It is no longer news that hard times are here for Nigerians. The physical symptoms are stress, frustration occasioned by a hike in electricity tariff, fuel price, lack of jobs, prolong debt and fear of the unknown. This feeling appears to have caused panic and nervousness in Nigerians behavior. Nowhere else are these traits more exhibited than in traffic jams when impatient Nigerians would simply block the road and wait for, maybe emergency traffic wardens for rescue. And while sitting out the unpleasant situation what you notice on their faces are simply worry, unease, irrational anger, and restlessness, and then they begin to antagonize each other. With more and more gaffe by the insensitive government policies, the stressful situation now leads to disgust and distress. Everyone knows that this current government has blown nepotism to unreasonable heights; they have also placed meritocracy on the back burner and elevated ‘backdoor” promotions. This is inherently absurd and cannot be tolerated. This is what is edging Nigerians to breaking point—the zero hour—or what is called the moment of truth! As hardship continues, the real issue is how to avoid other predicaments such as coping with children’s school fees, domestic obligations, social engagements, etc. The crunch time notwithstanding, it is necessary for a sensitive government to appreciate the plight of Nigerians and make sacrifices. Government is exacting too much as it appears from the already stretched public. Something should be done to contain this sticky situation and free Nigerians from impending doom. There is already a youthful agitation; there may be others yet, but the whole principle of government is to alleviate the sufferings of the people. Now as Christmas approaches, the intensity of the struggle has soared with no one in government appearing to do anything except to discuss budget and budget which arguably leads to nowhere. Nigerians have suffered too much in the hands of bad policies, but they also have their own fault lines. The average Nigerian is too haughty, proud, and abusive. They attend churches but it is doubtful if clerical preaching has improved their understandings and behavior. Both at ATMs, petrol stations, and other flashpoints, the average Nigerian is gutsy—stiff and utterly restrictive. What can be done to change this mentality? Some say a complete orientation is necessary. Others are of the opinion that self-education is the key. Whatever be the case, it is clear that Nigerians need a change of attitude and behavior. The change we are all targeting has to start from the least child—not elsewhere.
