Lekki: Blame unknown soldiers, not PMB!

Nigerians prayed, fasted, consulted their gods to prevail against any force or forces that could prevent Buhari becoming president in 2015. The gods were on their side, he gifted Buhari to them. The same gods possessed former President Goodluck Jonathan to accept defeat even before the last vote was counted. Christians, Muslims, herbalists and free thinkers celebrated his victory.

Saddled with loads of expectations, he rode straight to the presidential villa to deliver the “goodies”. Ungrateful Nigerians soon after began to grumble. First, they lived on twitter street regretting the choice of Buhari until they summoned the courage to come out of the virtual street to protest #EndSARS. The protest continued to grow despite usual government promises. The police, army response was swift to save Buhari from embarrassment.

Certainly, Buhari and those who believe in him were not happy with the “unruly” youths. One of them, a United Nations Ambassador for Peace and Social Justice, Hussaini Coomassie, was livid with anger that Nigerians dared the will of the gods on the Buhari led government while declaring that if the military or police fail to put down the protesters, “patriotic” Nigerians would. The very next day “patriotic urchins” were seen in buses escorted by security operatives to areas occupied by peaceful protesters. The next was the killing of youths at Lekki tollgate by “unknown” soldiers. Meanwhile hired urchins are still on the street!

We have offended Buhari and must beg for his mercy. It is very clear his speech after the Lekki tollgate episode expresses his anger over attempt on his reputation as a task force general who believes in use of force as an alternative to dialogue. Now Nigerians are too shocked to feel the pain the speech left in their hearts. They asked for it, wasn’t that a well written speech?

Scores of youths died across the country. Hundreds of hooligans looted and destroyed Lagos and other major cities of the southern parts of Nigeria. Some innocent peaceful protesters were felled by police, army bullets. What does that matter to our amiable president? Nothing! They simply ruffled his well-groomed ego. Trust Buhari, he combed his ego back to its flowery glory, that much we know from the first paragraph of his “speechless speech”.

Nigerians will now fall in line after the speech. Soon people will need a government pass for interstate traveling. Gatherings for protest will be banned. Critical opinion against the government will be dealt with. Street urchins will be recruited to handle emergency support for police when their help is required. Contents of social media will be monitored for compliance to pro government posts. Platoons of Shehu Garba will be allowed to freely rail at the public.

Buhari said change begins with you. He did not say get brain and courage to chain his change or change his change. Now police officers are smiling, especially the newly created SWAT because the president got their back. We cannot force him to apologize for what “unknown” soldiers did.

• Ayegba Israel Ebije, Canada.