SIR: Nigeria is bleeding yet solution is not forthcoming. We are bleeding emotionally, physically, mentally, socially, psychologically and financially. The government has abandoned its citizens to the cold hands of economic oppression and depression.
Can we talk about the lingering fuel scarcity which has persisted for a while now? Going out is now luxury as commercial motorists can only fuel their vehicles via black market and this has affected the cost of transportation. Ironically, the masses channel all their pent up angers and aggression on hapless commercial drivers and their conductors thereby leaving out the main culprits.
Banks which are meant to keep our funds safe are now the masses nightmares. Our hard earned income at the banks cannot be retrieved to meet our needs. We can only access a stipend of whatever the banks are able to part with. And now some banking apps no longer function effectively and most POS operators are also having a field day with outrageous charges on each transaction made. And the new lingo in town is no longer “how much is the exchange rate for dollar to naira?” but “what is the exchange rate of naira to naira?” Nigeria, which way?
Just imagine; hundreds of people standing under the scorching sun in other to retrieve what they worked for! This has led some citizens to act insane as some have reportedly stripped naked in the banking halls; lamenting and demanding for their hard earn money to be returned to them.
While the masses struggle to understand the concept of this cashless policy, the banking platforms have failed to live up to their expectations with most buyers spending more hours at the market than expected as they have to wait for their electronic transactions to go through. Families no longer smile at each other because there is no money in the pocket and no food on the table.
Must the masses pay for the alleged crimes of greedy politicians? This is unfathomable; how long are we going to keep acting like all is well?
Suffering and smiling will not solve our present predicaments. How long shall we continue to bleed without help coming our way? We are in a dilemma. The only way out is to vote for the right candidate. Let us get it right this time to redeem our reputation and be proud of our beloved country once again.
•Adebola, S. Mosunmola,
Lagos State University, Ojo.