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Samuel Ibok Writer @ The Handshake
city Lagos, Nigeria
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In Africa 3 min read
Divide The National Moi Moi

<p>While embarking on my beauty stroll this evening, I pondered what I would write about. For some reason, I couldn't choose out of the multiple ideas in my mind. Lo and behold, I heard a song that inspired this post. I'm sure OG's can recall Mam G's lines in the song National Moi Moi.</p><p>"Divide the National cake</p><p>You chop your own, I chop my own</p><p>My government will not chop alone."&nbsp;</p><p>If you don't know this song, you should be calling me Uncle!</p><p><img src="/media/inline_insight_image/images (40).jpeg"><br></p><p>I'm sure most Africans can relate to the issue of corruption. For some reason, everyone seems to be trying to outsmart the next person. It seems as though corruption is our daily bread. I don't think there's any sector in Nigeria that is devoid of corruption. We tend to mostly highlight serious cases like when snakes swallow money or when our leaders build mansions off tax payers money. You see, corruption could equally be looking the other way. You, yes, you, remember how you paid the security man at the bank to help you jump the queue? Yup, that's corruption.&nbsp;</p><p>The version that pisses me off the most is when it stems from religion. How dare you make God's house a den of thieves? Yeah, your pastor should work, but by all means, he shouldn't plunder. I guess that's why we have golden-plated church buildings in the trenches. I've seen people pay off uniform men to avoid being arrested. I guess I'm part of the problem because I didn't report.&nbsp;</p><p>As people, our deeds reflect our values. I can tell you why I'm proud to be an Akwa Ibomite, but then why should I be proud to be Nigerian? Don't get me wrong, I've got some reasons, but they're hidden by the stress we face on a daily basis. We've gradually gotten into the If you can't beat them, join them dilemma.&nbsp;</p><p>Millions were spent on national anthem and they'd probably redesign the coat of arms before independence day. Na we de do ourselves, Sha. Irrespective of how terrible our flight is, there's still hope (I hope there is, Sha). But in case there's no hope I will Sha find a way to Japa. I learned patriotism from abroad is chilled!</p><p>We, as a people, must first have values. These values should go beyond words. They should be emphasised in schools and embedded in traditions. Singing the labour of our heroes past won't change anything. Some of those heroes were actually villains in disguise. Some still remit money to our economy, so who am I to complain? Accountability is crucial because our case is serious. We have to elect accountable people and have measures to keep them in check.&nbsp;</p><p>It's the government of the people, not the government of my people. Habaaa! Let's try to see beyond our tribal marks and accents.&nbsp;<span style="background-color: transparent;">Voting because it's your clansman is still corruption. Let's also help the government by working on ourselves, because, in essence, we are the government. Before you look the other way, remember that it could be you or your loved one next time.&nbsp;</span></p><p>Let's share the national moi moi with love (I hope that doesn't sound like a corrupt statement).</p><p>I'm done talking and about to vibe to the song!</p>


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Hi, it's Samuel, thanks for reading my insights.
I'm a Creative Writer and Poet on a mission to Tell Stories That Torch! You can find some of my works below https://www.instagram.com/p...
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