By Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq.

Perception is a powerful tool. All revolutions are products of an overdue shift in perception by the masses, of a dawn of realisation of sorts. It takes some time, but it always comes because people can’t be fooled or subjugated forever.

It is this beautiful truth that gives me joy. As I traverse through our socio-political space I have encountered people once slaves to negligible political sentiments and complex now awake to the truth. The truth that despite the seeming difficult odds- we CAN shape the future we want.

Amongst our generation there is indeed a rising hope, an ideological metastasis from tribalism and bigotry to a bond of unity forged by our common struggles and strives. I am glad for this. My joy is boundless when a northerner disregards regionalism and speaks up in support of a southerner when justified, and vice versa. My joy would be even more when we disrobe ourselves of the restraints of tribe, region or religion.

But every true change is a step. We will hold hands together and get there together, inspite of the odds- because we CAN.

I am mightily glad this is happening in my life time. I thank God I share also in this new thinking of social revolution. It however comes with a responsibility. We must reach out to all and sundry, propagating as much of this truth as our little means and abilities permit.

Because knowledge is power. We know this, and so do they. In my pieces I have described this elitist group severally, called them out on their acts or policies and attempted to indict them in the court of public opinion for good. Because I CAN, and so can you.

Recently, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Mohammadu Buhari presented the 2017 budget and it was tagged the ‘Budget of Recovery and Growth’. I invite well-meaning and conscientious Nigerians to take a hard look at some of the allocations in the said budget. Perhaps a starting point should be the allocation of N1.7billion to foreign trips for the President and his Vice. Or the proposed N6.06billion for expenditures on zoo animals, canteen re-equipment and cars in the Villa. These demi-gods with acquired taste are the people presumed to be serving us but to whom we are in service; as their taste dictates.

How much more divorced from reality could our number one and two leaders be? Isn’t the budget supposed to be a reflection of our social and economic realities? What allocations are drawn as palliatives and cushions for the shock effect of the recession the country has been thrown into?

We have for too long placed our fate in the hands of others. We’ve been passive, indifferent and resigned. But the buck stops here and now at this bubble of unfathomable absurdities. There is a challenge before us the younger generation. We must take our destiny in our hands. Liberation is for the bold at heart.

Fortunately, as social media platforms show and as the occasional conventions of youths indicate, more and more youths are galvanising to the challenge at hand. There are alignments and realignments underway even as I write this.
Today, all over the country and in places least suspected, young people across boards in different organisations are beginning to demand for social inclusion as against the present concept of exclusionism.

Records have shown that 65% percent of eligible voters in Nigeria are below 35 years of age. This suffices to say that the Nigerian youth can unanimously present a candidate they can trust for all qualified political positions to bring in the change we all yearn for. To give life to the ideals we hold.

This is an exciting fact, and also one that can do or undo our chances, or speak to the unity of our political will. The time to act is now, not later. Not until we are roped into the pretensions of politicians or coated by their sugary assurances. Let’s do it together, now. Let’s begin now to get our acts right to secure the future of our dream.

Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq. is a civil rights activists and legal practitioner with Kayode Ajulo & Co. Castle of Law, Nigeria.