Nigeria, under the current administration led by President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas, appears to be in a state of profound political and societal disarray. There is a pervasive sentiment that the nation has been effectively hijacked by these powerful figures and their associated political machinery.

Regrettably, a significant portion of the Nigerian populace seems not to be only hesitant but are genuinely afraid to directly confront these perceived adversaries who hold the reins of power. Instead of uniting against what many consider to be common enemies within the leadership structure, a disturbing trend has emerged where Nigerians are observed engaging in internal strife, often abusing one another over political affiliations and exhibiting sycophantic behaviors within the social media groups.

This internal division and misplaced loyalty prevent a unified front against certain traits of governance systemic failures.

Rather than directing their collective efforts and grievances towards the leadership that many believe is responsible for their current predicaments, a substantial number of Nigerians are actively involved in promoting and praising their alleged oppressors.

This behavior is likened to a self-imposed enchantment, where individuals seem to be under their own spell, unable to critically assess the long-term implications of their actions. The deeply unfortunate and sobering reality is that a considerable majority of Nigerians remain oblivious to the potential future repercussions of their present choices.

The very individuals and policies they are currently celebrating and endorsing could, in due course, turn around to inflict significant harm and hardship upon them and future generations. This lack of foresight and critical awareness is a major impediment to national progress and accountability.

Across the entire global landscape, it is an exceedingly rare and almost unheard-of phenomenon to witness citizens who are willing to compromise their fundamental principles and integrity, effectively selling their souls, during every electoral cycle. This disturbing trend in Nigeria is often fueled by meager inducements, such as a few cups of rice or a paltry sum of one thousand naira. Such trivial offerings are sufficient to sway electoral decisions, highlighting a profound level of economic desperation and a breakdown of civic responsibility.

This transactional approach to democracy undermines the very foundations of a fair and representative government, perpetuating a cycle of corruption and disenfranchisement.

The current unfolding scenario, which plays out like a meticulously crafted script within Nigeria today, bears a striking and unsettling resemblance to the famous, albeit chilling, anecdote attributed to Joseph Stalin. This presumed narrative involving Joseph Stalin remains profoundly instructive and painfully relevant in the contemporary Nigerian context. The story recounts how Stalin once took a live chicken, proceeded to forcefully pluck off all its feathers, causing immense pain and distress, and then unceremoniously dropped the bleeding, shivering, and utterly humiliated creature onto the floor. Despite the severe torment it had endured, the wounded chicken, in a display of profound psychological manipulation, continued to follow its tormentor as he scattered a few grains of corn before it. This act vividly illustrates a perverse form of control that’s happening live in Nigeria.

Following this disturbing demonstration, Joseph Stalin is famously quoted as having declared, with chilling insight: “This is how you rule people. If you inflict pain on them and then give them a little relief, they will follow you.”

This statement encapsulates a cynical and authoritarian philosophy of governance, where suffering is intentionally imposed to break the spirit of the populace, only to be followed by minimal concessions that are then perceived as acts of benevolence, thereby securing loyalty and obedience.

The profound implications of this philosophy resonate deeply with the current political climate in Nigeria, where the populace often appears to be subjected to cycles of hardship followed by token gestures of relief.

This heinous parable and its absurdly accurate analogy, precisely mirror the present pathetic tragedy unfolding in Nigeria. The citizens of this once-great nation, a country endowed with immense natural and human resources, have been systematically reduced to a state akin to that featherless chicken. They have been debased, their dignity stripped away; traumatised by persistent hardship and violence; starved of essential services and opportunities; routed by economic policies that favor the few; ridiculed on the international stage; dummified through a failing educational system and a lack of critical discourse; and ultimately, dumb-scummed into a near-zombified state of submission.

This process of dehumanisation has left the populace in a condition where their capacity for independent thought and collective action has been severely diminished. When a people have been subjected to such prolonged and intense battering, their perception of reality becomes distorted. They begin to mistake mere survival for genuine progress, and the meager crumbs of assistance or relief offered by their leaders are erroneously perceived as acts of compassion, rather than their fundamental rights. This psychological conditioning makes it incredibly difficult for them to recognise and challenge their true oppressors.

To effectively reawaken such a dehumanised citizenry, to remind them of the inherent dignity and potential they once possessed, requires far more than eloquent speeches or fiery prose. While powerful rhetoric can certainly inspire, it is insufficient on its own to break the chains of apathy and fear.

What is truly demanded is the emergence and rise of a genuinely people-oriented leadership. This is a leadership that is not merely concerned with superficial welfarism, which often involves distributing handouts, but one that is deeply grounded in the fundamental principles of fairness, justice, and egalitarian rights for all citizens. Such a leadership would not thrive on the pain, suffering, or subjugation of the governed. Instead, its core mission would be centered on the genuine empowerment of the people, fostering an environment where every individual has the opportunity to flourish, contribute, and live a life of dignity and purpose. This would involve investing in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and creating equitable economic opportunities, rather than perpetuating systems that benefit a select few.

Yet, despite the clear need for such transformative change, the timeless and profoundly challenging question persists: who will stick out his neck? This idiom, originating from a fable, perfectly encapsulates the dilemma as those who tried have had their necks cut off ingloriously, and the betrayals of the same people that were being fought for. It behoves a deep sense of appraisal on, who among the populace, or among potential leaders, will possess the courage and conviction to confront the powerful, entrenched predators who currently hold sway over the nation’s destiny?

These predators, often operating with impunity, benefit immensely from the existing system and are unlikely to relinquish their power willingly.

Who will summon the extraordinary courage and unwavering resolve required to restore the metaphorical feathers to a nation that has been so brutally plucked and stripped naked?

Who will undertake the monumental task of restoring dignity and self-respect, to a people who have been systematically broken, traumatized, and reduced to a state of submission?

This challenge demands individuals or groups with exceptional moral fortitude, strategic vision, and an unyielding commitment to the welfare of the nation above personal gain.

But until that pivotal time arrives, until such courageous leadership emerges and the populace collectively finds its voice and strength, the grains of corn will regrettably continue to fall. And, in a tragic echo of Stalin’s parable, the wounded, debased, and suffering citizens will, out of sheer desperation and a lack of viable alternatives, continue to follow their tormentors, perpetuating a cycle of oppression and unfulfilled potential.

As I conclude, the hope for a better future hinges on breaking this cycle and fostering a genuine transformation of leadership and vibrant citizenship civic engagement, and hence I come in PEACE.

Hon. (Dr.) Sunny Oby Maduka (DSM)