Not me, they started it!

He (Yaks) had to start all three games, to say the very least, non-performing but still a necessity as was the case of the Nigerian super eagles (a moniker every Nigerian questions).  Although not surprised, i was utterly disappointed by their performance which unfortunately wasn't because of actions on the field but because of their actions off it.

I mentioned my not being surprised about this politicking because this issue stems right from the core of the society; we as individuals and our selfish “nothing goes for nothing” interests, the police force with their fellow "Agberos" and their conspicuous shameful show of corruption through bribery, right through our churches, offices, sports administration to the house of reps (still coming to that), house of assembly and other forms of representation this country has. Whether it’s a terrorist attack, or a political figure’s looting of funds, either it’s the un-explanation of the former president's last 3 months on earth or the political selection of players in a team(when the right thing to do is so obvious), we shamefully display our corruption to the world, hence putting innocent ones amongst us in the spot.

Ok the popular issue, while some people do get the gist, I won’t mind re-emphasizing for those who don’t. So let’s break down the whole thing concisely.

•  We have got 109 senators and 360 house of ­­ rouges reps members.

• Each senator’s annual salary lies currently at N29.76million and each allowance is N60million every 3 months. That’s a total of N240million in allowances per year which means each senator gets the sum of N269.76million per annum multiplied by 109 to a total of N29.40billion per year from our yearly budget!

•  Each house of rep member's annual salary lies currently at N23.76million and each allowance is N45million every 3 months. That’s a total of N108million in allowances per year which means each member gets the sum of N131.76million per annum multiplied by 360 to a total of N73.4billion per year still from our yearly budget!

• That’s a total of N102.8billion per year on these people.

 Need i say more.....? Alright i will.

Nigeria is 50 come October 1st. and news flash, they have appropriated about N10billion! Yes not a typo, N10billion for the celebration (of what i ask). You can get the full breakdown here and i must admit, it’s quite outrageous and hilarious as well!!!

Furthermore, Nigerian population is estimated at N150million, more than half of which lives below poverty level (oh, isn’t it funny that the minimum wage is... wait for it … N7500!). With our massive income and revenue, we are still unable to generate electricity to light a 40watts bulb for a full day. The people we voted in these positions are enriching their pockets, ignoring their civil responsibilities, while the masses continue to suffer.

Need i continue....? OK i still will!

Anyone catch the late night boxing talent show exhibited by our honorable house of rouges, sorry again, reps, (told you i was coming to this) it was a shame, a disgrace to our country. I was further embarrassed because it was Warren, a friend from the UK, that called me to tune in to the station. Apparently, members of the Federal House of Representatives engaged in a free -for-all fight [Violence and assault] on the floor of the house as the Progressives led by Mr. Dino Melaye, an opposition to the embattled speaker of the house, Dimeji Bankole, tried to introduce a motion for his impeachment. What a shame! Full story and more pictures here.

The strange thing is this, i can't do anything about it, i could talk all day till i lose my voice, better still, i could be part of a rally, with my placard and my shirt (with #lightupnaija or any other of our 1 million and 1 problem imprints on it) while an activist, say Wole Soyinka, serves as coordinator. But like my boss told me, u can’t fight with the two G's? GOD and Government! Quite interesting.

And while some might argue that the change begins with us as individuals (so true), how much of those changed individual gets to a position of considerable influence. Those that have tried are either 6ft underground or on their way. I think Muttalab should have deferred his terrorist act for the independent day meeting and changed his target to the venue where all lawmakers in Nigeria would meet. He'd probably be a hero.

Many songs have been sung, many marathons have been run, but this government cannot and will not do anything to change our current predicament, we need God's divine intervention and his mercies too.