I am your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki, and today, I reflect on the tragedy of our nation, Nigeria. The revelation about 753 duplexes linked to a so-called “VIP thief” highlights the deep-seated corruption that spans all tribes, religions, and regions. It’s high time we called it what it is: unrestrained greed and wickedness.
The Hidden Faces of Thieves
In Nigeria, when a poor man is accused of stealing, his name and face are paraded on platforms like Crime Fighter. But when the rich and powerful steal billions, their identities are shielded. The law, it seems, only works for the poor.
Consider this: 753 duplexes! The sheer magnitude of such theft boggles the mind. Yet, when names are withheld and justice delayed, we should ask: How did these people amass such wealth? How much was their official salary? What systems allowed this to happen under the radar?
A Wicked System of Two Tribes
As I’ve said before, Nigeria is made up of two tribes:
- The Elite: Those who plunder the nation’s resources.
- The Poor: Those who enable them, knowingly or unknowingly.
The thieves come from every tribe, but their theft does not benefit their communities. Instead, they use stolen wealth to build intimidating mansions guarded by police. Their hometowns remain backward, their people impoverished, and their legacies stained with shame.
Solidarity with Criminals
One of the saddest realities is how the poor often defend these thieves. When a high-profile person is arrested for corruption, crowds gather to offer “solidarity.” Instead of supporting justice, they defend criminality, thinking their loyalty might earn them favor. This misplaced allegiance only emboldens the elite to continue their plunder.
The Real Cost of Corruption
The stolen duplexes will likely be auctioned off, but at prices so low that only the elite can afford them. The system protects its own. The stolen wealth—meant for public services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure—will never truly return to the people. Instead, the cycle of corruption will continue.
This is why voices like Dele Farotimi, Aisha Yesufu, and others face harassment. They dare to speak out, to disrupt the peace the oligarchs need to plan their next heist. The elite despise noise; it irritates their schemes. But we must persist.
To the Intimidators: You Will Not Win
Those who attempt to silence critics with threats, private calls, or arrests must understand: You cannot intimidate Nigerians forever. History is not kind to oppressors. The very systems they exploit will eventually turn against them.
I, Dr. Charles Apoki, refuse to be silenced. I speak for the majority—the tribe below. We are the ones suffering from bad roads, failed healthcare, and poor governance. We will continue to speak until there is change.
Conclusion: Know Your Tribe
It is time to pick a side. Are you with the elite who oppress, or are you with the majority who yearn for justice? Nigeria cannot continue on this path of unbridled corruption. The voice of the people is the voice of God, and that voice will not be silenced.
I remain your friend,
Dr. Charles Apoki
God bless you.
