By Ebele Orakpo

“Chei! This country is fast becoming a theatre of the absurd. Nigerian government is dancing naked in the market square,” commented Emeka, a commuter in the CMS-bound vehicle this Sunday evening. He was referring to the news at the weekend of the judgment passed on MASSOB leaders.

“The Igbos are weaklings, cowards. Why can’t they pick up arms against the state? That is the only language they understand,” said Toyin.

“The so-called Igbo leaders are not helping matters. They are wining and dining with those who persecute their people; so what moral right do they have to face them?” queried Emeka.

“No, I disagree with you. The average Igbo person is not a coward; he is simply independent and peace-loving. All he wants is a peaceful atmosphere to carry out his business,” said Ugo.

“As far as I am concerned, this contraption called Nigeria is as good as over,” said Joe.

“What irks me the most is the glaring injustice in all of this. MEND was not charged for treason when they waged war against the state, killing security operatives; Boko Haram (BH) was not charged for treason when they waged, and are still waging war against the state and innocent Nigerians, crippling the economy.

Instead, they were rewarded with amnesty and BH is still being begged to accept amnesty with the tonnes of money involved. Now, MASSOB, an unarmed group peacefully asking for self-determination, are charged for treason! Can you beat that? “asked Emeka enraged.

“Why should they be asking for self-determination in a sovereign nation? That is the problem,” said Tony.

“Anything can happen in Nigeria. A seven-year- old girl raped by different men at different times was remanded ‘for security purpose’ while the rapists were granted bail by the judge. It can only happen here,” said Ugo.

“They have a right to ask for whatever they want. What is BH asking for? Is it not self-determination? They want their way of life, religion and laws to take precedence in Nigeria. They are tired of Western education and the laws governing the nation and they even went to the extent of telling the President to convert to Islam if he wants peace to reign. Yet, they are being begged to accept amnesty,” noted Joe.

“Precedence over others? No! They want total obliteration of other laws.

“I have said it before that if you want anything from the powers-that-be in Nigeria, just pick up arms against the state and be brutal about it. That is the only language they understand!” said Toyin.

“Believe me, if Henry Okah had been tried in Nigeria, he would not have been found guilty,” stated Joe.

“I laugh when the FG says it wants to grant Boko Haram amnesty. I like what those guys told them. You only grant amnesty to someone you have defeated. It’s like a child being beaten by a much stronger person, telling his adversary ‘I forgive you. Just give peace a chance.’ Doesn’t it sound stupid? That is what the FG is doing,” said Iyke.

“Let me tell you where all this is going. Elections are coming and they need to get as much money as possible, hence the amnesty for BH. It’s just an avenue to siphon money for elections,” said Mercy.