. Their actions were sparked by concerns over an alleged plan to bribe the state election petition tribunal, casting a shadow over the fairness of the process.

The ban on protests was issued in response to recent revelations made by Justice Flora Azinge, who unveiled purported schemes by lawyers to disrupt the course of justice through financial incentives. The Commissioner of Police cited “confirmatory intelligence products” as the basis for this decision, leaving a contentious atmosphere surrounding the freedom of assembly and the right to peaceful protest.

This ban, however, failed to deter the resolute youths who carried a variety of placards conveying their strong stance against corruption, manipulation, and injustice. The slogans they chanted resonated with their determination to safeguard the sanctity of the electoral process and uphold transparency in governance.

Among the messages displayed, one placard caught the eye with its direct callout: “Gandollar, stop spoiling the name of Tinubu.” This highlights the allegation that financial impropriety is tainting the reputation of key political figures.

In a video circulated online, the enthusiastic protesters chanted slogans that echoed their deep-seated concerns. Chants of “No to corruption,” “No to injustice,” and “No to manipulation” reverberated through the crowd, embodying the youth’s unwavering commitment to fair and accountable governance.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf praised the peaceful conduct of the protesters and assured them that their concerns would be relayed to President Bola Tinubu. This gesture recognizes the role of the youth in shaping political discourse and underscores the importance of their voices in the pursuit of a just society.

In conclusion, the youths in Kano have seized the moment to voice their concerns and demands for an unbiased electoral process. Their defiance of the police ban serves as a reminder that public sentiment cannot be easily suppressed. As this incident unfolds, it raises important questions about the delicate balance between freedom of assembly, legitimate protest, and maintaining public order. It also underscores the critical role of the youth in shaping the political landscape and demanding accountability from their leaders.

For the latest news updates, follow us on Twitter @ReporterNews. Stay informed and engaged with evolving stories from all around the world.

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