Just when the controversy over the Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s comments about the “End Bad Governance” protest fizzles out, former Senator Ishaku Abbo, who represented the people of Adamawa North Senatorial District, has made another inflammatory statement that portrays Nigerian leaders as insensitive to the plight of Nigerians at this austere era.
The erstwhile senator, in Punch (August 19, 2024), alleged that the N29 million monthly salary received by senators is inadequate compared to the N1 billion that some governors take home each month. Meanwhile, the monthly minimum wage for those who elect them into office is paltry!
More so, Minister for Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, alleged in the Blueprint, (August 26, 2024) that the N12 billion allocated for the recently concluded Olympics in Paris was inadequate for Nigeria to win medals! This implies that the funding was insufficient, hence the abysmal failure.
Meanwhile, countries like Jamaica with a paltry $2,300 on each athlete at the Olympics won one gold, three silver, and two bronze medals! This show of shame, where Nigerian leaders publicly make unguarded statements, is exasperating, capable of stirring the hornet’s nest.
Amid these provocative comments in the media and the harrowing socio-economic debacle, Nigerians remain composed and continue to maintain a positive demeanour; they remain optimistic despite adversity.
Nigerian leaders appear detached from the harsh realities experienced by ordinary citizens. Senator Abbo’s comments, and the previous controversy with Senate President Godswill Akpabio who earlier said he and others loyal to President Tinubu will continue to eat in his administration, while the “End Bad Governance” protest lasted, illustrate a broader issue: a lack of empathy and awareness among those in power. Nigerians, known for their resilience and tendency to protest only when absolutely necessary, continue to endure hardships quietly, reflecting both their enduring spirit and the leadership’s insensitivity to their plight.
Nigerians are capable of enduring significant hardships with a unique blend of positivity and stoicism. This paradoxical disposition, as captured by the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti in his iconic song “Suffering and Smiling,” highlights a national trait: the ability to maintain a cheerful demeanour despite facing severe socio-economic and political challenges.
However, this attitude, while admirable in its own right, has become a double-edged sword. It may inadvertently provide a cushion for ineffective and corrupt leadership, allowing them to persist in their detrimental actions without sufficient accountability.
Fela Kuti’s song was not merely a form of artistic expression but a profound commentary on the state of Nigerian society. The lyrics, which juxtapose suffering with smiling, reflect a deep-seated irony. Despite the ongoing struggles and adversities, Nigerians often maintain an outward appearance of contentment. This resilience and ability to stay positive, even in the face of adversity, are remarkable traits. Yet, these qualities have also led to a dangerous misconception among the ruling class.
The misinterpretation of outward appearances can be seen as morally objectionable. It is deceptive to the extent that it suggests a facade of contentment among the populace, which may not accurately reflect the true socio-economic conditions. When leaders observe this facade, they might falsely believe that the people are satisfied with their governance and, consequently, may feel less pressure to address systemic issues. This misjudgment can lead to a perpetuation of looting and corruption, as leaders might assume there is no urgent need for reform or improvement.
The notion that Nigerians endure hardships with a positive outlook might be interpreted by those in power as an indication that all is well. This misconception can serve as an impetus for leaders to exploit their positions further. When leaders see that the masses are still smiling despite their difficulties, they might be tempted to siphon off public resources, believing there is no imminent threat of revolt or dissatisfaction. This results in a dangerous cycle where the appearance of happiness becomes a shield for the inept and corrupt practices of those in power.
Moreover, the practice of distributing portions of stolen wealth to the populace can exacerbate this issue. When leaders use stolen funds to bribe or placate sections of the population, it fosters a culture of sycophancy and dependency. This strategy effectively neutralizes potential opposition and criticism, as those who benefit from such largesse may become complicit in the corruption. This not only sustains the current state of mismanagement but also further entrenches the cycle of exploitation.
While happiness is indeed a state of mind, it should not be misconstrued as a blanket endorsement of the status quo. The outwardly cheerful demeanour of Nigerians should not be mistaken for contentment with governance. Instead, it should serve as a reminder of the resilience and spirit of the people, which should ideally inspire leaders to act with integrity and responsibility. The visible signs of distress and dissatisfaction need to be more prominently expressed and recognized as signals for urgent reform.
To address this issue, it is crucial that citizens find ways to convey their discontent more effectively. Smiling faces should not be the only message leaders receive; there must be a clearer, more direct communication of the public’s true state of affairs. This might involve more vocal advocacy, peaceful protests, and engagement with the media to highlight the real conditions people are enduring. By doing so, the leaders will be compelled to confront the reality of the situation rather than relying on misleading appearances.
In essence, it is vital for the expression of discontent to become a more potent force in Nigerian society. If the leaders are to take meaningful action, they need to be made acutely aware of the genuine struggles faced by the populace. The smiles should not obscure the suffering but rather serve as a juxtaposition that highlights the need for change. Only then can there be a shift towards accountable and effective leadership that genuinely addresses the needs of the people rather than exploiting them.
Ultimately, the challenge lies in transforming the cultural attitude of enduring adversity with a smile into a more assertive stance that demands accountability and reform. By doing so, Nigerians can hope to turn the tide against corruption and ineptitude, paving the way for a more equitable and just society.
To wrap up, Nigerian leaders should avoid making provocative or inflammatory public statements that could stir up anger or resentment among the people. The Benin aphorism, ehomanhenmwen, ekoiriaha (the stomach does not become upset, if the ears have not fed it with information), is apt and germane in this respect. The leaders’ comments can provoke unrest if they reveal or highlight issues that would otherwise remain unnoticed or untroubled. Nigerian leaders should never take the resilience and calm nature of Nigerians for granted.
Odaro, a columnist, lectures in the Department of Mass Communication, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi.