The kidnap and gruesome murder of the beautiful child Hanifa Abubakar in Kano state and the other un-trending deaths and killings and kidnappings in Nigeria remind me of one of Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s hit songs – Sorrow, Tears and Blood – where he sang: …dem leave sorry, tear, and blood – with the reply – …dem regular trademark. The song is in the album Black President II. The song amply gives a succinct description of what Buhari’s second stint in power is achieving. And it is getting worse every day. In the middle of the song, Fela dissected the reason for our continued suffering and smiling. He said;

My people self dey fear too much

We fear for the thing we no see

We fear for the air around us

We fear to fight for freedom

We fear to fight for liberty

We fear to fight for justice

We fear to fight for happiness

We always get reason to fear

We no want die

We no want wound

We no want quench

We no want go

I get one child

Mama dey for house

Papa dey for house

I want build house

I don build house

I no want quench

I want enjoy

I no want go.

Today, the campaign for who will succeed Buhari has started fiercely. And nobody is concerned about what has happened, is happening, and would happen to the common man and woman like Hafina’s parent. And other parents like Leah Sharibu’s. Probably Hafina’s parents campaigned and voted for the man who has remained nonchalant and indifferent about the loss of lives and properties in Nigeria. Probably they smiled and rejoiced when they saw the wedding pictures of Buhari’s children, hoping one day their beautiful daughter will do the same. Only to wake up one day and their treasure is gone forever. If you are not angry about the present state of insecurity, law, and order in Nigeria because she is not your daughter, or because you have not personally suffered any loss due to the gross negligence of Buhari, I pray it does not happen to you or your loved ones one day.

This prayer is only valid if we take the urgent action to safeguard ourselves from the sorrow, tears, and blood that would eventually catch up with most Nigerians directly or indirectly if Buhari continues to remain in power and preside over the next election that will bring in the leaders that are supposed to correct his monumental damages. Enough is enough, we must stop fearing the oppressors as Fela rightly pointed out. An injury to one is an injury to all! Journalists, activists, and professionals from all works of life including religious leaders and all Nigerians must call for the immediate resignation of Muhammadu Buhari with one voice. Christians, Muslims, Hausas, Yorubas, Igbos, and all the minorities are suffering the indiscretion of allowing Buhari to lead again after showing us his inabilities. We must act fast before those who continue to benefit from his presidency presides over the next election.

Ata Ukuta, Editor – Towncryyers