Thread by @aproko_doctor

Strangely, the presidential address seems to have deflated the verve of the Nigerian Youth. One would hope only momentarily, anyway. A pause to catch our breath and chart the rest of the course with renewed vigour.

It is not that we were surprised that this our Totem-in-Chief’s address lacked empathy for the people or said anything definitive either way. But I would suspect that we are deflated because it appears that the ruling class have dug themselves in and have chosen to draw this out.

They had done this through actions over that last 15 days and now with the subtext of their words.
The message was clear: our movement for a better Nigeria is dead on arrival and is unsalvageable.

I don't think it is unsalvageable. That is what they would have us believe. Because how can one oppose what they feel can never change?
Those looking to take over from these vultures are waiting on the wings. Some, you had always known and others

You may have discovered through their response during the protests, or more tellingly, lack of one.
They have been groomed to continue the same rape and assault on the dignity of the Nigerian people.

Unfortunately for them, the same ills that plague our movement also threaten their plans for inheritance: the question of staying power
Who can hold out the longest?
They have the advantage of the system and resources, but we have the advantage of time They cannot outlive Nigeria

They cannot outlive an idea.
The entire purpose of resistance is to see the hopelessness in a situation yet irrationally and wantonly, hope.
We are not flotsam to be carried on the waves of fate. Not any longer.
We cannot give them the luxury of our lethargy anymore.

Now is the time to really organize.
Information is the key here. An informed electorate is paramount.
From visual art to written work. From graphs and charts to audio clips. Billboards and adverts, catchy jingles and fliers, short films, documentaries, songs, music videos

It will require gargantuan effort, and a boatload of resources; human and material.
Yet, it must be done, because propaganda is a hell of a tool.

As to the question of the geo-ethno-religious divides and how to penetrate the areas where these sentiments of suspicion and hate are entrenched, it would require the active engagement of community leaders in those places.
Imams, Obas, school teachers, caretakers, etc

Everyone with the ear of even 10 people is a priority.
Those influential enough but not yet stained with the seduction of Abuja. People who have seen or been affected by poverty, disease, or insecurity.

The framework has already been laid with these protests. FemCo, various start-ups, etc.
Sacrifices have also been made.

We can't go back. If they go low, or they go high, we say f*ck the Y-axis. We go lateral. All our adult lives, we have been required to find atypical solutions to our common problems.
We can use that for one simple solid goal: establishing an informed and angry electorate.

So, country people, please don't feel too sad. It is difficult, it is terrible, yet necessary
There is no one coming; if we leave am, na so e go be
I know we are people of great empathy, but we are people of action too. Take the time to mourn the situation and to feel the sadness

#ItIsNotFinished

I was feeling sad, down and out and my friend @Alzohora sent this to me.

I think everyone needs to read it and if it helped you find your voice again, share it for others too

We'll rebuild this nation again.