In the unfolding drama of Nigeria’s challenges, Lemmy Ughegbe, raises a poignant curtain, reminding us the police of the imperative to address the major issues rather than becoming entangled in the minor intricacies of slogans.
In the tumultuous tapestry of Nigeria’s current predicament, the threads of insecurity, woven by the hands of terrorists, kidnappers, and bandits, have ensnared the nation in a stranglehold. As the populace grapples with the dire implications of these challenges, the guardians of law and order, the police, appear feeble in their attempts to confront the myriad threats.
In the shadow of this security crisis, tales echo across the land, narrating the harrowing experiences of those who have fallen victim to the ruthless machinations of criminals. Disturbingly, these victims recount their futile attempts to alert both the police and the military regarding ominous missives penned by malevolent forces, outlining their nefarious plans. The recent blood-stained chapters in Plateau, where over 300 souls have succumbed to attacks, stand as haunting testimony to this systemic failure.
Amidst this urgent call to action, the police, seemingly oblivious to the symphony of chaos surrounding them, divert their focus to a seemingly inconsequential matter—the 2024 “no gree for anybody” slogan. In a nation teetering on the precipice of poverty, with over 143 million souls entangled in the multifaceted web of destitution, citizens have forged coping mechanisms, one of which is humor, encapsulated in the defiant mantra “no gree for anybody.”
However, the guardians of order, rather than confronting the pressing existential threats, embark on a quixotic quest to suppress this vocal expression, deeming it perilous. Yet, in a nation where constitutional rights are sacrosanct, citizens possess the inherent freedom to articulate their sentiments. The police, or any other entity, lacks the authority to muzzle this constitutionally guaranteed right to self-expression.
Lemmy Ughegbe is a journalist, human rights advocate, public opinion influencer, development communication scholar