We have just woken up to a statement from the Defence Headquarters saying that the rumours around a coup are baseless
I really hope and pray so. Despite this statement, online blogs, especially Premium Times, are insisting and have even gone ahead to name the possible targets.
Of all the names they have mentioned, Shettima hits me. Why Shettima O. Wetin him do as we say in Shomolu
The man has been rendered very ceremonial, and as such, his name being on that list was kinda funny
But seriously, if it’s true, then the authorities must stamp this thing out with fierce anger and maximal engagement
Not only to nip it in the bud but also to send a clear warning to any other idiot that Nigeria is a country of 200m people and not a famine-ravaged West African country where a LASTMA officer can just take over government
This is the longest stretch of democratic government. Not the best, but by far better than any military incursion that would throw us back into the dark ages of repression, curtailment of press freedom and all the rubbish that comes with the military
For me, this should be a lesson for President Tinubu, cos only the people can fight for him
By the people, I don’t mean the sycophants who surround him, but the true Nigerian on the street.
Those who surround him are there for the highest bidders, and any attempt to topple him would see them rush to the new leaders and sell him for a morsel
It is we, the people, who will stand and sacrifice our lives for the democracy that you are even using to flog us, as we do not have any patience for authoritarian rule in any guise
This is why good governance is key.
Granted, economic indices are looking very good, but the benefits are yet to trickle down to the masses who are still suffering like slaves
President Tinubu, as a matter of urgency, must wake up to the reality of mass disenfranchisement of the people due to hunger in the land
He must fine-tune his welfare schemes, build efficient distribution mechanisms to make sure that they reach the people and are not diverted by his people
Another thing to note is the high-profile nature of his biological family.
His Iyaloja daughter and ‘man of the people’ son should please calm down
Their high-profile ‘in your face’ public postulation grates the sensibilities of the people, especially since they hold positions not known to the constitution but carry around with the gusto of office
This could and is building further disenfranchisement that could lead to the stupidity that has just been allegedly recorded
They should tone down very drastically and try to emulate their mother.
The First Lady uses her experience as one of the longest-serving Senators in the country to build a national matriarchal image for herself
She is not intrusive or in your face; her disposition is that of a servant first lady, and her philanthropic gestures don’t appear self-serving but are carefully crafted for maximum impact.
The shenanigans of Wike are another matter. Behaving like they are above the law is another boil in the ass of the Government
He is an appointed Federal Minister and not an elected official, and there is nothing in his demeanour that makes him look like he is working for us, but instead, we get bullied and mocked – with his roving band
The spate of defection to APC is moving us towards a one-party state, and when that happens, you push yourself towards the realm of coup, since there is no credible opposition
How can almost everyone move to APC? Even those like Ben Bruce, who have nothing to offer, have moved
This kills plural democracy and pushes us towards Mobutu Sese Seko and Mugabe realms, and the only way to fight that is to turn to the military, which is now the worst that can ever happen to a people in this digital age.
The National Assembly has, for all intents and purposes, been turned into a social club, similar to the Ikoyi Club and Lagos Island Clubs of this world , where members engage in disputes over seating arrangements and rubber-stamp all Government positions killing the notion of checks and balances that democracy is built on.
The last Senate we had was under Bukola Saraki and we students of Political Science do not recognise what is presebtly nestled in the National Assembly building in Abuja.
See the Minister who faked results but got clearance from the National Assembly
Today, the principle of Separation of powers is dead. Let’s not even go to the Judiciary, cos you will cry this Sunday morning.
The electoral process is another thing.
When you disenfranchise the people and mockingly tell them to go to court, where they are even further humiliated, it’s the barracks that will be left for them to run to
I don’t think there is any reasonable Nigerian of voting age who has confidence in the electoral process, not even key members of the APC
I am a die-hard fan of democracy and would prefer a thousand Tinubu with all his foibles than one khaki-clad muppet.
We must do everything within our powers to protect this democracy that MKO fought for.
We can not allow some fool in the barracks just wake up and turn it all over because we have a President who has decidedly refused to live up to the expectations of his oath.
Tinubu owes it to us to safeguard our democracy and keep it intact until the end of his tenure. We cannot lose it during his time.
No to coup and yes to democracy, even if it’s just a pepper soup democracy.
Come and beat me
Duke of Shomolu