CONTINUING VIOLENCE ....

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

I recently wrote about terrorism in Nigeria and the post elicited a good number of crucial comments and observations. Although I agree with all the commentators who were clear to state that Nigeria is not a land of terror, I can't help but be saddened and continuously worried by the growing violence that seems to have taken grip of the land.

The Bayelsa State residence of the Vice President-elect, Jonathan Goodluck, was partially destroyed by 'attackers'. No one knows who the attackers were exactly but, two police officers lost their lives in the attack. Mr. Goodluck was not in the house at the time of the attack, but his parents were. Thankfully, no one else was reported hurt or killed.

More acts of violence happened in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where a young child was kidnapped from a wealthy neighborhood. Further information about this situation is unfortunately not easily available.

These and other violent acts continue to grow at an exponential rate. Those who carry them out are becoming ever more abrasive and extreme. This has definitely reinforced the notion that Nigeria lacks safety. The security crisis is a likely reason why big firms failed to participate in a recent auction of oil licenses. Of course that is not the only reason, the BBC speculates that there are concrete political reasons for the hesitancy, but nevertheless, it was and is a cause for concern. A reduction in foreign direct investment will not help Nigeria, in my opinion. Such a slow down will negatively impact both the official and unofficial economies upon which all Nigerians depend for income in one way or the other. Who will suffer the most? The poor - that is 90% of the country. That will only make people more desperate and incite further violence and death.

And now, opposition parties have "vowed to physically stop the inauguration of Alhaji Umaru Yar'Adua as the next President vowing to enthrone an interim government from May 29." I am unsure how they plan to achieve this feat, but the sense of elation I felt after the elections (because bloodshed was less than I expected and the Republic was still standing, despite my fears) is quickly ebbing away. I am desperately hoping that things go well for Nigerians and Nigeria. History suggests that it will. After all, we have overcome many an obstacle. But, I fear that violence will continue to escalate until we provide a means for the average person to provide for himself and his family without resorting to corruption or physical acts of violence. Until that day comes, my people, we must not sleep easy.

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snazzy said...

people from the Niger Delta always say that the militancy is under control. In the long run we'll find out if that's true. I suspect that no matter what is done in the Niger Delta somehow it will never be enough for someone with guns.

Unless the opposition funds an armed insurrection or plants a pretty big bomb, I don't really see how they can do anything.

I just think that all these politicians are seeing all these beautiful growth projections and the thought of not being the one with the sticky fingers as the money comes flowing through is unhinging them.

Nilla said...

RE Snazzy's comment

"people from the Niger Delta always say that the militancy is under control"

I'm from the Niger delta area, and I don't say that oh!
I think it's a very serious issue. But sometimes I think it's not very clear what's going on...this particular case - the blowing up of the VP elect's home seems to me to be more political than militant.

And I tell you, the sad part is that people are just going on with their normal business as if nothing happened.

Dee said...

Oh my,
The post-election drama plot thickens. I’m looking forward to the new dimension that would be added come the announcement on Friday. Don’t be surprised if the price of crude oil skyrockets going into June...ding ding American gas/fuel prices too

nilla mentioned something that got me thinking:

“…the sad part is that people are just going on with their normal business as if nothing happened.”
I’d really like more insights on this one.

The reality is that Nigerians have come to accept many injustices and for the most part adjust their lives to the situation.
I don’t agree that as Nigerians we’ve overcome many obstacles. In fact we’ve learned to accept many obstacles or just found a way to by pass them…sadly these obstacles have always come back to hunt us. Corruption, violence and extortion are just a few of the fruits we have reaped from the “poverty obstacle”.

Naija Vixen said...

Great post SS,violence is taking centre stage in our country now because people feel that is the only way to get our leader's notice. A kidnap here,bomb attempt here...still our leaders do nothing...while we seem to have cottoned to the fact that violence or none,leaders do nothing...others still havent. It doesnt make them bad people...Great post again.

Naija Vixen said...

On standby for the announcement...have a great weekend!

SOLOMONSYDELLE said...

@ Snazzy: "Unless the opposition funds an armed insurrection or plants a pretty big bomb, I don't really see how they can do anything."

Hmmm, my thoughts exactly. I of course do not hope for any bombs but I am glad to say that the NBA sponsored protest that I blogged about recently is having an impact. It has brought the courts to a standstill.

A serious protest is plaaned for the 29th - I hope blood is not shed that day. Anyway, I will be doing my part to express my discontent with the MANIFESTO. Make sure you stop by (MAY 21) to read it and/or get a copy for your blog.

Thanks for your comment!

SOLOMONSYDELLE said...

@ Nilla: You are probably right about the attack on Goodluck's home being political and not militant. After al, this is the secnd attack on one of his properties in the last few weeks. It is probably a statement about his lack of support in the region he represents. Can you believe he will now have the opportunity to speak for the nation as a whole when he lacks support in his own home?

"And I tell you, the sad part is that people are just going on with their normal business as if nothing happened."

So right. Nigerians have a very sucessful coping mechanism of simply going with the flow. The problem is that this 'ability' makes them easily readable and thus allows rulers to ignore their wants and needs. After all, they'll get over the malfeasances and injustice.

God help us. But, I have vowed to not allow myself to just watch the madness, so I will speak out against it when i can. I hope others will do so as well, particularly on behalf of the millions that are not in a position to do so.

Take care and stay safe.

SOLOMONSYDELLE said...

@ Madam Dee:"I don’t agree that as Nigerians we’ve overcome many obstacles. In fact we’ve learned to accept many obstacles or just found a way to by pass them…sadly these obstacles have always come back to hunt us. Corruption, violence and extortion are just a few of the fruits we have reaped from the “poverty obstacle”. "

Iwo...oti de... Thank you for your insight. In a way, you are right. As I mentioned to Nilla - Nigerian's have a very handy coping mecahnism. Your point that we have not overcome obstacles could be reflective of sucha coping mechanism. Nevertheless, I still like to believe that we have overcome obstacles - Biafra should have torn this country apart but somehow, the republic still stands.

Our ability to cope means that we do not address the source of our problems as you mentioned. Well, we shall see. Maybe something will awaken the spirit in Nigerians and have them demanding for better treament. A revolutionof sorts as was mentioned by a commenter on this blog a long time ago.
Thanks for your comment. It is such fervor and concern that will help us grow and change the future for NIgeria, and i say that to all the commenters.

SOLOMONSYDELLE said...

@ Ms. Vixen: You are right. Learning how to cope with the madness of Naija doesn't make Nigerians bad people. I am sure that Dee did not mean to make make such a suggestion.

It is just that as she noted, coping has only caused the problems to worsen. Anyway, we cannot blame the oppressed. We must, however, encourage the oppressed to overcome the oppressor.

Thanks!

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