By Yakubu Musa
The problem with Nigeria is that the people have always displayed a poor sense of urgency regarding significant issues.
But the reality is worse in the northern part of the country. We seem to believe that the issues threatening our present and future will simply go away on their own. No, they won’t. And our politicians will never take them seriously if you are satisfied with the status quo. What do you expect them to do?
Since the time I began my advocacy on drugs in the North, I’ve heard many disturbing stories. A lot of big guys— some of them celebrities—(yes, I won’t stop using them) are in the dirty business. Some of these big guys are even untouchable.
The case of Danwawu, big as it seems to be, (another way to use it) is a mere iceberg phenomenon. But do we seem to care enough? Are we ready to expose drug barons wherever they are? Are we ready to make enough sacrifices if the persons involved are members of our families, our political parties or direct benefactors? Can we do it as the Danwawu family has done recently?
Are we serious about the ecological challenges threatening our existence in the region?
The late Julius Nyerere once warned Tanzanians to not bequeath bad soil to the next generation? What kind of ecological problems do we want hand over to the next generation? The one that will make food security a big problem despite our big population that is growing by the day? What kind of drinking water are we handing over to them? Are we concerned about the quality of air they will breathe.
During the National Confab organized by President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, Prof Jibril Aminu was shown on TV raising concerns about depleting water resources not the mundane politics that others were occupied with.
Why are our people are more interested in Ali Jita’s amarya vs uwargida banters than serious problems.
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