IBB BOOK LAUNCH: UNEMPLOYED YOUTH DESERVES MORE OF THE BILLIONS SPLASHED, BY COMR. PREYE TAMBOU

BY COMR. PREYE TAMBOU

The Society for the Welfare of Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (SWUYN) is outraged and appalled by the recent book launch of Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), where billions of naira were squandered on a mere book launch, while millions of Nigerian youths continue to languish in abject poverty and unemployment.

How did Nigeria stray so far? The nation is beset by rampant poverty and unemployment, with millions of children deprived of education and malnutrition running deep. Many citizens struggle to afford even the simplest lifestyle, including basic shelter, while the nation’s leaders seem more interested in lining their own pockets, funneling money amongst themselves, and celebrating their own power.

The irony is stark when considering the exorbitant prices of everyday products, such as those from Dangote and BUA, only to see the wealthy elite donating to frivolous causes like book launches, rather than supporting critical issues like youth unemployment or charitable endeavors. This gross misallocation of resources is a testament to the systemic rot that pervades Nigeria.

Nigeria’s corruption problem is deeply ingrained, with a history of colonialism, weak institutions, and a culture of impunity all contributing to the current state of affairs. The country’s political system has been characterized by nepotism, cronyism, and prebendalism, which reinforce corruption and undermine efforts to address it. The consequences of this corruption are far-reaching, with the country’s economy, politics, and social fabric all suffering as a result.

Nigeria, as a nation, has never been designed to serve the interests of its citizens; instead, it has been transformed into a well-organized cartel, where power is shared like family inheritance and wealth is manufactured in secret rooms with a backdoor. This cartel has been masquerading as a country, but its true nature was exposed at IBB’s book launch.

At IBB’s book launch, they didn’t even pretend anymore. They came out in broad daylight to confess how they shared political power like party jollof rice. They openly admitted what we have always known: that oil blocs and bank licenses were handed out like souvenirs. The sheer audacity and this brazen display of corruption and impunity is a slap in the face of every Nigerian who has suffered under the yoke of bad governance.

It is an affront to our collective sensibilities that business elites, who have benefited from the system’s corruption and cronyism, would so callously display their wealth, while ignoring the plight of the masses.

Nigeria’s system is notorious for rewarding evil over good, and the book launch of IBB is a stark reminder of this reality. IBB, who infamously annulled Nigeria’s first free and fair election in 1993, had the audacity to confess 33 years later, and instead of being held accountable, he was showered with donations for his book launch. This is insane and a slap in the face for Nigerians who have suffered under the country’s corrupt leadership. More reason they want Nigeria to remain as it is. Just a circus for a small group of thieves.

The sheer hypocrisy is staggering. Billionaires like Abdulsamad Rabiu and Aliko Dangote donated billions of naira to IBB’s book launch, while millions of Nigerians struggle to access basic necessities like healthcare, electricity, good roads, clean water, and food. It is no wonder that many Nigerians feel that their country is being run like a circus, with a small group of thieves manipulating the system to their advantage. The lack of accountability and the celebration of corrupt leaders are major obstacles to Nigeria’s progress. Until this culture of impunity is addressed, Nigeria will continue to stagnate, and the masses will remain disillusioned and disenfranchised.

We are bitter and angry that the system continues to reward those who have contributed to our suffering, while ignoring the cries of the masses. IBB’s legacy is one of corruption, oppression, and deceit, and yet, he is being celebrated and honored by those who have benefited from his misrule.

How they maneuver the horrible road networks, bad healthcare, electricity, and clean water for all is sickening. They are enjoying the loot of a failed state. We demand to know what happened to the billions of naira that were supposed to be used for the development of our country. We demand to know why our leaders prioritize their own selfish interests over the welfare of the masses.

SWUYN will not remain silent in the face of such injustice. We will continue to speak out against the corruption and oppression that has become the hallmark of our nation’s leadership. We will continue to demand accountability and transparency from our leaders.

It is time for a change. It is time for our leaders to prioritize the welfare of the masses over their own selfish interests. We will not rest until justice is served and the Nigerian people are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve