Navigating Crisis and the Role of Reasonable Action: Lessons from Historical Patterns and Current Challenges
During the ERS, I created a video discussing how the oligarchy fights back and how those strategies are not widely shared. Everything I mentioned in that video has since come to pass as predicted. I’ve been in this country for years; I was born in 1959 and began reading newspapers early on. I’ve followed global history for many years and understand how the oligarchy behaves when a nation’s economy, politics, and socioeconomic conditions start to deteriorate. People begin to seek out scapegoats, labeling others as enemies of the state. Historically, we have seen this pattern in the Middle East with slogans like “Death to Israel” and “Death to America,” which persisted until the Arab Spring began. I believe it started in Algeria or Tunisia, where a food vendor, after having his goods destroyed, set himself on fire. This act of protest ignited widespread unrest across many Arab countries, leading to the fall of numerous governments.
When governments face challenges they cannot manage, they often attempt to intimidate critics and suppress those who speak the truth. In Myanmar, social activists were arrested, and today the country is in turmoil, with liberation forces capturing territories. In Nigeria, we have witnessed similar issues. For example, Malam Yu was extrajudicially killed, leading to the rise of Boko Haram. Namdeo has been imprisoned, causing severe economic losses and violence in the southeast of the country.
I urge those who are reasonable in this country to reflect on what I call Chipola’s Law of Stupidity. Imagine a building with four flats. The top flat on your left is occupied by helpless people—those who give their best to society but gain nothing in return. The top flat on the right is occupied by intelligent people who contribute to and benefit from society. Below the intelligent people is a flat occupied by bandits—individuals who do not contribute to society but exploit and steal from it. Tragically, in countries like Nigeria, this flat is often much larger than the one occupied by intelligent people.
Below the flat occupied by bandits is a flat occupied by stupid people—those who harm society without benefiting from it. This brings me to the topic of this video, and I hope you listen to it until the end. I recently watched a video where people threatened to burn down a distribution company in Zaria. They claimed that after destroying the business, they would target a supermarket, possibly owned by the family of Peter Obi, and then Fidelity Bank.
The simple question is: if you destroy Aisha Yu’s business, which is insured, what will you achieve? People will lose their jobs, and customers will suffer. Imagine the number of people who depend on her distribution business. If you target Fidelity Bank, remember that it is not just Aisha or Peter who have money there. I am a shareholder in Fidelity Bank, and my shares would be affected. Employees and clients of the bank would also suffer. What would you gain from this destruction? It shows a lack of understanding.
If you attack Aisha Yu or her supporters, the consequences for this nation could be devastating. She is from Ado State in the South-South region. If people in the Niger Delta become enraged over the harm done to their daughter, the repercussions could be severe. As a Niger Delta man, I assure you that you would be shocked by the outcome.
Aisha Yu’s husband is not complaining, and she has nothing to lose. Her last child is an adult, and they may be overseas. She and her family are not suffering as you might be. It is you who would suffer the consequences of your actions. Even if you are a security agent, remember that those who led teams to commit atrocities eventually faced consequences themselves. Stop threatening those who speak the truth in this country. We have individuals who have nothing to lose; we can live comfortably outside this country if necessary.
Do not dare to touch Aisha Yu or her business. You cannot handle the consequences that will follow. Let her continue her work. Remember my point: you need people like her to channel the anger in the country. We already face enough problems and challenges; life is hard, and tempers are high. Please, those of you with some sense, listen and prevent the flat occupied by stupid people from setting this nation on fire.
Mrs. Aisha Yu, you are doing a great job. You come from a lineage of individuals who are unafraid. Remember Imo Da, who moved for independence, and people like Peter Pan and Adam Smith, who fought for labor unions in Nigeria. These are individuals who did not fear threats. You cannot intimidate her.
I am Dr. Charles Apoki. As an old man, I see things from a perspective that younger individuals may not grasp. May God help you and this country. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
