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“A nation may have all the human and natural resources, but still remains a disaster; and this tragedy can be enthroned by the intellectuals and fully legalised by the learned, and these are highly rated societal mirrors trading off their academic prowess and moral values just to be governed by fools.”- DSM.
This week, I want to discuss a society teetering on the precipice of collapse, a society that, despite all evidence to the contrary, clings to the illusion of vitality.
It’s a perplexing and almost unbelievable scenario, one that might seem more like a fictional dystopia than a reflection of our reality. To even begin to grasp the depth of this societal delusion is to grapple with a sense of unease and disbelief.
Imagine a person dancing, oblivious to shame, towards his or her own grave. This image evokes a profound sense of bewilderment and perhaps even fear. Such behaviour defies logic and reason, suggesting a disconnect from the fundamental principles of self-preservation. It’s an act that resonates with the image of madness, a stark departure from the norms of human behaviour.
In the quest of being a human being, it will sound so ridiculous, and probably insane to read the caption of this piece without flipping anxiously, and equally disassociating oneself from a story that seems to be more of a curse than a reality.
When we see a full fledged human being dancing without shame to his or her grave, one thing must be ringing bell in our subconscious minds, such a person must be a mad person.
Who in their right minds would engage in such a self-destructive dance? While this might seem like an extreme example, it serves as a potent metaphor for the state of Nigeria today.
Sincerely, I am trying to recalibrate my mind on how a nation that proudly proclaims itself as a democratic republic, a nation populated by individuals who present themselves as champions of democratic ideals, stand idly by and witness the blatant disregard for democratic processes that unfolded in Rivers State on August 30, 2025, where a retired military administrator audaciously orchestrated and oversaw a local government election. This incident represents a profound betrayal of the fundamental principles of democracy.
This is the outcome of a disrupted democracy by our president on March 18, 2025. A mafia coup that gave a single individual an absolute power to unilaterally declare a state of emergency in a legally constituted and federated state, and blatantly, suspended all the people’s duly elected representatives.
This act of political manipulation, reminiscent of authoritarian regime, raises serious questions about the authenticity of our leaders commitment to democratic governance and the citizens mindsets to remain dumb in the face of a brutal tyranny.
The most disheartening aspect of this tragedy is the apparent willingness of the populace to celebrate their own subjugation, to revel in their servitude to tyrannical leaders.
Nigerians, tragically, are enacting this macabre dance, seemingly unaware of the perilous path they tread. They are, in a sense, the living dead, caught in an euphoric trance of denial as they march towards their own demise.
It’s a spectacle of cognitive dissonance, a nation willingly embracing its own downfall.
Nigeria has become a stage upon which a grim drama unfolds, a theater of the absurd where the deceased masquerade as the living. Even in the face of rampant injustice, ethical decay, insecurity, poverty and the erosion of moral values, the charade continues.
The citizens have become mere pawns in the power games of their leaders, manipulated and controlled, their lives reduced to a hollow imitation of true existence. They cling to the pretense of life, while in reality, they are nothing more than animated corpses, trapped in a cycle of self-deception.
The tragedy of Nigeria is compounded by the apathy and inaction of its people. They are being systematically sold out, piece by piece, to foreign powers – China, France, the World Bank – yet their focus remains fixated on the distant promise of the 2027 elections. They are being subtly ensnared in the web of global corporations, their resources plundered, their futures mortgaged, yet they remain silent, docile, like zombies under a spell. The nation’s wealth is being looted with impunity by a greedy and unscrupulous elite, and instead of rising up to demand for accountability, the people offer applause and adulation.
This is the horrifying reality of a nation sleepwalking towards its own destruction. Instead of confronting the root causes of their suffering, the citizens are, in essence, dancing merrily towards their own graves.
This self-inflicted demise is a tragedy of epic proportions, a testament to the devastating consequences of apathy, ignorance, and the failure to confront the forces that seek to exploit and enslave.
The image of a living being joyfully dancing towards their own grave is not merely a metaphor; it is a chilling reflection of the current state of Nigeria, a nation desperately in need of awakening from its self-destructive slumber. The question remains: will they awaken in time, or will they continue their dance into oblivion?
Nigeria’s future is uncertain, teetering on a precipice of possibilities. The nation’s destiny hinges on the actions of its citizens, those who truly grasp the ephemeral nature of human existence and the inherent value of each life. It requires individuals who comprehend the weight of mortality, the preciousness of time, and the urgency of action. These individuals, fully aware of their own vulnerability and the shared human experience, must rise and champion the cause of freedom. They must not only strive for liberation from oppressive forces, both internal and external, but also demand the respect and dignity that is their birthright. This demand is not for privilege, but for the recognition of the fundamental human worth. It is a call for a society where every Nigerian is treated with honour, where their voice is heard, and where their potential can flourish.
The future of Nigeria rests on the shoulders of those who understand that true freedom encompasses not just political liberation, but also the social and economic empowerment of all its people. It demands a commitment to justice, equality, and the unwavering pursuit of a better life for every Nigerian, present and future. The time for passive observation is over; the moment for courageous action is now, and while we reflect, don’t forget that I come in PEACE.
Dr. Sunny Oby Maduka (DSM), is an Author, Resource Personality, Management Consultant/ Trainer, Chartered/Certified – Au d i t o r / A c c o u n t a n t , Financial Compliance Expert, Economic/Political Analyst Strategist, Marine Expert and Motivationist)