Today is a sad day in the history of Nigeria, a nation in search of its soul. Like the memory of
every slaughter in human history, today haunts the mind of an entire generation and will for
many years to come. Impunity walked through a peaceful protest by young Nigerians demanding
an end to police brutality, pulled out its guns and opened fire. According to reports, there were
live bullets at the scene making it a shoot-to-kill operation. It didn’t matter that the anthem was
sung or that the flag was raised. Their voices must be stopped no matter the cost. For that is the
only way to break their will and resolve. The story is no better in Abuja where I actively
participated in the protest leading from the frontline, endangering myself on a daily basis
fighting for police reforms to protect my children from inheritance of a future where they will be
unable to tell a police officer from a ruthless broad day murderer.
There were blood trails every
day from attacks by thugs. We are all aware of the story of Anthony Onome Onuode who died
during an attack by thugs in Kubwa. I am still haunted by a clip of his taken shortly after his
stabbing. There are many other casualties at protest locations across the country. Our history is
rife with harrowing tales of subjugation, suppression and indignity against the people by those in
leadership positions. A situation reminiscent of episodes of slavery in one’s homeland. This must
not be allowed to continue if progress must be made by all and sundry. The symbolism of these
sordid events, especially the Lekki Toll Gate Massacre for which today is commemorated,
evokes horrible images in the mind of the average Nigerian youth draining them of hopes,
dreams and trust in the nation. It is for some of us a dies horribilis – horrible day, a shameful
deposit in the vault of our history.
You will recall the lavish display of the excellent spirit of the Nigerian youth during the protest.
From healthcare to administration to environmental sustainability practices, the Nigerian youth
proved to the nation their ability and readiness to deliver service-based leadership to the Nigerian
people. They proved to the Nigerian people that the brain-drain syndrome for which they are
often blamed was never a deliberate move to frustrate the system. But a symptom of the
strangulating grip of the system on their right to life. The old system, represented by the People’s
Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APC) have failed the Nigerian
youth. They have made it difficult for the Nigerian youth to dream or pursue their dreams. One
cannot bear to imagine how easily Nigerian students excel abroad with some breaking decades
old academic records. The reason is simply because opportunity was denied at home. Nepotism
would deny them scholarship. Tribalism will make employment impossible. Religion will kill
them on the street. This is the pitiable situation we live in that has kept many of young people
from reaching their potentials with some turning to crime as a result. There is no gainsaying the
fact that Nigeria at this moment in our history needs an overhaul of our entire ideological
architecture to reflect democratic tenets of justice, equity, fairness and respect for the rule of law
if we must make any headway in the search for our nation’s soul. This must be by a system that
recognises the stake holding of the youth of Nigeria.
The current electioneering cycle has further affirmed the position of the youth of Nigeria on the
leadership of the country and how much they matter in it. The vibrant and massive support of the
youth for the presidential bid of Mr. Peter Gregory Obi of the Labour Party and his running mate,
Dr, Yusuf Ahmed-Baba Datti, has stretched their voices beyond the #endsars protest into the
future for which that march was made. Little wonder youth in leadership and development is apivotal theme of the ObiDatti Campaign. We have seen this in the recent appointment of
spokespersons and other campaign council members. There is no doubt that a Peter Obi
presidency will reignite hope in the hearts of the young people of Nigeria everywhere in the
world. And a nation in search of its soul will finally find it with the youth leading the way. I call
on all young people of Nigeria everywhere they may be in the world to make the realisation of
the ObiDatti presidential bid their personal project. A victory for PDP or APC will retain the old
system in power and further crush the will of the youth. We must rise above their whims and
schemes, above bribery and inducements, above intimidation and other vices targeted at
subverting the will of our people at the polls. Don’t be a by-stander. Be involved. Go get your
PVC, encourage someone to get theirs and please, vote and protect your votes.
This is what our comrades died for, at Lekki Toll gate and other locations across the country.
This is why we remember today, that from the ashes of their sacrifice a new Nigeria will rise and
no Nigerian will ever be gunned down by a Nigerian policeman or soldier. They died so we may
see today, the emergence of a new Nigeria from a Peter Obi and Yusuf Datti victory at the ballot
next year. This is the only way we can trace the blood trails to freedom. Rest in peace dear
comrades. Your sacrifice will not be in vain.
Dr. Moses Ogidi-Paul
Assistant National Youth Leader,
Labour Party/ Member LP-PCC