Crowd Renting-Hypocrisy Taken To A New Height!
There is one ugly trend that seems to be hitting the headline these days; crowd renting. Actually crowd renting is not a new thing in this part of the world especially during the days of one of the late military head of states. The “one million man match” easily comes to mind; and really affected the image of our country at the time.
You love this nation don’t you? Of course, you do; but the problem is there are too many things that baffle us as a people. Someone is accused of stealing or committing a crime; and the next thing he does is rent a few idle hands to protest his innocence. I really don’t get it; could it be poverty or lust for money?
The popular “Aba Riot” remains in our memories because they were fighting a just cause. The popular “June 12 protests” remain fresh in our memories because they were also for a just cause. Then I ask, what is the justification for protesting against the government and people of a nation when someone commits a crime or steals and is asked to face trials?
My head aches and my heart won’t stop bleeding because we are gradually experiencing hypocrisy of the highest order. Is it not a shame that people who claim to be fighting a just cause eventually engage one another in a free for all fight soon after every match because they were not adequately paid? I am sure that the Gani Fawehinmis and the Tai Solarins of this world will be turning in their graves right now.
These matches and protests are so highly orchestrated that you begin to wonder who we can’t seem to use put our organisational abilities into good use in other areas. Our roads are highly dilapidated, our hospitals lack relevant equipment and drugs, our lecturers are on strike, security threats in the North, unemployment everywhere, name it; yet all we are ever interested in is whipping up public sentiments to suit our political ambitions.
This is not a call to war, but a call to put an end to mediocrity, and stop deceiving ourselves thinking we are deceiving others. Stop hypocritical placard carrying that only serve the interests of some slave masters, and start living right. If a man steals or commits crime against the laws and people of this nation, let him face the court alone. Even if he is your benefactor, support him in other areas; not organise a few idle hands to carry placards just to deceive the masses.
We are tired of seeing heartless men and women being idolised by some ignorant and irate youths. How can you idolise men who have raped our economy? How can you be comfortable in the midst of other educated, civilised, and intellectually gifted youths; but not wise or reasonable enough to understand that you are being brainwashed? Their kids and cronies are miles away in Europe and the United states, but you are right here carrying meaningless placards for peanuts.
A man eats with his political friends, steals with them, rigs election with them; and when there is a little disagreement, he cries wolf where there is none. Suddenly, his friends or some mischievous personal assistants bring up the idea of renting a crowd to whip up public sentiments; and he screams: “brilliant idea!” He calls his account officer in the bank, and requests for some cash. He doles out some cash to a group of boys through a third-party, and they hit the streets to “fool” themselves. Shame!
I am priceless, I don’t know about you. No one and I mean no one can afford me. I am a tool for nation building; not a tool for sending our beloved nation into the abyss. I cannot be rented by a politician to advance his political agenda. I truly hope I am priceless o.Lol
