Saturday, January 07, 2012

Nigeria and The 2012 Phenomenon


The 2012 Phenomenon comprises of a range of momentous and violent events believed to be the final events of history and ultimate destiny of mankind. It is connected with events that will bring about the "END OF THE WORLD" or the new "WORLD TO COME." Superimposing this on Nigeria, the 2012 Phenomenon marks the end of the entity called Nigeria (through breakups) or the birth of a new Nigeria (economically stable and productive) which will strive to truly defend its status as the largest black country in the world overwhelmingly blessed with human, material and natural resources.  

The reality of the 2012 Phenomenon is dawning on Nigeria and has just began. Interestingly, the new year present to Nigerians was the removal of the almighty fuel subsidy. This caused an increase of about 150% in the pump price of petrol; prices almost tripled as different fuel stations sold at between N141 to N200 per litre. The injunction on fuel subsidy removal might be veto driven as the National Assembly has no input in it. 

A New World to Come
The Nigerian president, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and his economic ex-cos - CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, etc see the subsidy removal as a breath of fresh air (The Jonathan campaign slogan) for the economy of the nation. Their claim was that some cabals were being enriched by the availability of the subsidy, thus their plan to save in the nation's treasury in 2012 and going forward over N1 trillion annually. The economic committee's plan as well as that of other investment and economic analysts is to bring salvation to the nation through infrastructure and development. No wonder the statement of the CBN governor in his BBC interview, "Subsidies should be subsidies for production and not for consumption."

End of the World
The thoughts of a larger population of the Nigerian people see the fuel subsidy removal as a way to increase the sufferings of the people as its multiplier effect is already evident in cost of transportation and general prices of commodities and services. The fear of an inflation ensuing is also evident. Some also doubt the judicious use of the supposed savings owing to the bad leadership history of Nigeria.

A country still 100% generator-power driven with virtually all activities directly or indirectly related to petrol thus about a 100% increase in general cost of living. This has caused an uproar in the entire populace resulting to both national and international protests (#OccupyNigeria). The people question if this is the breathe of fresh air promised? Their trust on President Jonathan has been betrayed thus a legendary brutality to the common sense of the Nigerian voters who enthroned him.

Trending on Facebook and Twitter since the since the beginning of 2012 has been the fuel subsidy issue. A likely series of cataclysmic events have begun, inflicted physically and economically on Nigerians by their president who has been momentarily renamed Badluck Egbere (A night spirit of hatred) Jo-Lantern (Depicts the continued power failure). Some even say he now wants many Nigerians to wander without shoes as he the president schooled without shoes. What an ingenious citizenry.

In all the uprising, brilliant propositions and suggestions, funny comments and animations, expert advise and more, the 2012 Phenomenon (End of the World or A New World to Come) looks very eminent and Nigerians should get ready for the change.