![2023: Farewell ‘Ode’ To Perils, HOTPEN](https://hotpen.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/images-8-14.jpeg)
By Musa Muhammad Hadejia
The year 2023 is to my mind one of the most turbulent and unfulfilling to most Nigerians in recent history looking from various angles of human endeavors. Nigeria, the giant of Africa did not seem to have fully grasp the title in view of its many shortcomings.
Shortcomings and deficiencies of different caliber and background have formed a seemingly hydra-headed dragon that defied measures and postulations.
Notably amongst them are the socio-economic and political quagmires that defied major and formal permutations. Corruption for example is marked as a monster that has dealt a very damning blow to our economy and collective sensibilities. Take the issue of Godwin Emefele (former CBN Governor). A man indicted to have squandered trillions of Naira while his brothers and sisters are wallowing in abject poverty.
The saga of the former Accountant General of the Federation – Aliyu is still very fresh in our minds. Then come the ungodly ventures of the Tudun Biri mayhem in Kaduna state has left indelible marks in the resilient community navigating adversity with unity and solidarity. A creative community bent on mutual trust and support.
The ordeals meted out by Boko Haram, bandits, kidnappers and related political thugs have all combined to deal a savage saga on the populace that reeled in to abysmal darkness of want, while groping for the end of the tunnel.
The economic climate in 2023 has been a strain to both civil servants and pensioners, while the larger populace are also plunged in to uncountable despairs and deficiencies.
Youth joblessness and hopelessness coupled with hyperinflation had heightened in 2023 more than ever in Nigeria, with many of the youth resorting to some kind of crimes and questionable tendencies.
Religious and political leaders of conscience in many situations and locations have tried to quench the seemingly rising tensions due to fuel price increase that had also dealt a severe and noxious blows to the citizens. As the citizens are still recuperating from the wounds of the fuel subsidy withdrawal, the cash (Naira) crunch reared its head in to the social and economic well being of the common man. The punches are too many, and awfully dangerous.
The bandits in Sokoto, Katsina, Niger and Zamfara states; and the attacks on Bokkos, Mangu and Barikin Ladi areas of Plateau state on Christmas eve are but dastard and reprehensible. The root causes of all these nightmares must be decisively investigated, and dealt with using proactive measures and efforts.
The blows of the year 2023 are the extension of crass ineptitude and leadership deficiencies at the federal and many states’ levels. Jigawa state is blessed to have some good hands that seem to be actively working to bail the populace out.
Civil servants in many states are owed several months salaries by the state governments – and in Jigawa state the story is very palatable and encouraging, including that of the pensioners.
The year 2024 is now very close, and the expectations are very high from all facets, it is now left for the powers that be to work tirelessly and creatively to make a difference – to be factors of pride not prejudice. These and many more, they should be ready to promote, or themselves be demoted.
I pray to Allah (SWT) to grant Nigeria and it’s citizens a permanent solace where everyone will work unhindered to fully explore and exploit his or her full natural potentials. We hope for these advantages not for pride, but for their functional utilities.
Lest I Forget:
Sadiya Umar Faruk was said to have been involved in a contract scam while in office. I pray it is a sham not a fact. She is but a lady of virtues.
Musa Muhammad Hadejia
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