Why We March
We march for our rights, our country’s legacy, and the future of our posterity.
As a once prosperous economy suffers,
Hunger within children’s loins lingers,
Poverty and social injustice fester
Manifestos manifests as hackneyed propaganda
Of leaders who behave like toddlers
Desperate for office but without an agenda
Or ideas and policies that aim to empower
The people to succeed and prosper
In lieu, they increase their benefits, eat, and lick their fingers
Oblivious to the needs of the people because it doesn’t matter
As long as they have everything they need within their coffers
So, corruption looms, nepotism fosters
Tribalism, religious intolerance, and favoritism engenders
A society of disadvantage for those who are not part of the number
Of people who are attached to the political quarry of movers and shakers
Of the people in power, our distinguished leaders
Those who guide the country toward uneven development and lackluster
Growth in every aspect of society and the people’s desires
Cannot materialize but falters
Within an abysmal labyrinth of ruination where nothing glitters
Like several Nescars shoved off course by inept drivers.
What is a Naira and a dream?
When nothing is what it should seem
The cost of living is obscene
Currency depreciates like an overused engine
Electricity is powered by secondary machines
Light tariffs increase daily, but wages evaporate rapidly like steam
Bills pile up, and buying necessities has become a horror scene
Filled with angst, anguish without end, but only scarce means
Where the actors cannot escape because there is no mechanism
As the script only provides for scary gore and grim
Please, who wants to watch that film?
Maybe people should embrace quiescence
And continue an ignoble existence
When their counterparts abroad are enjoying the essence
Of basic amenities that engender fluorescence.
How long should people toil and strive through the nonsense
Of governance that prefers retardation to excellence?
Of leaders without an objective to build bridges of progress and convenience?
But want to be recognized as “Your Majesty, Your Lordship, Your Eminence”
Only seeking vainglory, titles, and prominence
But answer every call to duty with reproach and violence
Because they have no solution for the extant pestilence.
Hence, we march peacefully because it is our right
To exercise our divine power and might
As denizens of a country with no future in sight
Where serious issues concerning the citizenry are treated with blithe- —
Unemployment, corruption, and insecurity — our everyday plight.
We march ‘cos of expensive prices for simple delights —
Food, healthcare, electricity, transportation, even domestic flights
We march to ensure our dimmed future becomes bright
To bring back hope, and joy, and ease our fright
Living in a society where every day is a struggle and fight
To breathe, eat, keep a job, pay rent — something that has become trite
For the average Nigerian constantly experiencing Strife
Who was meant to enjoy the fulfillment of a great life?
As all these are facts
Tell me, why shouldn’t we march?
On 1/07/24, thousands of Nigerians proceeded to the streets of the country to protest bad governance and egregious economic conditions.
Please support the cause.
